ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause issues at home as well as in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will involve a detailed interview with you and may include screening questionnaires for different conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may also request to interview a loved one.
Diagnosis
It is important to get a licensed health professional evaluate you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health disorders. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you have overcome them. The healthcare provider will also review your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any other medications you're taking.
To make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider must be able to identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two different settings (home or school and social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. The symptoms should 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.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, forgetting details, and losing things. In school, problems are common. People who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty following instructions and completing assignments, or submitting work on time. They may have trouble sitting still, paying close attention to others or focusing on themselves. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they are finished. They don't want 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 kind of ADHD can cause issues at school, home and work. These problems are often linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships.
The person conducting the assessment might want to talk with your parents or teachers, and look at any records of your behavioral issues as when you were a child. They may also conduct an examination of your body to rule out any other medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, including thyroid issues or seizures.
If you are experiencing difficulties at work, in school or in your relationships, they might suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they could give you valuable information about the disorder.
You can also check out our website for more information.
If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment, or contact your insurance company or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for suggestions.
During the assessment, the person conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They may also want to talk to your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They could inquire about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms related to ADHD like anxiety or depression.
The evaluator also uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help them to compare your child's symptoms with the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to ensure that your child or you meet standardized criteria for the diagnosis. Your child or you might be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They may also check for medical issues that may be a cause of ADHD, such a 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 cannot be explained by a different mental disorder, such as an anxiety or mood disorder. Your evaluator will consider the results of the tests and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator writes an account of his or her findings and suggests treatments. You or your child will likely receive an electronic copy.
Treatment
Having ADHD can cause issues in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the signs include impulsive and forgetfulness that can cause financial issues or trouble at work or at school. Family and marriage therapy can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with experience 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 may observe the person in different situations, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to get an accurate picture of an individual's life, including their home, work and social environments.
The symptoms are required to be present in at minimum two locations and interfere with the daily activities. They must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have been present from before the age of 12 and cannot be 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 exhibit at minimum five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:
A therapist can help teach techniques that can alleviate symptoms of ADHD by making plans ahead and keeping track of schedules by using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication 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.
adhd adult diagnosis uk
For many, receiving a diagnosis in adulthood can bring relief and the feeling of knowing what's going on. It's also often a time of sorrow, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have gone wrong. It's particularly difficult for girls and women those whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said.
A specialist or doctor will examine the patient's life-history including childhood and adolescence. They will review the person's school and work records and talk to them and anyone else who knows them well. They will also inquire about symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't better explained by a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
The specialist may also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills as well as time management and impulse control. adhd adult diagnosis uk will also show the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is facing at home, at work, and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD.
If someone has difficulty finding an expert, they can either request their primary care physician to refer them or look up the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask your friends and family members for suggestions or contact an area-based support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help the person find a neurologist or psychiatrist 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 daily lives.