ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause problems at home as well as in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, like depression or anxiety, that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare provider might request an interview with your family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to have an evaluation conducted by a licensed health care professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge in the field of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any prior mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able to recognize at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two different settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms should be present for at least six months and they must be continuous 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, ignoring details, and losing things. In school, problems are common. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions or complete assignments or complete 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 struggle 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 problems at school, at home and work. These problems are often linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment will likely want to speak with your teachers and parents and review any records you have of your behavioral issues as a child. adult diagnosis adhd will likely perform a physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms you're suffering from, like thyroid issues or seizures.
They will probably recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests if the problems you are having at work, school or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't 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, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request a referral, contact your insurance provider or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the assessment, the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to get a better comprehension of what is happening. They may also want to speak with your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They may inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools can help compare your or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical exam and an examination of the neurological system. They could also check for a medical issue that could be mimicking ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
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 consider the results of the tests and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts an outline of his or her findings, and recommends treatment options. They'll likely give you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can cause financial issues or issues at school or work. Marriage and family therapy may help people with ADHD overcome the difficulties they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy which often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. It's important to find a therapist who has worked with people with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They may observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They may also review past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological testing, and perform an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to get a full picture of the person's life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must occur in more than one setting and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been present since before age 12, and cannot be 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 of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of schedules by using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with the skills of communication and problem-solving which can help with 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, getting an adult diagnosis can be a relief and a feeling of finally being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of sadness, whether it's for missed opportunities at school, in the workplace or for relationships that have gone awry. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been ignored in childhood or were not fully recognized as they grew.
A specialist or doctor will look over the life story of the person, which includes childhood and adolescence. They will look at school and work records, interview the person and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't caused by mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist with experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to talk about the problems that the person is facing at work, at home and in relationships. They can also recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist doctor they could ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's online directory. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions, or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their lives.