ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. Symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough evaluation may consist of a thorough interview as well as screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, like anxiety or depression that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare provider might ask to interview your family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to get an evaluation by an authorized health care professional. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The evaluation will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you have overcome them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including any prior mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
To determine a diagnosis the healthcare professional must determine at minimum six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two environments (home school, at home, and social situations) and also significantly affecting your performance. 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.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, forgetting details, and loosing things. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or complete work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on their personal belongings. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before they are 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 type of ADHD can cause problems at home, school and at work. These issues are usually related to a breakdown in relationships or having financial problems.
The person who is doing the assessment might want to speak with your teachers or parents, and look at any records of your behavior problems as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, including seizures or thyroid issues.
They might suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, you should find an experienced medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. Search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also ask for suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life in order to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also ask to speak with your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They could inquire about your medical background and past ailments to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms that may be connected to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools will help them compare your or your child's symptoms to those of other kids and adults who have been diagnosed with the disorder. This is to ensure that your child or you meet the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. Your child or you might be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They could also check for a medical condition that may be mimicking ADHD or a 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will consider the results of the testing and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report outlining his or her findings and suggests solutions. They may give you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can cause financial issues or problems at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy may aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is important.
Health care professionals employ different methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD by monitoring them in different settings and asking them about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing their past behavior, taking psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain an accurate picture of an individual's life, including the work, home and social environments.
The symptoms should be present in at least two different settings and affect everyday functioning. More must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, such as 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 display at least five symptoms in various settings.
Therapists can help students develop skills that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of schedules by using a notebook or planner, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication 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
Many people find relief in receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel as if they finally know 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. It's particularly difficult for girls and women those whose symptoms might be missed in childhood or not fully appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life story, including childhood and adolescence. They will review documents from work and school, interview the person and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't a result of mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will teach the person to identify and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the challenges the person having at work, at home and in relationships. They can also recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person is having difficulty finding an expert they can ask their primary care provider to refer them or search the online directory of their health insurance company. They can also ask their friends and family members for recommendations or find an area-based support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive change in their daily lives.