ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at work and at home. The symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires to identify other disorders, like anxiety or depression that could coexist or appear similar to ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with a loved one.
Diagnosis
It is crucial to have a licensed health professional examine you if you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in the field of mental disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause and how you have tried to deal with them. how to get diagnosed with adhd uk will also look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at minimum two different environments (home school, social situations) and significantly impair your functioning. 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.
Attention-deficit symptoms include difficulty paying attention, forgetting details, and loosing things. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattention ADHD can have trouble following directions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty making sure that work is submitted 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 answers before the questions are finished. They struggle to wait for their turn in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD may cause difficulties at work, school and at home. These problems are often related to trouble in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person who is conducting the evaluation may want to speak with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavior problems as an infant. They may also conduct physical examinations to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you're suffering from, like thyroid issues or seizures.
If you have problems at school, at work or in your relationships, they might suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can give you important information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD It's crucial to find a certified health care professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance company, or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the evaluation, the person conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They may also talk to teachers and others who were with you when you were in your youth. They could inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if are experiencing any symptoms that may be connected to ADHD, such anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use rating scales and questionnaires to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools let them evaluate your child's behavior with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical and an examination of the neurological system. They might also check for a medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD, such as 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 like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will consider the results of the tests and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an outline of his or her findings and suggests treatments. They may provide you or your child with a copy the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the home. Some of the signs are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can help address the challenges that people with ADHD confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. It is important to find a therapist who has experience working with people with ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can bring up.
Health care professionals use different methods to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They may observe the person in different settings, ask about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review the past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological testing, and perform a medical exam. They may also talk with teachers and caregivers to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their workplace, home, and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must manifest in two or more settings and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at minimum 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 symptoms in various settings.
A therapist can help teach skills that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD, such as planning ahead and keeping track of timetables by using a planner or notebook as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also help with strategies for problem-solving and communication which can help with 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 diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and a sense of finally being able to recognize the cause. It's also an emotional time, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have been ruined. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been missed during childhood or not fully understood as they grew.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life-history including childhood and adolescence. They will examine the records of work and school and then interview the individual and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about the symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The aim of CBT is helping the patient change their thinking and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The Therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills, time management and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist with experience treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the difficulties the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will also be able to suggest support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's directory online. They can also ask their friends and family members for suggestions or contact an area-based support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can assist the person find an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist who can provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their lives.