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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and home. The symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will involve an in-depth interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
If you believe you may have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by a licensed health care professional. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner who has expertise in the field of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including previous mental health issues and any medications you may be taking.
To determine a diagnosis the healthcare professional must determine at minimum six traits (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at minimum two different environments (home, school and social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. 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.
Attention-deficit symptoms include difficulty paying attention, losing track of details, and losing things. Problems in school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD can have trouble following directions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty finishing work on time. They aren't able to sit still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their personal possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They can't wait their turn during 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 school, at work and at home. These problems are often linked to financial problems and troubled relationships.
The person who is doing the assessment may wish to talk with your teachers or parents, and look at any evidence of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. They'll likely conduct an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, including seizures or thyroid problems.
If get diagnosed with adhd are experiencing difficulties at work, in school or in your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide you with important information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you think you or your child may have ADHD, you should consult a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your physician for recommendations. Contact your insurance company. Search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the test, the person conducting 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 talk to teachers and other people who were with you when you were a kid. They could inquire about your medical history as well as past ailments to determine if are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator can also employ questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools will help them compare your or your child's behavior to 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 criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They may also look for a medical condition that may be mimicking ADHD, such as 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 other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interviews to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of the findings of the test, and recommends treatment options. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can lead to financial problems or problems at work or at school. Family therapy and marriage can help address the challenges that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to choose a therapist who has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can bring up.
Health professionals employ a variety of ways to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD and this includes observing them in several situations and asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as medical examinations. They may also consult caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their home, workplace and social surroundings.
The symptoms should be present in at least two different settings and disrupt the daily activities. They have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have manifested before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, such as 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. adhd diagnosis in adults must demonstrate at minimum five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
Therapists can help students develop skills that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also teach communication and problem-solving skills that can help 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 that they finally know what's wrong. It's also a time of grief for those who have lost out on opportunities at school or at relationships or jobs that have been ruined. It's especially tough for girls and women whose symptoms might have been missed in the early years or not appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will look over the life story of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the person's work and school records and interview them and anyone they know well. They will also inquire about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't a result of mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills, managing time and controlling their impulses. They will also teach the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist 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 also be able suggest support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's directory online. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or join an area-based support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a therapist or life coach to help them develop strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.