ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. These symptoms can result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough examination could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, like depression or anxiety, that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may ask to interview the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
It is essential to have a licensed health professional examine you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health issues. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, problems they cause and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
To determine a diagnosis the healthcare professional must identify at least six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two different environments (home, school and social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. 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.
Signs of inattention include forgetting things, losing things, and not paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty following directions and completing assignments, or making sure that work is submitted on time. They aren't able to sit still or paying attention to other people or keeping track of their own possessions. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before the questions are completed. 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 kind of ADHD can cause issues at school, home and work. These problems are often linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person doing the evaluation will likely want to speak with your teachers, parents, or parents and see any records you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They'll probably conduct a physical exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
If you are experiencing difficulties at school, at work or with your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life.
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If you think you or your child might have ADHD, you should consult an experienced medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance provider or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for 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 gain a better understanding of what's happening. They may also want to speak with your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They might ask about your medical history and past ailments to determine if have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
adhd diagnosis in adult can also employ rating scales and questionnaires in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools will help them evaluate your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This will help ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They could also look for medical issues that may mimic ADHD like thyroid issue 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. adhd in adults diagnosis can't be explained by a different mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report outlining his or her findings, and suggests treatments. Your child or you are likely to receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the home. Some of the symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial problems or problems at school or work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is 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 use a variety of methods to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD. They might observe the person in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives. They may also review the past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and then conduct a medical exam. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers to get an accurate picture of the person's life, including workplace, home and social environments.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must occur in more than one setting and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, such as 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 a variety of settings.
Therapists can help students develop skills that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables by using a planner or notebook as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills that can aid 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 find relief in being diagnosed as adults. They feel like they finally know what's wrong. It's also often an emotional time, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have gone wrong. It's especially tough for women and girls, those whose symptoms might have been missed in the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will look over the life story of the person, which includes childhood and adolescence. They will examine documents from work and school and then interview the individual and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about their symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't a result of mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The goal of CBT is to help the person change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will teach the person to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist with experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's directory online. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person find an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive change in their daily lives.