ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at home as well as in your professional life. ADHD symptoms can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to identify other disorders, like anxiety or depression, which may coexist or look like ADHD. adhd adult diagnosis could also ask you to speak with a loved one.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by a licensed health care professional. This could be psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner who has expertise in mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you have overcome them. The healthcare provider will review your medical background, including any previous mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.
To determine a diagnosis the healthcare professional must identify at least six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two different settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly impair your functioning. The symptoms should be present for at least six months and they must be continuous over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
The signs of inattention include forgetting things, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not follow directions or complete assignments or turn in work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still or paying attention to other people or focusing on their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished their questions. They don't want to wait for their turn during games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can cause issues at school, home and work. These problems are often linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment may wish to talk with your teachers or parents and examine any documentation of your behavior problems as a child. They'll probably conduct an examination to rule out any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
They may recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're experiencing at school, work or in your relationships call for it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they could provide you with important information about the disorder.
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If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD It's crucial to find a certified medical expert who can assess your symptoms. Ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance company. Or search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also ask for suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person conducting it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They may also ask to talk to your teachers or others who knew you as a child. They may inquire about your medical history as well as past illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed. This will help ensure that you or your child is in line with the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. Your child or you may be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They may also check for medical issues that may mimic ADHD such as thyroid problem or seizures.
For children to be diagnosed with ADHD, they need to consistently demonstrate six or more of the behavioral symptoms listed in two categories -- inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity -- over the course of six months. For adults, five established symptoms in one category are needed -- either inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. The symptoms cannot be explained better by a different mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an account of his or her findings and offers treatment options. Your child or you are likely to receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create problems in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the signs are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to financial problems or problems at work or school. Family therapy and marriage can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often associated with the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their specific challenges is essential.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They can observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and conduct an examination for medical reasons. They may also talk with caregivers and teachers to get a full picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
The symptoms are required to be present in at minimum two locations and interfere with daily functioning. They must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, for example depression or anxiety.
Older teens and adults must meet the criteria for both the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types of ADHD to be diagnosed with this disorder. They must exhibit at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules, using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with strategies for problem-solving and communication that can aid in managing symptoms. Treatment options also include medication, lifestyle adjustments and accommodations--tools or changes in the environment that make it easier for people with a condition to function, like step stools that allow short people to reach things that are high up.
Support
For many people, getting an adult diagnosis can bring relief and the feeling of being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of missed opportunities at school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone off the rails. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been missed during childhood or not fully understood as they grew.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, including childhood and adolescence. They will review the records of work and school, interview the person and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The aim of CBT is to help the person change their thoughts and actions to help them manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also show the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the difficulties the patient is experiencing at home, at work and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If a person is having trouble finding an expert They can ask their primary care provider to refer them or search the online directory of their health insurance company. They can also ask friends and family members for suggestions or join an area-based support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can assist the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive change in their lives.