ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A correct 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 evaluation will include an extensive interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for different illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, for example anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with the loved ones of yours.
adhd in adults undiagnosed
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to have an evaluation conducted by a licensed health care professional. This could include psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge of mental disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, the issues they cause and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical background, including any previous mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to recognize at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two settings (home or school and social situations) and seriously 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.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, ignoring details, and losing things. School-related problems are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty following directions, completing assignments or finishing work on time. They have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their personal belongings. They frequently interrupt and utter answers before questions are finished. They have trouble waiting for their turn in conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD may cause difficulties at work, school and home. These issues are usually related to trouble in relationships and having financial problems.
The person who is conducting the assessment may wish to talk with your teachers or parents and review any evidence of your behavior problems as an infant. They will likely perform physical examinations to rule out other medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, such as thyroid issues or seizures.
They might recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing in the event that the issues you are having at school, at work or in your relationships call for it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, you should consult an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral. Contact your insurance company. Search online for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the evaluation, the person conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better idea of what's going on. They may also want to talk to teachers or other people who knew you when you were an infant. They could inquire about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms connected to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator could also utilize questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools let them compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have already been diagnosed. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical examination and a neurological exam. They may also look for a medical issue that may be a symptom of ADHD, such as 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 any other mental disorder such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will utilize the results of the tests and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts a report outlining his or her findings, and recommends solutions. You or your child will likely receive a copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause problems in many aspects of life, including family and work. Some of the signs are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can cause financial difficulties or problems at work or school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the difficulties they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often associated with an diagnosis of ADHD. It's important to find a therapist that has worked with people with ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if a person is suffering from ADHD. They might observe the person in different situations, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, look over past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and conduct an examination for medical reasons. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers to obtain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their work, home and social environment.
For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must occur in more than one setting and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred prior to age 12 and they cannot be better 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 exhibit at least five symptoms in different settings.
A therapist can help teach skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of schedules using a planner or notebook and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to develop problem-solving and communication skills which can assist you 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 people, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and the feeling of finally being able to recognize the cause. It's also often an emotional time, whether for lost opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have been ruined. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for girls and women who's symptoms were overlooked in their childhood or not fully recognized as they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will look over the life story of the person, including the adolescent years and childhood. adhd in adults undiagnosed will review school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't better explained by a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behaviors so they can 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 teach the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is facing at home, at work and in relationships. They can also suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person has trouble finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's directory online. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or find an organization that offers local support for adults with ADHD. The specialist can assist the person find an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive change in their lives.