ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. diagnosis for adhd of ADHD can cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation will include an extensive interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for different conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, such as anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
It is important to get a licensed health professional examine you if you think you might have ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner who has expertise of mental disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any past mental health issues, as well as any medications you may be taking.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must identify at least six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They are present in at least two different environments (home, school, and social situations) as well as significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and they must be consistent over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, forgetting details, and loosing things. In school, problems are common. People with inattentive ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or turn in work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on themselves. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before the questions are finished. They have trouble waiting 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 issues are often connected to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment might want to speak with your parents or teachers, and look at any evidence of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct a physical exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could contribute to your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
They might recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they could provide you with useful information regarding the disorder.
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If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should find an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance provider. Or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also request recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the test the person who conducts it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They might also speak with teachers and other people who knew you as in your youth. They could inquire about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if you have any symptoms that may be connected to ADHD, such depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools let them examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child is in line with the criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you may undergo a neurological and physical examination. They could also check for a medical condition that may be mimicking 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 any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an account of his or her findings and suggests treatment options. Your child or you are likely to receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can lead to financial problems or issues at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to choose a therapist who has experience working with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about.
Health care professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD, including monitoring them in different situations and asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, analyzing past behavior, conducting tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and a medical examination. They may also consult caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of the individual's life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
The symptoms are required to be present in at minimum two locations and disrupt daily functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred from before the age of 12 and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, 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 demonstrate at least five of the symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can help teach skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using a planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and adhering 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
Many people find relief in receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel that they have finally figured 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 awry. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for women and girls who's symptoms might have been overlooked in their 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 person's school and work records and interview them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also inquire about symptoms. They will check to make sure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as time management and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the client to identify and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a person has trouble finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's directory online. They can also ask friends and family members for suggestions or join an organization that offers local support for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help the person find an expert 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 daily lives.