ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause problems at work and at home. The symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
Recommended Resource site will include an extensive interview with you and may involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional could also request to interview your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable of mental disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion of your symptoms, the problems they cause, as well as how you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history including past mental health issues as well as any medications you may be taking.
To diagnose the healthcare professional must determine at minimum six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They are present in at least two different 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 be constant. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Signs of inattention include forgetting things, loosing things, and not paying attention. Problems with school are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD might have difficulty following instructions, completing assignments or submitting work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or focusing on their personal possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished their questions. They aren't able to hold their own in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD may cause problems at school, work and at home. These problems are usually linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person doing the evaluation will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and see any records you have of your behavior problems as a child. They will likely perform physical examinations to rule out other medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, including seizures or thyroid issues.
If you're having issues at school, at work or in your relationships, they might suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD however they could provide valuable information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should consult a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. Ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider. Or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also ask for recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the assessment the person who conducts it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They might also speak with teachers and other people who knew you when you were in your youth. They might ask about your medical history as well as past ailments to determine if have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine how often you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help to compare your child's symptoms with the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This will help ensure that you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you may undergo a neurological and physical examination. They may also look for a medical issue that may be a symptom of ADHD or 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator writes a report outlining his or her findings and recommends treatment options. They may give you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the family. Some of the signs are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can lead to financial issues or issues at work or school. Family therapy and marriage can help address the challenges that people with ADHD confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals employ various methods to assess whether someone has ADHD, including monitoring them in different settings, asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, examining past behavior, conducting psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers in order to get a full picture of the individual's life. This includes their work, home and social surroundings.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must be present in two or more environments and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred 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 show at least five signs in a variety of settings.
A therapist can teach techniques that can help to alleviate symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of timetables by using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help you develop problem-solving and communication skills that will help you manage 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 being diagnosed as adults. They feel like they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow regardless of missed opportunities at school, in the workplace or for relationships that have gone off the rails. diagnosing adhd in adults explained that it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully recognized as they grew older.
A specialist or doctor will look over the life story of the individual, 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 their symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression and also ensure that the person does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist people change their thinking and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will teach the client to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to talk about the problems that the patient is experiencing at home, at work, and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist They can contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them to a specialist or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for recommendations, or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.