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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing the symptoms that can cause trouble both at home and in your professional life. The symptoms of ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will include an in-depth interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for different conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
It is important to have a licensed health professional examine you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you have managed them. The healthcare provider will examine your medical background, including any previous mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at least two different environments (home school, at home, and social situations) as well as significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be continuous. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include a tendency to forget things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. Problems in school are also common. adhd diagnosis in adult who aren't attentive ADHD might have difficulty following directions and completing assignments, or making sure that work is submitted on time. They have trouble sitting still or paying attention to other people or keeping track of their own possessions. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They aren't able to hold their own during games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD could cause problems at school, at work and at home. adhd in adults diagnosis are often connected to financial issues and strained relationships.
The person who is conducting 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 probably conduct a physical exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could contribute to your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
They might recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests if the problems you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
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If you suspect that your child or you has ADHD It's crucial to find a certified health expert who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also request recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life in order to gain an comprehension of what is happening. They may also want to speak with your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They might ask about your medical history as well as past illnesses to see if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools allow them to evaluate your child's behavior with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed. This is to ensure that your child or you meet standardized criteria for the diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical exam and a neurological exam. They could also check for a medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD like 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 cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the testing and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will draft an account of his or her findings and recommends treatments. Your child or you will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create difficulties in a variety of areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can lead to financial problems or trouble at school or work. Marriage and family therapy may aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to find a therapist that has experience working with individuals who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health professionals employ different methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD and this includes watching them in various settings and asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing past behavior, conducting tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as an examination for medical reasons. They may also talk with caregivers and teachers to gain a complete picture of the individual's life. This includes their home, workplace and social surroundings.
For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must be present in two or more settings and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. Symptoms must have been occurring prior to age 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, like 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 show at least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings:
Therapists can help you develop techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using notebooks, planners or a diary, as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to improve your communication and problem-solving skills that can 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 feel relieved after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel that they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow regardless of the missed opportunities in school or at work or relationships that have gone off the rails. It's particularly hard for women and girls, those whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will examine the entire life history of the person, which includes childhood and adolescence. They will review school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about their symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't a result of a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to a physical examination, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist individuals change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as managing time and controlling their impulses. The therapist will teach the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the problems the person is experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's online directory. They can also ask their friends and family members for suggestions or contact an organization that offers local support for adults with ADHD. The specialist can assist the person find an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to offer strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their lives.