ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause issues both at home and in your professional life. ADHD symptoms can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation will include an extensive interview with you. It could also involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, for example depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may also request to interview your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by an accredited health professional. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor, or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health issues. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will also examine your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They are present in at minimum two environments (home school, at home, and social situations) as well as significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must be constant over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include forgetting things, loosing items, and having difficulty paying attention. School problems are also common. getting a adhd diagnosis with inattention ADHD can have trouble following instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty submitting work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before the questions are finished. They are often unable to wait 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 lead to issues at school, home and at work. These problems are often related to a breakdown in relationships or becoming financially strained.
The person who is conducting the assessment may wish to speak with your parents or teachers and review any records of your behavioral issues as an infant. They will likely perform an examination of your body to rule out any other medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, including seizures or thyroid issues.
They will probably suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests when the issues you're having at school, at work or in your relationships require it. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, it's important to find a certified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance company. You can also search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also request recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment the person who conducts it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They might also request to talk to your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They might inquire about your medical history and past ailments to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms that could be related to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools let them examine your child's or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that your child or you meet standardized criteria for the diagnosis. Your child or you may undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also check for any medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
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 by other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator writes an outline of his or her findings, and recommends treatments. They will probably provide you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the family. Some of the symptoms are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can cause financial problems or problems at work or school. getting a adhd diagnosis and marriage therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is crucial.
Health care professionals employ various ways to determine if a person has ADHD and this includes watching them in various settings and asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing past behavior, conducting tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as medical examinations. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain the complete picture of the person's life, including home, work and social environments.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be present in more than one setting and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, 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 minimum five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can help to alleviate symptoms of ADHD by planning ahead and keeping track of schedules by using a notebook or planner, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also assist you to develop problem-solving and communication skills that can 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 find relief in getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel like they've finally found out what's wrong. It's also an emotional time, whether for lost opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have been ruined. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been ignored in childhood or were not fully understood as they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will examine the entire life history of the person, which includes the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine school and work records and interview the person as well as anyone who knows them well and ask questions about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't a result of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The goal of CBT is helping the person change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the client to identify and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist with experience treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is facing at home, at work and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a person has difficulty finding a specialist They can ask their primary care provider to refer them to a specialist or search the online directory of their health insurance company. They can also ask their friends and family members for recommendations or join an organization that offers local support for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication as well as a life coach or therapist to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their day-to-day lives.