ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. Symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation will include an in-depth interview with you. It could also include screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare provider may ask to interview a family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by an authorized health care professional. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they create and the ways you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any medications you might be taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different settings (home school, social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be constant. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
The signs of inattention include forgetting things, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. Problems with school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD can have trouble following directions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty submitting work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying close attention to others, or keeping track of their own activities. 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 kind of ADHD could cause problems at school, at work and home. These problems are often related to a breakdown in relationships or becoming financially strained.
The person who is conducting the test will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and review any records you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, such as thyroid issues or seizures.
If you have problems at school, at work or with your relationships, they may suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD however they could provide valuable information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should find a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your physician 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 evaluation the person who conducts it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They might also speak with teachers and others who were with you when you were a kid. They might ask about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that your child or you meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical and an examination of the brain. They may also check for medical issues that could mimic ADHD, such a 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. The symptoms can't be explained by a different mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. Your evaluator uses the results of the test and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write a report outlining his or her findings, and suggests treatment options. You or your child will likely receive a copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of areas of life, such as family and work. The most common symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at work or school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. It is essential to find a therapist that has experience working with individuals with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health care professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD and this includes monitoring them in different settings and asking them about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, examining past behavior, conducting tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and an examination for medical reasons. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain an accurate picture of an individual's life, including work, home and social settings.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must occur in more than one setting and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred since before age 12, and cannot be 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 show at least five signs in a variety of environments.
A therapist can assist in teaching skills that reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication 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
Many people feel relieved after getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel like they finally know what's wrong. It's also often a time of sorrow, whether for lost opportunities at school or at relationships or jobs that have been ruined. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been ignored in childhood or were not recognized until they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will examine the patient's life-history, including childhood and adolescence. They will review documents from work and school, interview the person and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety or that the individual does not have an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The aim of CBT is to assist the person to change their thoughts and actions to help them manage their ADHD more effectively. get adhd diagnosis will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills, time management and impulse control. The therapist will teach the client to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can talk about the problems that the patient is experiencing at home, at work, 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 could ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's directory online. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or contact an area-based support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help the person find a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as an therapist or a life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their daily lives.