ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at home and work. The symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will include an extensive interview with you. It may also involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare provider may also request to interview a loved one.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might have ADHD, it is important to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. It could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause and how you've dealt with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues, as well as any medications you might be taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at minimum two environments (home or school, as well as social situations) and also significantly impairing your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must be constant over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
adhd diagnosis adults include difficulty paying attention, forgetting details, and loosing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattention ADHD may have difficulty following directions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty finishing work on time. They aren't able to sit still or paying attention to other people or keeping track of their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and utter answers before the questions are completed. They are often unable 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 home. These problems are usually linked to a breakdown in relationships or becoming financially strained.
The person who is conducting the evaluation may want to talk with your teachers or parents and review any documentation of your behavior issues as when you were a child. They will likely perform physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, including thyroid issues or seizures.
They will probably suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests when the issues you're having at work, school or in your relationships call for it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you think you or your child might have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should consult an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the test 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 happening. They may also ask to speak with your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They could inquire about your medical history and previous 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 ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to 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 will help ensure that you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you may be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They could also check for a medical issue that may 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 cannot be explained by other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator uses the results of the test and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator drafts a report outlining his or her findings and recommending treatment options. Your child or you are likely to receive a 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 issues at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can help people with ADHD overcome the difficulties they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that often accompany a diagnosis of ADHD. It's important to find a therapist that has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can cause.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD. They can observe the person in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over their past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and then conduct a medical exam. They may also talk with caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their workplace, home, and social surroundings.
For an adolescent or young adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must occur in two or more environments and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, for example 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 demonstrate at minimum five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:
Therapists can help you develop techniques that can reduce the 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 help you develop problem-solving and communication 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
For many, receiving an adult diagnosis can bring relief and a feeling of being able to recognize the cause. It's also a time of sorrow for those who have lost out on opportunities at school or at relationships or jobs that have been ruined. It's particularly hard for girls and women, those whose symptoms might be missed in childhood or not fully appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will review the person's life-history including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review the person's school and work records and talk to them and anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about symptoms. They will check to make sure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression and also ensure that the person does not have an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor may also suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills, time management, and impulse control. The therapist will teach the client to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to talk about the problems that the person is facing at home, at work, and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If someone has difficulty finding a specialist, they can either contact their primary healthcare provider to refer them or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or join an organization that offers local support for adults with ADHD. The specialist can also assist the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication as well as a life coach or therapist to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.