ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause problems at work and at home. Symptoms of ADHD can also result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to identify other disorders, like anxiety or depression, which might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also suggest an interview with the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by a licensed health care professional. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor, or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The evaluation will include a discussion of your symptoms, the problems they cause, and the ways you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will also examine your medical background, including any previous mental health issues as well as any other medications you're taking.
To make a diagnosis the healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different settings (home school, social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. The symptoms should 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.
Signs of inattention include forgetting things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD can have trouble following directions, completing assignments or making sure that work is submitted on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others, or keeping track of themselves. They often interrupt and scream out answers before they have 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 issues at school, home and at work. These problems are often linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person who is doing the assessment might want to talk with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavior issues as a child. They may also conduct an examination of your body to rule out other medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, such as thyroid issues or seizures.
If you are experiencing difficulties at work, in school, or with your relationships, they might suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not 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 might have ADHD, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance company, or look online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the evaluation the person who conducts it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They may also talk to teachers and other people who were with you when you were a kid. They may inquire about your medical history as well as past illnesses to see if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to evaluate your child's behavior with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure 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 could also look for medical issues that may be the cause of ADHD, such 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an outline of his or her findings and suggests solutions. You or your child will likely receive an electronic copy.
adhd diagnosis in adult
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create 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 school or work. Family and marriage therapy can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD 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. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is crucial.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They can observe them in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review the past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct a medical exam. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to get a full picture of the individual's life. This includes their work, home and social setting.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must occur in two or more environments and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have been present prior to age 12 and they cannot be better 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 show at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
Therapists can help students develop skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables by using a planner or notebook and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication that can help 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 diagnosis in the adult years can bring relief and a sense of finally being able to recognize the cause. It's also often an emotional time, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have failed. It's especially tough for girls and women, who's symptoms may have been missed in childhood or not fully appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will look over the life story of the person, which includes the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's school and work documents and interview them as well as anyone else who knows them well. They will also inquire about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to help the person to change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will help the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will teach the client to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist with experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the problems the person is experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding an expert they can request their primary care physician to refer them to a specialist or search the online directory of their health insurance company. They can also ask their friends and family members for recommendations or contact an organization that offers local support for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can also help the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist 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 day-to-day lives.