ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. Symptoms can also result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, like depression or anxiety, that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare provider may invite you to speak with your family member.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by a licensed health care professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they create and the ways you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history including past mental health issues, as well as any medications you might be taking.
The healthcare provider must be able identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at minimum two different environments (home or school and social situations) and significantly impair your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and be constant. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include a tendency to forget things, losing things, and not paying attention. The school environment can also be a problem. People who aren't attentive ADHD can have trouble following instructions and completing assignments, or making sure that work is submitted on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying close attention to others or focusing on their own activities. They frequently interrupt and utter answers before the questions are completed. They can't wait their turn during games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can lead to problems at school, at home and work. These problems are usually linked to trouble in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person who is doing the assessment may wish to speak with your teachers or parents, and look at any evidence of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct an examination to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
They will probably suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests if the problems you are having at work, school or in your relationships require it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide you with useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, it's important to find a certified health care professional who can assess your symptoms. Ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance provider. Search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the evaluation the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your past and present life in order to gain a better understanding of what is happening. They may also want to talk to teachers and other people who knew you as a kid. They could inquire about your medical background and previous ailments to determine if you have any symptoms that may be related to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize rating scales and questionnaires in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might undergo a neurological and physical exam. They might also check for any medical condition that could be mimicking 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 any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the testing and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of his or her findings and recommends solutions. They will probably provide you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can cause financial issues or trouble at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often associated with an diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is crucial.
Health professionals employ different methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD by watching them in various environments and asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing past behavior, conducting tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as an examination for medical reasons. They may also talk with caregivers and teachers to get a full picture of the individual's life. adhd diagnosis uk includes their work, home and social setting.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be present in two or more environments and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have been present from before the age of 12 and cannot be 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 display at least five symptoms in a variety of environments.
Therapists can help students develop skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD by planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules by using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also help you improve your communication and problem-solving 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 receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel as if they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sadness, whether it's for the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone south. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for women and girls who's symptoms were missed during childhood or not recognized until they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will examine the entire life history of the person, including childhood and adolescence. They will examine the person's school and work documents and interview them as well as anyone else who knows them well. They will also inquire about the signs. They will make sure that the symptoms are not better explained by another mental health condition, like depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person does not have physical issues such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The purpose of CBT is helping the person to change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills, time management and impulse control. They will also show the person how to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist with experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or look up their health insurance provider's online directory. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or contact an organization that offers local support for adults with ADHD. The specialist can assist the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their lives.