ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause problems at work and at home. Symptoms of ADHD can also cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional could also suggest an interview with the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
It is important to seek out a licensed health professional to examine your situation if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health issues. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history including past mental health issues as well as any medications you may be taking.
The healthcare professional must be able identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different environments (home, school, and social situations) and be significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms should 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.
Attention-deficit symptoms include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details, and loosing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD can have trouble following directions and completing assignments, or submitting work on time. They have trouble sitting still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of 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, work and at home. These issues are often connected to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person doing the evaluation is likely to want to talk with your teachers, parents, or parents and review any records you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They will likely perform physical examinations to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you are suffering from, like seizures or thyroid problems.
If you have problems at school, at work or in your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life.
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If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, it's important to find a certified medical professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance company. Or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. more info can also join an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the test, the person conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also want to talk to teachers and other people who knew you as an infant. They may ask about your medical history and past ailments to determine if you have any symptoms that may be related to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help to compare your child's behavior to the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to make sure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical and a neurological exam. They may also look for any medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD or a 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 by other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interviews to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will draft an outline of the findings and suggests solutions. They will probably provide you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause problems in many aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can cause financial issues or issues at school or work. Marriage and family therapy can help address the challenges that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. It's important to find a therapist that has experience working with individuals with ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can bring up.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if a person has ADHD. They can observe them in various situations, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review their past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and then conduct an exam for medical reasons. They may also consult teachers and caregivers in order to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their work, home and social setting.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings and disrupt everyday functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been present from before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, 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 symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can assist in teaching techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using notebooks, planners or a diary and also establishing and sticking to routines. They can also assist you to develop problem-solving and communication skills 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
Many people feel relief after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel like they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or work or relationships that have failed. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for women and girls whose symptoms may have been missed during childhood or not fully recognized as they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will review the person's life history including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review the records of work and school and then interview the individual and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT is helping the person to change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more effectively. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as time management, and impulse control. They will also teach the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the problems the person is experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert They can request their primary care physician to refer them or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions or contact an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also help the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.