Seven Explanations On Why ADHD Diagnosis Adult Is Important
ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD will allow you to manage symptoms that can cause problems at home and work. ADHD symptoms can lead to anxiety and depression.
A thorough assessment could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to determine other conditions, such as anxiety or depression that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with your family member.
Diagnosis
It is important to have a licensed health professional assess you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health issues. The evaluation will include a discussion of your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you have overcome them. The healthcare provider will also examine your medical history, including any past mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.
The healthcare professional must be able to recognize at least six signs (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at minimum two different environments (home school, social situations) and significantly affect your functioning. The symptoms must 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.
Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, ignoring details, and loosing things. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattention ADHD might have difficulty adhering to instructions, completing assignments or making sure that work is submitted on time. They may have difficulty sitting still and paying attention to other people or keeping track of their own possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before the questions are completed. They struggle 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 problems at school, at home and work. These problems are usually linked to a breakdown in relationships or having financial problems.
The person conducting the assessment may wish to talk with your parents or teachers and examine any documentation of your behavior issues as a child. They may also conduct a physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, including thyroid issues or seizures.
They may suggest additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're having at work, school or in your relationships demand it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they could give you valuable information about the disorder.
Evaluation
If you suspect that your child or you is suffering from ADHD, it's important to find a qualified health care expert who can assess your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for an appointment, or contact your insurance provider or look online for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also join an adult ADHD support group for recommendations.
During the evaluation the person who is conducting it might ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life in order to gain an understanding of what is happening. They might also talk to teachers and others who knew you when you were a kid. undiagnosed adhd in adults might ask about your medical history and past illnesses to see if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
The evaluator could also utilize questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools let them evaluate your child's behavior with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This will help ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They might also check for a medical issue that could be mimicking ADHD like 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 also can't be explained better by a different mental disorder, like an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. The evaluator will use the results of the test and interview to officially diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will draft an outline of his or her findings and offers treatment options. They will probably give you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause issues in many 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 school. Family and marriage therapy can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can address the feelings of anger and inadequacy which often accompany the diagnosis of ADHD. 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 different methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD and this includes monitoring them in different settings and asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, analyzing their past behavior, taking tests for neuropsychological and psychological testing, and an examination for medical reasons. They may also talk with caregivers and teachers to gain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.
For an young adult or adolescent 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 minimum six months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and cannot be explained by other mental disorder, for example 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 show at least five signs in different situations.
A therapist can help teach skills that reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary and also developing and adhering to routines. They can also help with communication and problem-solving skills which can help with 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
Many people feel relief after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel like they've finally found out what's wrong. It's also often a time of sorrow for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or work or relationships that have been ruined. Matlen said it's especially difficult for women and girls who's symptoms might have been missed during childhood or not recognized until they matured.
A doctor or specialist will look over the life story of the person, which includes the adolescent years and childhood. 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 ensure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression or that the individual is not suffering from an physical issue, such as low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of CBT is to help the patient change their thinking and behavior to manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist the person learn 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 might recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the challenges the person having at work, at home and in relationships. They will also be able suggest support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's directory online. You can also ask your friends and family members for suggestions or contact a local support group for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist 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 day-to-day lives.