ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause problems at work and home. Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough examination could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with a loved one.
adhd diagnosis in adult
If you think that you may have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, as well as how you have dealt with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical background, including any previous mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able to recognize at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at least two environments (home, school, and social situations) and also significantly affecting 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.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include forgetting things, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. Problems with school are also common. People with inattention ADHD can have trouble adhering to instructions, completing assignments or making sure that work is submitted on time. They have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before the questions are finished. They aren't able to hold their own during games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can lead to issues at school, home and work. These problems are usually linked to trouble in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person who is doing the assessment might want to talk with your teachers or parents and review any evidence of your behavior problems as an infant. They'll probably conduct an examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizures.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests in the event that the issues you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
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If you think you or your child may have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should find a qualified medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance company or search the internet for professionals 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 could ask you or your child questions about your past and present life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They may also want to speak with teachers and other people who were with you when you were in your youth. They might ask about your medical history and past illnesses to see if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator also uses ratings scales and questionnaires to determine the frequency at which you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools let them evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure that you or your child meet the criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical exam and an examination of the brain. They may also look for a medical condition that may be mimicking ADHD or seizures or thyroid problems.
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 by other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of his or her findings and recommends solutions. You or your child are likely to receive a copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the home. Some of the symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial problems or problems at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with experience working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to assess whether someone has ADHD and this includes watching them in various settings and asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and a medical examination. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to get a full picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their workplace, home, and social environment.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings and disrupt daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. Symptoms must have been occurring since before age 12, and they are not explained by other mental disorders, like 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 least five signs in different settings.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of schedules by using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also help with strategies for problem-solving and communication 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 diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and the feeling of finally knowing what's going on. It can also be a time of grief in the form of the missed opportunities in school or at work or relationships that have gone awry. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms were overlooked in their childhood or not recognized until they matured.
A specialist or doctor will review the life history of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the person's work and school records and talk to them and anyone else who knows them well. They will also ask about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The goal of CBT is helping the person change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will help the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the client to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to talk about the problems that the person is facing at work, at home and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert, they can either ask their primary care provider to refer them to a specialist or search the directory online of their health insurance company. They can also ask friends and family members for suggestions or contact a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate 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 to their lives every day.