ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at home as well as in your professional life. The symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation will include a detailed interview with you. It may also involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare provider may also request to interview the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to seek out a licensed health professional to examine your situation if you suspect you may have ADHD. It could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor, or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history, including any past mental health issues, as well as any medication you are taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at minimum two environments (home or school, as well as social situations) as well as significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms must 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.
Attention-deficit symptoms include difficulty paying attention, forgetting details, and loosing things. School-related problems are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD can have trouble following instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty finishing work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying close attention to others, or keeping track of themselves. adhd diagnosis adults uk interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished. They have trouble waiting for their turn 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 difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment will probably want to talk with your teachers, parents, or parents and see any records you have of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
If you have problems at school, at work or with your relationships, they may suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD however they could give you important information about the disorder.
You can also visit our website for more information.
If you think you or your child may have ADHD or other disorders, you should seek out a qualified medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can ask your physician for a referral. Contact your insurance company. Or search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also ask for suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the examination, the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to help you gain a better comprehension of what is going on. They may also want to talk to teachers and others who knew you when you were a kid. They might inquire about your medical background and past illnesses to determine if are experiencing any symptoms that could be connected to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator can also employ questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have already been diagnosed. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical and an examination of the brain. They might also check for a 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 can't be explained by a different mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will consider the results of the testing and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an account of his or her findings and suggests solutions. They may provide you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause issues in many aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the signs include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial issues or issues at school or work. Family therapy and marriage can help address the challenges that people with ADHD confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to find a therapist that has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can cause.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They may observe them in various settings, ask about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives. They may also review past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological testing, and perform an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to get the complete picture of a person's life, including workplace, home and social environment.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in two or more settings and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, like 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 of the symptoms in a variety of settings.
Therapists can help you develop skills that reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also teach communication and problem-solving skills which can help with 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
For many, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can bring relief and a feeling of finally having a clear understanding of what's happening. It's also often an emotional time due to missed opportunities in school or relationships or work that have failed. It's especially tough for women and girls, who's symptoms may be missed in the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life story including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at documents from work and school, interview the person and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is helping the person to change their thoughts and actions so they can manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will help the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will help the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They can also suggest support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If a person is having difficulty finding a specialist they can ask their primary care provider to refer them or look up the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations, or join an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist 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.