ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. The symptoms can also result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough examination could consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, like depression or anxiety, that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional could also suggest an interview with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might be suffering from ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by an authorized health care professional. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the problems they create and the ways you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will examine your medical background, including any previous mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two settings (home, school and social situations) and seriously affect your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and they must be continuous over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details, and loosing things. School problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD can have trouble following instructions, completing assignments or making sure that work is submitted on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying close attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and utter answers before questions are finished. They aren't able to hold their own during 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 problems are usually linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person who is conducting the assessment might want to speak with your teachers or parents and review any evidence of your behavior problems as an infant. They will probably do physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid issues.
They might suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests in the event that the issues you are having at school, at work or in your relationships call for it. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects your life.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, you should find an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company, or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the examination, the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life in order to gain an understanding of what is happening. They might also talk to teachers or other people who were with you when you were an infant. They might inquire about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if you have any symptoms that may be connected to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine the frequency at which 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 those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This will help ensure that you or your child meets standardized criteria for the diagnosis. You or your child may be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They could also look for medical issues that may mimic 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 analyzes the results of the tests and interviews to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of the findings and suggests treatment options. Your child or you are likely to receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the signs include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can lead to financial problems or problems at work or at school. adhd adult diagnosis uk and marriage can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is crucial.
Health professionals employ various methods to assess whether someone has ADHD and this includes watching them in various settings, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing past behavior, conducting tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as an examination for medical reasons. They can also consult with teachers and caregivers to get an accurate picture of the person's life, including their workplace, home and social settings.
For an adolescent or young adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must occur in two or more settings 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 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 demonstrate at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can assist in teaching techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary and also establishing and adhering 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
Many people feel relief after being diagnosed as adults. They feel like they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief in the form of the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone south. It's particularly difficult for girls and women, whose symptoms might be missed in the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life history including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review the person's school and work records and interview them and anyone they know well. They will also ask about the signs. They will check to ensure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety or that the individual is not suffering from an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The purpose of CBT is to assist the person change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills, time management, and impulse control. The therapist will teach the client to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral or look up their health insurance company's directory online. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions, or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their lives.