ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage the symptoms that can cause trouble at home and in your professional life. The symptoms of ADHD can cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may request an interview with the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, it is important to get an evaluation by an authorized health care professional. It could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare professional will also examine your medical background, including any previous mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to recognize at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at minimum two different environments (home, school and social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and be consistent. 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. School problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD may have difficulty following instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty finishing work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on themselves. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished their questions. They are often unable to wait for their turn in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause problems at school, work and home. These issues are usually related to problems in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person conducting the assessment is likely to want to talk with your teachers and parents and see any records you have of your issues with behavior as when you were a child. They may also conduct an examination of your body to rule out any other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you're suffering from, like seizures or thyroid issues.
If you're having issues at work, in school or with your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
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If you suspect that your child or you is suffering from ADHD, it's important to find a qualified health care professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance company or search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also seek recommendations 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 current life to help you gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also ask to speak with your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They may ask about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if you have any symptoms related to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator can also employ rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical examination and an examination of the brain. They could also check for a medical issue that may be a symptom of ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
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 any other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will consider the results of the test and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an account of his or her findings, and recommends treatment options. Your child or you will likely receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the family. Some of the signs are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can cause financial problems or problems at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy which often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has expertise in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is crucial.
Health care professionals employ different ways to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD, including monitoring them in different settings and asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing the past behavior, performing tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as an examination for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain an accurate picture of the person's life, including home, work and social environments.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be present in two or more settings and seriously affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at least six months. Symptoms must have been occurring prior to age 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, 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 display at least five signs in various environments.
Therapists can help you develop techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using a planner, notebook or diary and also establishing and sticking to routines. They can also teach the skills of communication and problem-solving that can aid 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 being diagnosed as adults. They feel as if they've finally found out what's wrong. It's also a time of grief for those who have lost out on opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have been ruined. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been ignored in childhood or were not fully understood as they matured.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life-history including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine documents from work and school and interview the person as well as anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will check to make sure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression 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 aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as managing time and controlling their impulses. The therapist will teach the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can talk about the problems that the person is facing at work, at home and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert, they can either request their primary care physician to refer them or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You can also ask your friends and family members for suggestions or contact an area-based support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person find an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.