ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at home as well as in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough examination could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare provider might ask to interview a family member.
Diagnosis
It is essential to get a licensed health professional examine you if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion of your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will also look over your medical background, including any previous mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two settings (home school, social situations) and seriously affect your functioning. The symptoms should be present for at least six months, and they must be continuous over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, losing track of details, and losing things. In school, problems are common. People with inattentive ADHD may not follow instructions and assignments, or submit work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or focusing on themselves. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before the questions are completed. 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 may cause difficulties at work, school and at home. These issues are usually related to a breakdown in relationships or having financial problems.
The person doing the evaluation will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and look over any documentation you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They may also conduct a physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
They will probably recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can provide you with useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance company. Or search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the evaluation the person who is conducting it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They may also want to talk to teachers and others who knew you as an infant. They may inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to see if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator can also employ questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools can help compare your or your child's behavior to the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also check for a medical condition that may be mimicking ADHD or seizures or thyroid issues.
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, such as depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will consider the results of the testing and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts an account of his or her findings, and suggests treatments. Your child or you will likely receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the signs include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can cause financial issues or problems at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can help people with ADHD overcome the challenges they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. It is essential to find a therapist that has experience working with individuals who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health care professionals employ a variety of ways to determine if a person has ADHD and this includes monitoring them in different settings, asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, examining their past behavior, taking tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as medical examinations. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of a person's life, including their work, home and social environments.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must manifest in more than one setting and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, for example 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 display at least five symptoms in various situations.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication which can help with 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 relief after being diagnosed as adults. They feel like they finally know what's wrong. It can also be an emotional time due to missed opportunities in school or work or relationships that have failed. adhd diagnose explained that it's especially difficult for women and girls whose symptoms may have been ignored in childhood or were not fully understood as they grew.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, which includes the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine school and work records, interview the person and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about the symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person is not suffering from an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The purpose of CBT is helping the person change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to talk about the problems that the patient is experiencing at home, at work, and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person has trouble finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's directory online. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions, or contact a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can also help the person find an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a therapist or life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their daily lives.