ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause issues at home and in your professional life. Symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation will include an in-depth interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for different conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, for example anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional could also ask you to speak with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to get an evaluation by an accredited health professional. This could include a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who has expertise of mental disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history, including previous mental health issues as well as any medication you are taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must identify at least six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two environments (home school, at home, and social situations) as well as significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms should be present for at least six months and they must be constant over time. 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 losing things. School problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD can have trouble following directions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty making sure that work is submitted on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying close attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before questions are finished. They don't want to wait for their turn during conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can cause problems at school, work and home. These issues are usually related to a breakdown in relationships or getting into financial difficulties.
The person who is conducting the evaluation may want to speak with your parents or teachers and examine any records of your behavior issues as a child. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
If you are experiencing difficulties at work, in school or in your relationships, they might recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life.
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If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD, it's important to find a certified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, talk to your insurance company, or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation the person who is conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and present life to gain a better understanding of what's happening. They might also talk to teachers and other people who knew you when you were a kid. They might inquire about your medical history and past ailments to determine if you have any symptoms that may be related to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools let them evaluate your child's behavior with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed. This will help ensure that you or your child is in line with the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. Your child or you might undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also look for medical issues that may mimic 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 by any other mental disorder like 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 suggests treatment options. You or your child will likely receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create problems in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial issues or issues at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can help people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has expertise in working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is crucial.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They may observe the person in different settings, ask about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They may also review their past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and then conduct a medical exam. diagnosed with adhd can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain the complete picture of an individual's life, including home, work and social settings.
The symptoms are required to be present in at minimum two locations and interfere with daily functioning. They must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have developed prior to the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, 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 demonstrate at minimum five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can help teach skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules, using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills 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 relieved after getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel as if they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief in the form of missed opportunities at school, at work or relationships that have gone south. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms were missed during childhood or not fully understood as they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will review the life history of the person, which includes the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine school and work records and interview the person as well as anyone who knows them well and ask questions about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't a result of mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to assist the person to change their thoughts and actions to help them manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. They will also show the person to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to talk about the problems that the person is having at home, at work, and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a person is having trouble finding an expert they can contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them to a specialist or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also assist the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a life coach or therapist to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.
