ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at work and home. The symptoms of ADHD can result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation will include an extensive interview with you. It could also include screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, such as anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with a loved one.
Diagnosis
It is important to get a licensed health professional assess your situation if you suspect you may have ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge in mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and the ways you have managed them. The healthcare provider will also examine your medical background, including any previous mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They are present in at least two environments (home or school, as well as social situations) as well as significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be continuous. 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, ignoring details, and losing things. In school, problems are common. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions and assignments, or submit work on time. They have trouble sitting still and paying attention to other people or focusing on their personal possessions. They often interrupt and utter answers before the questions are completed. They can't wait their turn during 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 issues at school, home and at work. These problems are usually linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person who is conducting the assessment might want to speak with your teachers or parents and examine any evidence of your behavior issues as a child. They'll probably conduct an examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid problems.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're having at work, school or in your relationships call for it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they could give you valuable information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, you should consult an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request an appointment, or contact your insurance provider or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for 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 happening. They might also request to talk to your teachers or others who were with you when you were a child. They could inquire about your medical history as well as past ailments to determine if have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools let them evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children as well as adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This will help ensure that your child or you meet standardized criteria for the diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical examination and an examination of the neurological system. They could also look for medical issues that could be the 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 are not ascribed to any 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 will write an account of his or her findings and recommending solutions. You or your child will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the family. Some of the symptoms include impulsive and forgetfulness that can cause financial issues or problems at work or at school. adhd diagnosis adults uk and marriage therapy can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. It's important to find a therapist who has experience working with people with ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They can observe them in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial testing, and perform an examination for medical reasons. They may also consult teachers and caregivers to gain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their home, workplace and social setting.
The symptoms should be present in at minimum two locations and affect everyday functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred from before the age of 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 exhibit at least five signs in a variety of situations.
A therapist can assist in teaching skills that help reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using notebooks, planners or a diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to improve your communication and problem-solving 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
Many people feel relieved after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel like they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or relationships or work that have failed. Matlen said it's especially difficult for women and girls whose symptoms may have been missed during childhood or not recognized until they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life story including childhood and adolescence. They will examine school and work records, interview the person and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition, like depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person is not suffering from a physical problem like low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT is to help 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. The therapist will instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the person is having at home, at work, and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's directory online. undiagnosed adhd in adults can also ask family and friends for recommendations, or contact an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their daily lives.