ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage the symptoms that can cause trouble both at home and in your professional life. Symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare provider might ask to interview a family member.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to get an evaluation by a licensed health care professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge in the field of mental disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the problems they create and the ways you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history, including previous mental health issues and any medications you might be taking.
To make a diagnosis the healthcare professional must identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two settings (home or school and social situations) and seriously affect your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at minimum 6 months and be continuous. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include a tendency to forget things, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. Problems in school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or submit work on time. adhd diagnosis in adults may have trouble sitting still, paying close attention to others, or keeping track of their own activities. They often interrupt and blurt answers before the questions are finished. They have trouble waiting for their turn in 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 home, school and at work. These issues are usually related to a breakdown in relationships or having financial problems.
The person conducting the assessment might want to speak with your teachers or parents and examine any records of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
They might recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships demand it. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
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If you think you or your child might have ADHD, you should seek out an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment, or contact your insurance company, or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also ask for suggestions 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 current life to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also ask to talk to your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They might ask about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if you have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine the frequency at which your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools let them examine your child's or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed. This will help ensure that you or your child meet the criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical and a neurological exam. They may also look for any medical condition that may be mimicking ADHD or 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 can't be explained by a different mental disorder, such as an anxiety or mood disorder. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will draft a report that outlines the findings and recommends treatment options. Your child or you will likely receive a copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the home. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can result in financial issues or problems at work or school. Marriage and family therapy may aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they 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 that has experience working with people with ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health care professionals use various methods to assess whether someone has ADHD by monitoring them in different environments and asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, examining past behavior, conducting psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They may also consult teachers and caregivers in order to gain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must occur in two or more environments and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to 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 techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules by using a planner or notebook as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also teach communication and problem-solving skills that can help 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, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and the feeling of finally being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of sorrow, whether for lost opportunities at school or at relationships or work that have failed. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for women and girls whose symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully understood as they grew.
A doctor or specialist will look over the life story of the individual, including childhood and adolescence. They will examine the records of work and school and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition, like anxiety or depression, and that the person is not suffering from an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to assist people change their thinking and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist 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 that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the problems the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a person has difficulty finding a specialist they can contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or look up the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask your friends and family members for suggestions or contact a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help to locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a life coach or therapist to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.