15 Things You're Not Sure Of About ADHD Diagnosis Adult ADHD Diagnosis For Adults

A correct diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. ADHD symptoms can cause depression and anxiety.

A thorough assessment will involve a detailed interview with you. It could also involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, like anxiety or depression. Your healthcare provider may also suggest an interview with your loved ones.

Diagnosis

If you believe you may have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by an accredited health professional. This may be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor, or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health disorders. The evaluation will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, as well as how you have dealt with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any past mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.

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

The signs of inattention include forgetting things, loosing things, and having trouble paying attention. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty adhering to instructions and completing assignments, or finishing work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still or paying attention to other people or keeping track of their own belongings. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They aren't able to hold their own 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 home, school and work. These problems are usually linked to a breakdown in relationships or becoming financially strained.


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

If you are experiencing difficulties at work, in school or in your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects you.

Evaluation

If you suspect that your child or you is suffering from ADHD, it's important to find a certified health expert who can assess your symptoms. You can request an appointment, or contact your insurance provider or search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.

During the test the person who is conducting the test will speak to you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also want to speak with teachers and others who were with you when you were a kid. They could inquire about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if have any symptoms that may be connected to ADHD like depression or anxiety.

The evaluator may also use ratings scales and questionnaires to determine how often you or your child displays certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools can help them to compare your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to ensure that you or your child is in line with standardized criteria for the diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical and a neurological exam. They can also look for medical issues that may be a 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator analyzes the results of the test and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an outline of the findings and offers solutions. They may provide you or your child with a copy the report.

Treatment

Being diagnosed with ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life, such as family and work. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can lead to financial problems or problems at work or at school. Family therapy and marriage counseling can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the obstacles they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and inadequacy often associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It's important to find a therapist that has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.

Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine whether someone has ADHD. They may observe the person in various settings, ask about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over the past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and then conduct a medical exam. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain an accurate picture of the person's life, including the work, home and social environment.

For adhd diagnosis in adult or adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must occur in more than one setting and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have been present since before age 12, and they cannot be better 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 display at least five signs in various situations.

A therapist can help teach skills that help reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using the planner, notebook or diary and also establishing 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 that they finally know what's wrong. It's also often an emotional time due to missed opportunities at school or at relationships or jobs that have failed. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not recognized until they grew older.

A specialist or doctor will examine the entire life history of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will examine the person's school and work documents and interview them as well as anyone they know well. They will also ask about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.

In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist people change their thinking and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The counselor will instruct the patient on strategies to improve their organization skills as well as time management, and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the client to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.

Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. They will be able to discuss the challenges the person experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.

If a person is having trouble finding a specialist They can request their primary care physician to refer them to a specialist or search the online directory of their health insurance company. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions or join an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.