ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. The symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will include a detailed interview with you. It could also include screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional could also suggest an interview with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to get an evaluation by an authorized health care professional. It could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor, or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health issues. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the problems they cause, as well as how you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will also review your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
To make a diagnosis the healthcare professional must identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be consistent. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
The signs of inattention include a tendency to forget things, losing things, and not paying attention. Problems in school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty following directions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty submitting work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying close attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. They often interrupt and scream out answers before questions are finished. They can't wait 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 can lead to problems at home, school and at work. These issues are usually related to trouble in relationships and having financial problems.
The person doing the evaluation is likely to want to talk with your parents and/or teachers and look over any documentation you have of your behavioral issues as a child. They'll likely conduct a physical exam to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
If you are experiencing difficulties at work, in school or with your relationships, they may suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
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If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should consult an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance company. Or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the test, the person conducting it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and present life to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They may also want to talk to your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They could 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 depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also uses ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools will help them to compare your child's symptoms to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to ensure that you or your child is in line with standardized criteria for the diagnosis. Your child or you may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They may also check for medical issues that may be the cause of 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 also can't be explained better by a different mental disorder, such as an anxiety or mood disorder. Your evaluator will consider the results of the testing and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write a report that outlines his or her findings and suggests treatment options. Your child or you are likely to receive a copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can cause financial issues or trouble at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to find a therapist that has experience working with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can cause.
Health care professionals employ different ways to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD, including watching them in various settings, asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, analyzing their past behavior, taking tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and medical examinations. They may also talk with teachers and caregivers to get a full picture of the person's life. This includes their home, workplace and social setting.
The symptoms should be present in at least two different settings and interfere with everyday functioning. They must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been present since before age 12, and they are not explained by other mental disorders, like 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:
Therapists can help students develop skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules using a planner or notebook and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also teach communication and problem-solving skills 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 find relief in getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel as if they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief in the form of missed opportunities at school, in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone off the rails. It's particularly difficult for girls and women, whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will examine the patient's life-history, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the person's academic and work records and interview them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also inquire about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health condition 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.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to help the patient change their thinking and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills as well as time management and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
undiagnosed adhd in adults may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able discuss the problems the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or look up their health insurance company's directory online. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or join a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can assist the person locate an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive change in their lives.