ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause problems at home and in your professional life. The symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation will include a detailed interview with you. It could also involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, for example anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may ask to interview the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to get a licensed health professional assess you if you suspect that you may have ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a 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 have tried to deal with them. The healthcare professional will also look over your medical background, including any previous mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare professional must be able identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two 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.
Attention-deficit symptoms include difficulty paying attention, losing track of details, and loosing things. School problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty following instructions, completing assignments or finishing work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others, or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before questions are finished. They struggle to wait for their turn in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause problems at home, school and at work. These problems are usually linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is conducting the evaluation may want to talk with your teachers or parents and examine any records of your behavior issues as when you were a child. They'll probably conduct physical examinations to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
If you are experiencing difficulties at work, in school or with your relationships, they could suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
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If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should find a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance provider or look online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
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 idea of what's happening. They may also talk to teachers or other people who knew you when you were a kid. They may inquire about your medical history as well as past illnesses to see if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical examination and a neurological exam. They may also check 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. The symptoms cannot be explained by other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of his or her findings and suggests solutions. They may give you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the signs include impulsive and forgetfulness that can result in financial issues or trouble at work or school. Family therapy and marriage can help address the challenges that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with expertise in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their specific challenges is essential.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They may observe the person in different settings, ask about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review their past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and then conduct an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers to gain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their work, home and social setting.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in more than one setting and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred since before age 12, and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, for example depression or anxiety.
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 symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can help teach skills that help reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using a planner, notebook or diary and also establishing and sticking to routines. They can also teach 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
Iam Psychiatry feel relief after getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel that they've finally found out what's wrong. 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. It's particularly difficult for girls and women, whose symptoms might have been missed in the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life-history including childhood and adolescence. They will examine the person's school and work records and talk to them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression and also ensure that the person is not suffering from physical issues such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help a person change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also show the person to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able discuss the challenges the person having at work, at home and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person has trouble finding a specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's online directory. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also help to locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.