ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at work and home. ADHD symptoms can result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough examination could consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with your family member.
Diagnosis
It is essential to get a licensed health professional examine your situation if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health disorders. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you have managed them. The healthcare professional will also review your medical background, including any previous mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare provider must be able identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two settings (home school, social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. The symptoms must have been present for at least 6 months and be consistent. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include forgetting things, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. In school, problems are common. People with inattentive ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or complete work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on themselves. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before the questions are completed. 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 cause issues at school, home and at work. These problems are usually linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person who is doing the assessment may wish to talk with your teachers or parents and examine any records of your behavior issues as an infant. They will likely perform an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms you're suffering from, like thyroid issues or seizures.
They will probably suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD It is important to find a certified medical professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. Or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the test the person who conducts it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better idea of what's happening. They may also talk to teachers or others who were with you when you were an infant. They might ask about your medical history as well as past illnesses to see if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator can also employ questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. adhd adult diagnosis uk will help them to compare your child's symptoms with those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They may also look for a medical condition that may be mimicking 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 explained by other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of his or her findings, and recommending solutions. They may give you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the signs include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial problems or problems at work or school. Family therapy and marriage can help address the challenges that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of anger and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to choose a therapist who has experience working with individuals who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD. They may observe them in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, look over past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and then conduct an examination for medical reasons. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of an individual's life, including the home, work and social settings.
For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be present in two or more environments and significantly affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, like 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 reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary and also establishing and adhering to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication 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 adult diagnosis can bring relief and a sense of finally knowing what's going on. It can also be a time of sadness in the form of missed opportunities at school, in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone awry. It's especially tough for girls and women, those whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not recognized as they matured, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will review the person's life story including childhood and adolescence. They will look over the person's school and work records and interview them and anyone else who knows them well. They will also inquire about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety or that the individual is not suffering from a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical examination, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to assist the person change their thoughts and actions to help them manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will help the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also instruct the person how to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is facing at home, at work and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person has trouble finding a specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's online directory. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or find a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help 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 change in their daily lives.