ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at work and home. The symptoms of ADHD can result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough examination could consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires that help to determine other disorders, like depression or anxiety, that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional may ask to interview a family member.
Diagnosis
If you believe you may have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to be evaluated by an authorized health care professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, problems they create and the ways you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including previous mental health issues as well as any medications you might be taking.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two environments (home, school, and social situations) and also significantly affecting your performance. 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 items, and having difficulty paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD can have trouble following directions and 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 often interrupt and blurt answers before the questions are finished. They are often unable to wait 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 could cause problems at school, at work and home. These problems are usually linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person conducting the assessment might want to speak with your parents or teachers, and look at any records of your behavior problems as a child. They'll probably conduct a physical exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
They might suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests when the issues you're having at work, school or in your relationships require it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they could provide you with valuable information about the disorder.
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If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD It is important to find a qualified health care professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company, or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your past and present life to help you gain an understanding of what is going on. They might also request to talk to your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They might inquire about your medical history and past ailments to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms that could be connected to ADHD, such depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also uses ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often you or your child displays 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 make sure your child or you meet standardized criteria for the diagnosis. Your child or you may be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They can also look for medical conditions that could 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 cannot be explained better by a different mental disorder, like an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. Your evaluator will consider the results of the tests and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will draft an account of his or her findings and recommends treatment options. You or your child will likely receive a copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the home. Some of the symptoms include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can result in financial issues or trouble at school or work. Marriage and family therapy can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy which often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to find a therapist who has experience working with individuals who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can bring about.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD. They may observe them in various situations, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over their past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and conduct a medical exam. They can also consult with teachers and caregivers to get a complete picture of the person's life, including the work, home and social settings.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in two or more environments and significantly affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at least six months. Symptoms must have been occurring since before 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 exhibit at minimum five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can help teach skills that reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also help you improve your communication and problem-solving skills that can help you 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 be a relief and a sense of being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of sorrow regardless of missed opportunities at school, at work or relationships that have gone off the rails. Matlen said it's especially difficult for women and girls whose symptoms may have been ignored in childhood or were not fully understood as they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life-history, including childhood and adolescence. They will review the person's work and school records and talk to them and anyone they know well. They will also ask about symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety, and that the person does not have an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. They will also teach the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the issues the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will also be able suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's directory online. adhd diagnosis in adult could also ask family members and friends for recommendations, or contact a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can also assist the person find a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a life coach or therapist to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their daily lives.