ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. Symptoms of ADHD can also cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation will include an in-depth interview with you. It may also include screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, such as anxiety or depression. Your healthcare provider may also request to interview your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by a licensed health care professional. This could be 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 issues they create and the ways you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history including past mental health issues and any medications you may be taking.
To determine a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They are present in at least two different environments (home or school, as well as social situations) and also 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.
The signs of inattention include forgetting things, loosing items, and having difficulty paying attention. In school, problems are common. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions, finish assignments or submit work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own belongings. They often interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished. They have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can lead to problems at school, at home and at work. These problems are often related to a breakdown in relationships or becoming financially strained.
The person who is doing the assessment may wish to speak with your teachers or parents, and look at any records of your behavior issues as a child. They may also conduct an examination of your body to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, including thyroid issues or seizures.
They might suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests when the issues you're experiencing at school, work or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they could provide you with valuable information about the disorder.
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If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should find a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance company or search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better idea of what's going on. They may also want to talk to your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They might ask about your medical history and past illnesses to see if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator can also employ questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools let them examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also look for medical issues that could mimic ADHD such as 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 also can't be explained better by a different mental disorder, such as an anxiety or mood disorder. The evaluator analyzes the results of the test and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts an outline of the findings of the test, and suggests treatment options. You or your child will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of areas of life, including family and work. The most common symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often associated with an diagnosis of ADHD. adults diagnosed with adhd is important to find a therapist that has worked with people with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They can observe the person in various settings, ask about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and conduct an examination for medical reasons. They may also talk with caregivers and teachers to gain a complete picture of the individual's life. This includes their home, workplace and social surroundings.
The symptoms are required to be present in at minimum two locations and disrupt daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. Symptoms must have been occurring prior to age 12 and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, such as 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 a variety of situations.
A therapist can teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of timetables by using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to improve your communication and problem-solving skills that will 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 people, getting an adult diagnosis can be a relief and the feeling of having a clear understanding of what's happening. It's also often an emotional time, whether for lost opportunities at school or at relationships or jobs that have been ruined. It's especially tough for girls and women whose symptoms might have been missed in childhood or not fully appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will review the life history of the individual, including childhood and adolescence. They will look at the records of work and school, interview the person and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about their symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The aim of CBT is to assist the person to change their thoughts and actions to help them manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will help the client 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 refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist they can request their primary care physician to refer them or look up the online directory of their health insurance company. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or find an area-based support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can also help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their day-to-day lives.