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. ADHD symptoms can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment could 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 also ask you to speak with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by an accredited health professional. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in the field of mental disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you have overcome them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history including past mental health issues, as well as any medications you might be taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able to identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two settings (home or school and social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and be constant. 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, forgetting details, and loosing things. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions or complete assignments or turn in work on time. They aren't able to sit still or paying attention to other people or keeping track of their personal possessions. They often interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished. 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. This kind of ADHD can lead to problems at home, school and work. These problems are often linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is doing the assessment might want to talk with your teachers or parents and examine any documentation of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. They may also conduct physical examinations to rule out other medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, including seizures or thyroid problems.
They might suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are having at work, school or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life.
Evaluation
If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should seek out an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your physician for recommendations. Contact your insurance provider. Or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the assessment 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 going on. They might also request to talk to your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They might ask about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools let them examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have been diagnosed. This is to ensure that you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical examination and an examination of the neurological system. They could also check for any medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD, such as 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will draft a report that outlines his or her findings and suggests treatment options. They'll likely provide you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the home. Some of the symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can help people with ADHD overcome the challenges they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with experience working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They might observe them in various situations, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review the past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial testing, and perform an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. adhd adults diagnosis includes their work, home and social environment.
The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and affect daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have developed before the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, like 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 show at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can assist in teaching skills that reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using notebooks, planners or a diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. adhd adults diagnosis uk can also assist you to develop communication and problem-solving abilities 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
For many, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and a feeling of having a clear understanding of what's happening. It's also a time of grief for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or relationships or work that have gone wrong. It's particularly difficult for girls and women, who's symptoms may have been missed in childhood or not recognized as they matured, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life story including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the person's academic and work documents and interview them as well as anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition, like anxiety or depression or that the individual is not suffering from physical issues such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of CBT is to assist the person change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will help the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will teach the client to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to talk about the problems that the person is having at home, at work and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone has difficulty finding a specialist They can contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for recommendations, or contact a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person find an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive change in their daily lives.