ADHD Diagnosis For Adults

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage the symptoms that can cause trouble at home and in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also result in depression and anxiety.

A thorough assessment will involve a detailed interview with you. It could also include screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, for example depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional could also suggest an interview with the loved ones of yours.

Diagnosis

It is crucial to have a licensed health professional evaluate you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, problems they create and the ways you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history, including previous mental health issues and any medications you might be taking.

Click On this page has to be able to identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different environments (home or school, as well as social situations) as well as significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms should have been present for at least 6 months and be constant. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.

Symptoms of inattentiveness include forgetting things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD may not follow instructions, finish assignments or complete work on time. They have trouble sitting still or paying attention to other people or keeping track of their personal possessions. They often interrupt and scream out answers before they have 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 at home. These problems are usually linked to trouble in relationships and becoming financially strained.

The person conducting the evaluation may want to talk with your parents or teachers and review any evidence of your behavior problems as a child. They will likely perform a physical examination to rule out other medical conditions that may be causing the symptoms you're experiencing, including seizures or thyroid issues.

If you have problems at work, in school, or with your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.

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If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, it's important to find a certified medical professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company, or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.

During the evaluation the person who conducts it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They might also talk to teachers or others who knew you when you were an infant. They may inquire about your medical history as well as past ailments to determine if have any problems that look like symptoms of ADHD like depression or anxiety.

The evaluator also uses 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 let them evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed. This is to make sure that you or your child meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also look for medical issues that could be a cause of ADHD such as thyroid issue 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 utilize the results of the test and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an outline of his or her findings and recommends treatments. They will probably provide you or your child with copies of the report.

Treatment

Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause difficulties in a variety of areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms include impulsivity and forgetfulness which can cause financial problems or problems at school or work. Family and marriage therapy can help people with ADHD overcome the difficulties they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is important.

Health care professionals use different ways to determine if a person has ADHD and this includes monitoring them in different settings, asking about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and medical examinations. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of the person's life, including work, home and social settings.

For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must be present in two or more environments and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must be present for a minimum of 6 months. Symptoms must have been occurring since before age 12, and they are not explained by other mental disorders, 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 show at least five of the following symptoms in multiple settings:

A therapist can help teach techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD, such as planning ahead and keeping track of schedules using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to improve your communication and problem-solving 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, receiving an adult diagnosis can be a relief and a feeling of being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of sorrow due to missed opportunities in school or work or relationships that have been ruined. Matlen said it's especially difficult for women and girls who's symptoms were overlooked in their childhood or not recognized until they matured.

A specialist or doctor will review the person's life story including childhood and adolescence. They will review school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about their symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't better explained by another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression or that the individual does not have physical issues such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.

The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The purpose of cognitive behavior 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 organizational skills, managing time and controlling their impulses. They will also instruct the person how to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.

Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is experiencing at home, work and in relationships. They can recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.

If someone is having 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 an organization that offers local support for adults with ADHD. The specialist can assist the person locate an expert psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist who can give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.