ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems both at home and in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will include an in-depth interview with you. It could also involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, for example anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional could also request to interview your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD, it is important to have an evaluation conducted by a licensed health care professional. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the issues they cause and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical background, including any previous mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at minimum two different environments (home school, social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be continuous. 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, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. Problems with school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty following directions 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 themselves. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before the questions are finished. They are often unable to wait for their turn in games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause difficulties at work, school and at home. These issues are usually related to a breakdown in relationships or getting into financial difficulties.
The person doing the evaluation will likely want to speak with your parents and/or teachers and see any records you have of your behavioral issues as a child. They will likely perform an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are having at work, school or in your relationships require it. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD however they could provide useful information regarding the disorder.
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If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your physician for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. Or search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also ask for suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation, the person conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They may also want to talk to teachers and others who knew you when you were a kid. 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 may also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They may also check for medical issues that may be the cause of 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 can't be explained better by a different mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will consider the results of the tests and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report that outlines the findings and suggests treatments. They'll likely give you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the home. The most common symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at work or at school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if a person has ADHD. They may observe them in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review the past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of a person's life, including the home, work and social environment.
For an adolescent or young adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in two or more environments and significantly affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been present since before age 12, and they are not explained by other mental disorders, like anxiety or depression.
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 symptoms in various settings.
A therapist can help teach skills that reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using the planner, notebook or diary and also developing and sticking to routines. They can also assist you to develop communication and problem-solving abilities which can assist you 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, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and a feeling of finally knowing what's going on. It can also be a time of grief due to missed opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have been ruined. Matlen said it's especially difficult for women and girls who's symptoms might have been ignored in childhood or were not fully recognized as they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will examine the patient's life story, including childhood and adolescence. They will examine the person's work and school documents and interview them as well as anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also show the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the problems the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. read here will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's directory online. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions, or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can also assist the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a therapist or life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their daily lives.