ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause trouble at home as well as in your professional life. These symptoms can lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, like depression or anxiety, that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare provider might ask to interview a family member.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to get a licensed health professional evaluate your situation if you suspect 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 a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and the ways you've managed them. The healthcare professional will also examine your medical history, including any past mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different environments (home, school, and social situations) and be significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms should be present for at least six months, and they must be constant 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. In school, problems are common. People with inattention ADHD may have difficulty adhering to instructions, completing assignments or submitting work on time. They aren't able to sit still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their personal possessions. They often interrupt and scream out answers before the questions are completed. They are often unable 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 lead to problems at school, at home and work. These problems are usually linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person who is conducting the assessment may wish to talk with your parents or teachers and review any evidence of your behavior issues as when you were a child. They will likely perform an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, such as thyroid issues or seizures.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests if the problems you are having at school, at work or in your relationships require it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they could give you useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should consult a qualified medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. visit the up coming post can also request recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the test the person who is conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better idea of what's happening. They may also want to speak with teachers and others who knew you when you were a kid. They could inquire about your medical background and previous ailments to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms that may be related to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator can also employ rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools let them evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed. This will help ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They may also look for a medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
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 better explained by another mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. The evaluator analyzes 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 recommends solutions. You or your child will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create issues in many aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive and forgetfulness that can lead to financial problems or problems at school or work. Family and marriage therapy can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. It's important to find a therapist that has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health professionals employ different methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD and this includes observing them in several situations and asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing their past behavior, taking psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They may also consult caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their work, home and social setting.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be present in more than one setting and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, 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 exhibit at minimum five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
Therapists can help you develop techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using notebooks, planners or a diary and also developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach the skills of communication and problem-solving that can aid in 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
For many, receiving an adult diagnosis can be a relief and the feeling of knowing what's going on. It can also be a time of sorrow, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have been ruined. It's particularly hard for girls and women whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the person's life-history, including childhood and adolescence. They will review the person's work and school documents and interview them as well as anyone they know well. They will also ask about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition, like depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person 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 aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also teach the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the issues the patient is experiencing at work, at home and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone has difficulty finding a specialist, they can either request their primary care physician to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations, or find a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person find 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 changes in their daily lives.