ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. Symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation will include an in-depth interview with you. It may also include screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, for example anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to get an evaluation by an authorized health care professional. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health issues. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including previous mental health issues as well as any medications you might be taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to recognize at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two environments (home, school, and social situations) as well as significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and be consistent. 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, ignoring details, and loosing things. School problems are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD might have difficulty following instructions, 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 belongings. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They don't want to wait for their turn during conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can cause problems at school, at work and home. These problems are usually linked to problems in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person conducting the assessment will probably want to talk with your parents and/or teachers and look over any documentation you have of your issues with behavior as a child. They'll probably conduct a physical exam to rule out 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 in your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects your life.
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If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD It is important to find a qualified medical professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. You can also search the internet for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the evaluation the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life to help you gain a better comprehension of what is happening. They may also ask to talk to your teachers or others who were around you as a kid. They may inquire about your medical history as well as past illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also uses ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools will help them to compare your child's symptoms to 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 might also give you or your child a physical and an examination of the brain. They may also check for medical issues that may mimic ADHD like 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 also can't be explained by a different mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts an outline of his or her findings, and suggests solutions. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause problems in many aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can lead to financial problems or problems at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with expertise in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their specific challenges is essential.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They may observe the person in different settings, ask about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review the past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological testing, and perform an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their workplace, home, and social setting.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in two or more environments and significantly affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, for example 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 symptoms in various settings.
Therapists can help you develop skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary and also developing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to develop communication and problem-solving abilities that can help you manage 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, receiving an adult diagnosis can be a relief and the feeling of finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It can also be a time of grief, 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 women and girls who's symptoms might have been ignored in childhood or were not fully recognized as they grew.
A doctor or specialist will review the person's life story including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's work and school records and interview them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical test. adhd diagnosis in adults of CBT is to assist the person to change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organization skills, time management and impulse control. They will also show the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the challenges the person experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist doctor they could ask their primary care provider for a referral or look up their health insurance company's online directory. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions, or join an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also help the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.