ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause trouble at home as well as in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation will include a detailed interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare provider might request an interview with the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
It is essential to have a licensed health professional assess you if you suspect that you may have ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who has expertise of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will also review your medical history, including any prior mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six signs (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 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.
Signs of inattention include forgetting things, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. School problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not follow directions and assignments, or complete work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying close attention to others or keeping track of their own activities. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they are finished. 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 type of ADHD can cause problems at school, work and home. These problems are usually linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment will likely want to speak with your parents and/or teachers and look over any documentation you have of your behavior problems as a child. They will probably do an examination to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid problems.
If you have problems at school, at work or with your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects your life.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD, it's important to find a qualified medical expert who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, talk to your insurance provider or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the examination, the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your past and present life in order to gain an understanding of what's going on. They might also request 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 are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine the frequency at which you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help them to compare your child's behavior to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meets standardized criteria for the diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical examination and an examination of the neurological system. They might also check for any medical condition 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 better explained by another mental disorder, like an anxiety or mood disorder. The evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator drafts an outline of his or her findings and recommends treatment options. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the home. Some of the signs include impulsive and forgetfulness that can result in financial issues or issues at school or work. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of anger and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to find a therapist who has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can bring up.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if a person has ADHD. They can observe the person in different situations, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives. They may also review the past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing, and perform an examination for medical reasons. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain an accurate picture of the person's life, including home, work and social settings.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in two or more settings and seriously affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have occurred from before the age of 12 and they are not 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 different situations.
adult adhd diagnosis uk can help teach skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary and also developing and adhering to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills 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 getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel that they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of the missed opportunities in school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone south. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for girls and women who's symptoms were missed during childhood or not fully understood as they grew.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life history including childhood and adolescence. They will review the records of work and school, interview the person and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression or that the individual 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 goal of CBT is helping the person to change their thoughts and actions to help them manage their ADHD more effectively. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organization skills, time management and impulse control. The therapist will teach the client to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able discuss the problems the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or search their health insurance provider's online directory. They can also ask friends and family members for suggestions or find a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can assist the person find an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.