ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will help you control symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. The symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, like depression or anxiety, that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare provider might ask to interview your family member.
Diagnosis
It is essential to seek out a licensed health professional to assess you if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health issues. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history including past mental health issues and any medications you may be taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They are present in at least two environments (home school, at home, and social situations) as well as significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms should be present for at least six months, and they must be constant over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, losing track of details, and loosing things. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattentive ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or complete work on time. They have trouble sitting still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before they have finished their questions. They can't wait their turn during games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause difficulties at work, school and at home. These problems are usually linked to trouble in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person who is conducting the evaluation may want to speak with your parents or teachers and review any records of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. They will probably do physical examinations to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
If you are experiencing difficulties at school, at work or with your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they could provide you with useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should consult an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment. Contact your insurance company. Search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the examination, the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life in order to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also want to talk to your teachers or others who were with you when you were a child. They may inquire about your medical history as well as past illnesses to see if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
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 let them compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. adult adhd diagnosis uk is to ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you may be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They can 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 also can't be explained by a different mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will consider the results of the testing and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts a report outlining his or her findings, and recommends treatment options. They'll likely provide you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
Having ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the signs include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial problems or problems at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy may aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to find a therapist who has experience working with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They can observe them in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives. They may also review past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and then conduct a medical exam. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to get a complete picture of an individual's life, including the home, work 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. The symptoms must have occurred from before the age of 12 and they are not 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 exhibit at least five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
Therapists can help you develop skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also help with 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 like they have finally figured out what's wrong. It's also often a time of grief for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or relationships or work that have gone wrong. Matlen said it's especially difficult for women and girls whose symptoms may have been missed during childhood or not recognized until they matured.
A doctor or specialist will review the person's life story including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review documents from work and school and interview the person as well as anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't a result of mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical exam The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills, time management, and impulse control. They will also teach the person how to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the problems the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They can also suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's online directory. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or find a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist 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.