ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at home and work. The symptoms can also result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, like anxiety or depression, which may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare provider may request an interview with your family member.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to be evaluated by an accredited health professional. This could include a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical background, including any previous mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
To make a diagnosis the healthcare professional must determine at minimum six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two different settings (home or school and social situations) and significantly impair your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and they must be consistent over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, forgetting details, and losing things. The school environment can also be a problem. People who aren't attentive ADHD might have difficulty following directions, completing assignments or finishing 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 scream out answers before they have finished. They have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause problems at school, at home and at work. These problems are often linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment is likely to want to talk with your teachers and parents and see any records you have of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out other medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you're suffering from, like thyroid issues or seizures.
They might recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests in the event that the issues you are having at work, school or in your relationships call for it. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD It is important to find a certified health expert who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, talk to your insurance provider or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the evaluation the person who is conducting it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's going on. adhd diagnosed may also talk to teachers or others who knew you as an infant. They could inquire about your medical background and previous ailments to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms that could be connected to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help them to compare your child's behavior to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to make sure you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They can also look for medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD like thyroid issue 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interviews to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator drafts an outline of his or her findings and recommends treatments. They'll likely give you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the home. The most common symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial issues or issues at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with expertise in working with ADHD patients and who understands their specific challenges is essential.
Health care professionals employ various methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD and this includes observing them in several settings and asking them about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing the past behavior, performing tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and medical examinations. They may also consult teachers and caregivers to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in two or more environments and seriously affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have been present since before age 12, and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, such as 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 show at least five symptoms in different settings.
Therapists can help you develop skills that reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using notebooks, planners or a diary, as well as developing and sticking to routines. They can also help you develop communication and problem-solving abilities that will help you manage 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
Many people feel relieved after being diagnosed as adults. They feel that they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief regardless of missed opportunities at school, in the workplace or for relationships that have gone south. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully recognized as they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will look over the life story of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review documents from work and school and then interview the individual and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will check to make sure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety, and that the person does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The goal of CBT is to assist the patient change their thinking and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also teach the person how to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the patient is experiencing at home, at work and in relationships. They will also be able suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person has difficulty finding an expert they can request their primary care physician to refer them to a specialist or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or contact an area-based support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can also help the person find a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their daily lives.