ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues both at home and in your professional life. ADHD symptoms can result in depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will include an in-depth 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 professional may also request to interview a loved one.
Diagnosis
If you believe you might have ADHD, it is important to be evaluated by an accredited health professional. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the issues they cause, as well as how you have dealt with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any prior mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.
To diagnose, the healthcare provider must determine at minimum six characteristics (symptoms) of ADHD. They should be seen in at minimum two different environments (home, school and social situations) and significantly impair your functioning. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be consistent. 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, ignoring details, and loosing things. School-related problems are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD can have trouble adhering to instructions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty submitting work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their personal belongings. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they are finished. They aren't able to hold their own during conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can lead to problems at home, school and at work. These issues are usually related to a breakdown in relationships or becoming financially strained.
The person who is doing the assessment may wish to talk with your teachers or parents and examine any evidence of your behavior problems as an infant. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures.
They will probably recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're having at school, at work or in your relationships call for it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD, but they can give you useful information regarding the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect you or your child might have ADHD or other disorders, you should find an experienced health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment, or contact your insurance company, or search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. adhd diagnosis uk adult can also join an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the evaluation the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life in order to gain a better understanding of what is going on. They might also request to talk to your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They could inquire about your medical history and past 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 the frequency at which your child or you display certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools will help them to compare your child's behavior to the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you may be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They could also look for medical issues that could be the cause of ADHD such as 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 can't be explained better by a different mental disorder, like depression or anxiety. Your evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write a report that outlines the findings and recommends treatments. You or your child are likely to receive a copy.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work as well as in the home. Some of the symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can cause financial issues or issues at work or school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can help people with ADHD overcome the challenges they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist who has expertise in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is important.
Health care professionals employ various methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD and this includes monitoring them in different environments and asking them about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain the complete picture of the person's life, including their work, home and social environments.
For an adolescent or young adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must occur in two or more settings and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have developed prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, such as 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 demonstrate at least five of the symptoms in a variety of settings.
Therapists can help students develop skills that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules, using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach the skills of communication and problem-solving that can help 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 a diagnosis in adulthood can be a relief and the feeling of being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of grief, whether it's for missed opportunities at school, at work or relationships that have gone off the rails. It's especially tough for girls and women who's symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, which includes childhood and adolescence. adhd diagnosis uk adult will review the person's academic and work documents and interview them as well as anyone they know well. They will also ask about symptoms. They will check to make sure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition, like anxiety or depression 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 treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The goal of CBT is to help the person to change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also show the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the person to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They can talk about the problems that the patient is experiencing at home, at work and in relationships. They will be able to recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.
If someone has difficulty finding a specialist They can ask their primary care provider to refer them to a specialist or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask your friends and family members for recommendations or join a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can also help the person find a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication as well as a life coach or therapist to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.