ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause problems 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. It may also involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, like anxiety or depression. Your healthcare provider might ask to interview a family member.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by an accredited health professional. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare professional will also examine your medical history, including any past mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare provider must be able to recognize at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different settings (home school, social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. The symptoms must 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, ignoring details, and loosing things. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD can have trouble following directions, completing assignments or making sure that work is submitted 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 are finished. They struggle to wait for their turn in games or conversations.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can lead to problems at home, school and at work. adhd diagnosis uk adult are often related to problems in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person conducting the assessment will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and review any records you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They will likely perform physical examinations to rule out other medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are experiencing at school, work or in your relationships demand it. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD, but they can provide you with important information about the disorder.
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If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should seek out an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request an appointment, or contact your insurance company or look online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also request suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation the person who conducts the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better idea of what's going on. They might also talk to teachers and others who knew you when you were in your youth. They may inquire about your medical history and past ailments to determine if have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools let them examine your child's or your child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may also undergo a neurological and 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 can't be explained better by a different mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety. The evaluator analyzes the results of the test and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of the findings and suggests solutions. You or your child will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the family. Some of the symptoms include impulsive and forgetfulness that can lead to financial problems or problems at work or at school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the challenges they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is essential to find a therapist that has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges this disorder can cause.
Health care professionals employ different methods to assess whether someone has ADHD by monitoring them in different situations, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and medical examinations. adhd in adults undiagnosed may also talk with teachers and caregivers in order to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
For an young adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in more than one setting and significantly affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have developed prior to the age of 12 and are not attributed to 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. They must display at least five signs in a variety of situations.
A therapist can help teach techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using notebooks, planners or a diary, as well as developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication 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
For many, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and a feeling of finally being able to recognize the cause. It can also be an emotional time for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or work or relationships that have gone wrong. It's especially tough for girls and women whose symptoms might have been missed in childhood or not fully appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will look over the person's entire life-history, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review the person's work and school records and interview them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also inquire about the symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms are not better explained by another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, and that the person does not have physical issues such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. They will also instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If a person is having difficulty finding a specialist they can request their primary care physician to refer them or look up the online directory of their health insurance company. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or find a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can also assist the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication, and an therapist or a life coach to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.