ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause problems at work and home. Symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, like anxiety or depression, which might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare provider may ask to interview a family member.
Diagnosis
It is important to get a licensed health professional examine you if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who has expertise in the field of mental disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including previous mental health issues, as well as any medications you may be taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able to recognize at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different settings (home school, social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be continuous. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
The signs of inattention include a tendency to forget things, losing things, and not paying attention. School problems are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD might 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 own possessions. They frequently interrupt and utter answers before the questions are completed. 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. adhd diagnosis in adults of ADHD can cause problems at school, at home and work. These problems are often linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person who is doing the assessment might want to speak with your teachers or parents, and look at any documentation of your behavioral issues as a child. They will probably do a physical exam to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
They will probably suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're having at school, at work or in your relationships require it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD, it's important to find a qualified health expert who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company or look online for professionals 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 conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life in order to gain an understanding of what's going on. They might also talk to teachers and other people who knew you when you were an infant. They may ask about your medical background and past ailments to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms that could be connected to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools will help them to compare your child's symptoms with the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to make sure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical examination and an examination of the brain. They can also look for medical issues that may be the cause of ADHD, such a thyroid issue 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, such as an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. Your evaluator uses 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 recommending treatments. They may give you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the home. Some of the signs include impulsive and forgetfulness that can lead to financial problems or issues at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to choose a therapist who has worked with people with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health care professionals use a variety of methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD, including observing them in several environments and asking them about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, examining the past behavior, performing tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and a medical examination. They may also consult caregivers and teachers to get a full picture of the individual's life. This includes their workplace, home, and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must occur in two or more environments and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, for example 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 show at least five signs in various settings.
A therapist can assist in teaching skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using the planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and sticking to routines. They can also help with 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 people, getting a diagnosis in adulthood can be a relief and a feeling of being able to recognize the cause. It's also an emotional time due to missed opportunities in school or relationships or work that have gone wrong. It's particularly hard for women and girls, those whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will look over the life story of the person, which includes the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the records of work and school, interview the person and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about their symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression and also ensure that the person is not suffering from a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to help the person change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills, managing time and controlling their impulses. The therapist will help the client to identify and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can 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 patient is having difficulty finding a specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's directory online. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions, or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and an therapist or a life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.