ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. The symptoms of ADHD can cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment could consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires that help to determine other disorders, like anxiety or depression that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also request to interview the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might be suffering from ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. This could include a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in the field of mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you've managed them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any past mental health issues, as well as any medications you might be taking.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two environments (home, school, and social situations) and be significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms should 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 a tendency to forget things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. Problems in school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not follow directions or complete assignments or complete work on time. They have trouble sitting still or paying attention to other people or focusing on their personal possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before they are finished. They don't want to wait 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 difficulties at work, school and home. These problems are often related to problems in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person conducting the assessment is likely to want to talk with your teachers and parents and look over any documentation you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, including thyroid issues or seizures.
They will probably recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships demand it. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD but they could provide important information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect you or your child may have ADHD, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment, or contact your insurance provider or look online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation, the person conducting it will talk 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 speak with your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They may ask about your medical background and past ailments to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms connected to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools will help them compare your or your child's symptoms to the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to make sure you or your child is in line with 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 any medical condition that may be mimicking ADHD like 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 cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. adhd adults diagnosis uk analyzes the results of the tests and interviews to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator writes an outline of his or her findings and recommends treatment options. They'll likely provide you or your child with copies of the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can result in financial issues or problems at school or work. Family and marriage therapy can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their specific challenges is essential.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They may observe them in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, look over past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and conduct an examination for medical reasons. They may also consult caregivers and teachers to get a full picture of the person's life. This includes their workplace, home, and social setting.
For an young adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in more than one setting and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. Symptoms must have been occurring from before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, for example 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 demonstrate at minimum five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
Therapists can help students develop techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables 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 aid 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
For many people, getting an adult diagnosis can be a relief and a feeling of finally being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of grief, whether it's for missed opportunities at school, in the workplace or for relationships that have gone off the rails. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for women and girls who's symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully understood as they matured.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, including childhood and adolescence. They will look at documents from work and school and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't a result of mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The aim of CBT is helping the patient change their thinking and behavior to manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills as well as time management, and impulse control. They will also teach the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone is having difficulty finding an expert they can request their primary care physician to refer them to a specialist or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions, or find a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can also help to locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as an therapist or a life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their lives every day.