ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause issues at home and in your professional life. The symptoms can also result in anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment will include a detailed interview with you. It may also include screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, like anxiety or depression. Your healthcare provider might ask to interview a family member.
Diagnosis
It is important to get a licensed health professional examine you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This could include a psychologist, psychiatrist or family doctor nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge in mental disorders. adhd adult diagnosis uk will include a discussion of your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you have dealt with them. The healthcare provider will also look over your medical history, including any prior mental health issues and any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at least two settings (home or school and social situations) and seriously affect your ability to function. The symptoms should have been present for at least six months and be continuous. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, ignoring details, and loosing things. School problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might not be able to follow directions, finish assignments or complete work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before the questions are finished. 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 can cause problems at school, at work and home. These problems are often related to trouble in relationships and having financial problems.
The person conducting the evaluation may want to speak with your teachers or parents and review any documentation of your behavior issues as an infant. They will likely perform an examination of your body to rule out any medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
If you're having issues at school, at work, or with your relationships, they might recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD however they could provide you with valuable information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD, you should consult an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can request a referral, contact your insurance provider or look online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the assessment, the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life to help you gain an understanding of what is happening. They might also talk to teachers or others who knew you when you were a kid. They might 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 also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. You or your child may be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They could also check for a medical issue that may be a symptom of 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of the findings of the test, and suggests treatment options. Your child or you are likely to receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can cause financial issues or issues at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can address feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with expertise in working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is crucial.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They might observe the person in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological testing, and perform an examination for medical reasons. They can also consult with teachers and caregivers to get an accurate picture of a person's life, including their work, home and social environment.
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 occurred 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 show at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can help teach techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of timetables, using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also help you 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
For many people, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and the feeling of knowing what's going on. It can also be a time of sadness regardless of missed opportunities at school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone awry. It's particularly hard for women and girls, whose symptoms might have been missed in childhood or not fully appreciated as they matured, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life story including childhood and adolescence. They will look at documents from work and school and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about their symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't a result of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to assist the person to change their thoughts and actions to help them manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will help the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will help the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or look up their health insurance provider's online directory. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations, or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person find an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their lives.