15 Things You Didn't Know About ADHD Diagnosis Adult
ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause issues at home as well as in your professional life. Symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will include a detailed interview with you. It may also involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may also suggest an interview with a loved one.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD, it is important to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in the field of mental disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history including past mental health issues as well as any medication you are taking.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must occur in at minimum two different environments (home, school and social situations) and significantly impair your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must be continuous over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
The signs of inattention include forgetting things, loosing things, and having trouble paying attention. Problems with school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD can have trouble adhering to instructions and completing assignments, or making sure that work is submitted on time. They may have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before questions are finished. They aren't able to hold their own in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can lead to problems at home, school and work. These problems are often linked to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is doing the evaluation may want to talk with your teachers or parents, and look at any records of your behavioral issues as a child. They'll likely conduct a physical exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid problems.
If you're having issues at work, in school, or with your relationships, they might recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
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If adhd in adults diagnosis suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, you should seek out an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. Ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance company. Or search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also request recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment, the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life in order to gain a better understanding of what is going on. They may also ask to talk to your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They might inquire about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if have any symptoms that may be related to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator will also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools let them compare your or child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure your child or you meet the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical exam and an examination of the neurological system. They might also check for a medical condition that could be mimicking ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
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 like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will consider the results of the testing and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of his or her findings and recommends treatments. You or your child are likely to receive a copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause issues at work and within the home. Some of the signs are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at work or at school. Family therapy and marriage can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has expertise in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health care professionals use a variety of ways to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and this includes monitoring them in different settings, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and an examination for medical reasons. They can also consult with teachers and caregivers to get a complete picture of an individual's life, including work, home and social environment.
The symptoms should be present in at least two different settings and interfere with daily functioning. They must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by 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 show at least five symptoms in a variety of environments.
A therapist can assist in teaching techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using a planner, notebook or diary and also developing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to develop communication and problem-solving abilities that can help you 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, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can bring relief and the feeling of finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of missed opportunities at school, in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone south. It's particularly hard for girls and women whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life history including childhood and adolescence. They will examine school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't caused by mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The purpose of CBT is to help the person to change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also teach the person how to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance provider's online directory. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person find an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist who can provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.