ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause trouble at home as well as in your professional life. These symptoms can cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will include an in-depth interview with you. It may also include screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, such as anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional could also suggest an interview with a loved one.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by a licensed health care professional. It could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, as well as how you have dealt with them. The healthcare provider will also examine your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to recognize at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at minimum two environments (home or school, as well as social situations) and be significantly affecting your performance. 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.
undiagnosed adhd in adults of inattention include forgetting things, loosing items, and having difficulty paying attention. In school, problems are common. People who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty following directions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty finishing work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still or paying attention to other people or keeping track of their own belongings. They often interrupt and utter answers before the questions are completed. 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 type of ADHD can lead to issues at school, home and at work. These issues are usually related to problems in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person who is conducting the test is likely to want to talk with your parents and/or teachers and review any records you have of your issues with behavior as when you were a child. They'll probably conduct a physical exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
If you have problems at work, in school or with your relationships, they might suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD, you should find a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request a referral, contact your insurance provider or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the evaluation the person who conducts the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better idea of what's happening. They may also want to talk to your teachers or others who knew you as a child. They might ask about your medical history as well as past illnesses to determine if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize rating scales and questionnaires in order 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 to the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They can also look for medical issues that could be a cause of ADHD such as 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 cannot be explained by other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will utilize the results of the testing and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an account of his or her findings and recommending solutions. You or your child are likely to receive a copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can cause financial issues or issues at work or school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the obstacles they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often associated with the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with expertise in working with ADHD patients and who understands their specific challenges is essential.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They might observe the person in different situations, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over the past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological testing, and perform a medical exam. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers to obtain a complete picture of the individual's life. This includes their home, workplace and social setting.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must occur in more than one setting and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have developed prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, such as 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 environments.
Therapists can help students develop skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules using a planner or notebook and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to develop problem-solving and communication skills that can help you 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
Many people feel relieved after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel like they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or work that have gone wrong. It's particularly hard for girls and women, who's symptoms may have been missed in childhood or not recognized when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, which includes childhood and adolescence. They will examine school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about their symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist people change their thinking and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. They will also teach the person how to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the patient is experiencing at home, at work, and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone is having difficulty finding a specialist they can contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or look up the directory online of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions, or contact an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.