ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. The symptoms of ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation will include an in-depth interview with you. It may also involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, such as anxiety or depression. Your healthcare provider may invite you to speak with a family member.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to get an evaluation by an accredited health professional. This could be psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who has expertise of mental disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including previous mental health issues and any medications you may be taking.
adhd in adults undiagnosed must be able identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different environments (home school, at home, and social situations) and be significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least six months and they must be consistent 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, losing track of details, and losing things. In school, problems are common. adhd in adults undiagnosed who aren't attentive ADHD can have trouble following instructions and completing assignments, or finishing work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of themselves. They often interrupt and blurt out answers before questions are finished. They don't want to wait for their turn during conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can lead to issues at school, home and work. These problems are often linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment will probably want to talk with your teachers, parents, or parents and review any records you have of your issues with behavior as an infant. They will likely perform a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you're suffering from, like thyroid issues or seizures.
If you are experiencing difficulties at work, in school or in your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide you with important information about the disorder.
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If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should find a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request a referral, contact your insurance company or look online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the evaluation the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life to help you gain an understanding of what is going on. They may also talk to teachers or other people who knew you as an infant. They may ask 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 may also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also look for medical issues that could be the cause of ADHD such as 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 disorder or a mood disorder. Your evaluator will consider the results of the test and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will draft an account of his or her findings and suggests treatments. They may give you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive and forgetfulness that can cause financial issues or trouble at school or work. Marriage and family therapy may aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often associated with a diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience in working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is important.
Health care professionals employ different methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD by observing them in several situations, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing past behavior, conducting psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers to get a complete picture of an individual's life, including work, home and social environments.
The symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and affect daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. Symptoms must have been occurring from before the age of 12 and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, 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 different settings.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to improve your communication and problem-solving skills which can assist you 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 like they have finally figured out what's wrong. It's also often a time of sorrow for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or relationships or work that have gone wrong. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been missed during childhood or not fully understood as they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life story, including childhood and adolescence. They will look at documents from work and school, interview the person and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about the symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition, like depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person does not have an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The purpose of CBT is to assist the patient change their thinking and behavior to manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will assist the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the difficulties the patient is experiencing at work, at home and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert they can request their primary care physician to refer them or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations, or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also assist the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.