ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause issues both at home and in your professional life. Symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation will include a detailed interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare provider may invite you to speak with a family member.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. This could be psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable of mental disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the problems they create and the ways you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any past mental health issues, as well as any medications you may be taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two different environments (home, school and social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be consistent. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, losing track of details, and loosing things. School problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty adhering to instructions, completing assignments or making sure that work is submitted on time. They have trouble sitting still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their personal possessions. They frequently interrupt and utter answers before they have finished. They have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. I Am Psychiatry of ADHD may cause problems at school, at work and home. 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 a child. They'll probably conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, including thyroid problems or seizures.
They may 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 don't diagnose ADHD but they could provide you with valuable information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you is suffering from ADHD It's crucial to find a qualified medical professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, talk to your insurance provider or look online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the assessment, the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your past and present life to get an understanding of what is happening. They might also request to talk to your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They could inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help them to compare your child's behavior to the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to make sure your child or you meet the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. Your child or you may be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They may also check for medical issues that may be a 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 also can't be better explained by another mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will consider the results of the tests and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of the findings of the test, and recommending solutions. They'll likely give you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the signs include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can lead to financial problems or trouble at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can help address the challenges that people with ADHD confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to find a therapist that has experience working with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about.
Health care professionals employ various ways to determine if a person has ADHD and this includes observing them in several settings, asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing past behavior, conducting psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to get an accurate picture of the person's life, including the home, work and social settings.
The symptoms must be present in at least two settings and interfere with daily functioning. They must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. Symptoms must have been occurring since before age 12, and they are not explained by other mental disorders, such as 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 least five symptoms in various situations.
A therapist can help teach skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using the planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also teach communication and problem-solving skills 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 a diagnosis in adulthood can bring relief and a feeling of finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It's also a time of grief for those who have lost out on opportunities at school or at relationships or jobs that have been ruined. Matlen said it's especially difficult for women and girls whose symptoms may have been ignored in childhood or were not fully recognized as they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's school and work records and interview them and anyone else who knows them well. They will also ask about the signs. 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 may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT is to help the patient change their thinking and actions to help them manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist 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 might recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the problems the person is experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a person has difficulty finding a specialist they can request their primary care physician to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for recommendations, or join an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also assist the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication as well as a therapist or life coach to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.