ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. Symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will involve a detailed interview with you. It could also include screening questionnaires for different conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, for example anxiety or depression. Your healthcare provider may invite you to speak with a family member.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to seek out a licensed health professional to examine you if you think you may be suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable of mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you have managed them. The healthcare professional will also review your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able to identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at least two different environments (home, school, and social situations) and also significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be constant. 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, forgetting details, and loosing things. Problems in school are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD might have difficulty following directions, completing assignments or submitting work 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 blurt out answers before they have finished their questions. They struggle 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 could cause problems at school, at work and home. These issues are usually related to a breakdown in relationships or having financial problems.
The person who is conducting the test will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and see any records you have of your behavior problems as a child. They'll probably conduct physical examinations to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, including thyroid problems or seizures.
They will probably suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships call for it. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information about 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 assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance company. Search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. adhd diagnosis uk adult can also request suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to help you gain a better understanding of what is happening. They may also ask to talk to your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and previous illnesses to see if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
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 allow them to compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This will help ensure that you or your child meets standardized criteria for the diagnosis. Your child or you may be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They could also look for medical conditions that could mimic ADHD, such 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 cannot be explained by other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an account of his or her findings and recommends solutions. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can lead to financial problems or trouble at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can help address the challenges that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of anger and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to find a therapist that has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can bring up.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They might observe the person in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review their past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct an examination for medical reasons. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers to get a complete picture of the person's life, including their home, work and social settings.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be present in two or more environments and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and are not attributed to any 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 demonstrate at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can help teach skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary and also developing and sticking to routines. They can also assist you to develop problem-solving and communication skills which can assist you 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
For many people, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and the feeling of having a clear understanding of what's happening. It's also often an emotional time due to missed opportunities in school or relationships or work that have gone wrong. It's particularly difficult for women and girls, those whose symptoms might be missed in the early years or not appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will review the life history of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's work and school documents and interview them as well as anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also inquire about the symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't better explained by mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The goal of CBT is to help the person change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more efficiently. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills, time management and impulse control. They will also teach the person how to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If a person is having trouble finding a specialist They can ask their primary care provider to refer them or search the directory online of their health insurance company. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or find an organization that offers local support for adults with ADHD. The specialist can also help to locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a life coach or therapist to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.