ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage the symptoms that can cause trouble both at home and in your professional life. Symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to identify other disorders, like anxiety or depression, which might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with your loved ones.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to be evaluated by an authorized health care professional. This could include a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and the ways you've overcome them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history including past mental health issues as well as any medication you are taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two settings (home school, social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. The symptoms should have been 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.
Signs of inattention include forgetting things, losing items, and having difficulty paying attention. Problems in school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not be able to follow directions or complete assignments or complete work on time. They aren't able to sit still or paying attention to other people or keeping track of their own possessions. They frequently 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 can cause problems at school, at home and at work. These problems are often related to trouble in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person doing the evaluation is likely to want to talk with your teachers, parents, or parents and see any records you have of your behavior problems as a child. They'll likely conduct a physical exam to determine if there are any other medical conditions that may contribute to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid issues.
If you are experiencing difficulties at work, in school, or with your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they could provide you with important information about the disorder.
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If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance provider or look online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the evaluation, the person conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They may also want to talk to your teachers or others who knew you as a child. They may ask about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if you have any symptoms related to ADHD, such depression or anxiety.
The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you display 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. This is to make sure that you or your child meet the criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical examination and an examination of the neurological system. They might also check for a medical issue that could be mimicking ADHD like 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 also can't be better explained by another mental disorder, like an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. The evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an outline of his or her findings and offers treatments. Your child or you are likely to receive a copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause problems in many aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to financial issues or issues at work or school. More and marriage therapy can aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They may observe them in various settings, ask about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review the past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to get an accurate picture of a person's life, including work, home and social settings.
The symptoms should be present in at least two different settings and affect daily functioning. They must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must have been present since before age 12, and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, like 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 display at least five signs in different situations.
Therapists can help you develop techniques that can reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using notebooks, planners or a diary and also developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach 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
For many, receiving an adult diagnosis can be a relief and a sense of being able to recognize the cause. It's also an emotional time for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or relationships or work that have been ruined. It's particularly hard for girls and women, who's symptoms may be missed in the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will examine the entire life history of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's school and work records and talk to them and anyone else who knows them well. They will also inquire about the signs. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition such as depression or anxiety or that the individual is not suffering from a physical problem like low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
The doctor may also recommend 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 so they can better manage their ADHD. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills as well as time management and impulse control. They will also show the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist with experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the problems the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will also be able suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or look up their health insurance company's online directory. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or find an organization that offers local support for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can also assist to locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a therapist or life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.