ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at home as well as in your professional life. ADHD symptoms can cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will include an extensive interview with you. It could also involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that may look like ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare provider may invite you to speak with a family member.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to be evaluated by a licensed health care professional. This may be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who is specialized in mental health disorders. The exam will include speaking about your symptoms, problems they cause, and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including previous mental health issues, as well as any medication you are taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able to recognize at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at least two environments (home, school, and social situations) and also significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must be constant 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, ignoring details, and losing things. Problems in school are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD may have difficulty following instructions, completing assignments or finishing work on time. They have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own possessions. They frequently interrupt and blurt out answers before the questions are finished. adhd diagnosis in adults uk to hold their own 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, work and home. These problems are usually linked to trouble in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person conducting the assessment is likely to want to talk with your teachers, parents, or parents and see any records you have of your behavior problems as an infant. They will probably do an examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could contribute to your symptoms, including seizures or thyroid issues.
If you have problems at school, at work or in your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, educational disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects your life.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations. Contact your insurance provider. You can also search the internet for professionals that specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group to get recommendations.
During the examination, the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your past and present life to get an understanding of what is going on. They may also want to talk to teachers or other people who were with you when you were a kid. They might ask about your medical history as well as past illnesses to see if you have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
The evaluator may also use 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 let them compare your or child's symptoms with those of other children as well as adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure you or your child is in line with standardized criteria for the diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical examination and an examination of the brain. They could also look for medical issues that could 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 other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an account of the findings and suggests treatments. They will probably provide you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the home. adhd diagnosis in adults uk are forgetfulness and impulsiveness, which can lead to financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Marriage and family therapy may help people with ADHD overcome the difficulties they encounter 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. It is important to find a therapist that has experience working with people who suffer from ADHD and can relate to the unique challenges that this disorder can cause.
Health professionals use a variety of methods to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD. They may observe them in various settings, ask about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives. They may also review the past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and conduct a medical exam. They can also talk to teachers and caregivers to get a complete picture of an individual's life, including the workplace, home and social settings.
The symptoms should be present in at least two settings and disrupt everyday functioning. They must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have occurred from before the age of 12 and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, like 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 exhibit at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings.
A therapist can help teach skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using notebooks, planners or a diary, as well as developing and sticking to routines. They can also teach 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 getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel like they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of grief for those who have lost out on opportunities in school or relationships or jobs that have been ruined. Matlen said it's especially difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully understood as they grew.
A specialist or doctor will review the person's life story including childhood and adolescence. They will look at documents from work and school and then interview the individual and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't better explained by a mental health condition like depression or anxiety.
In addition to a physical examination The doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of CBT is to assist the person to change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more efficiently. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organization skills, managing time and controlling their impulses. They will also instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers for their ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able discuss the challenges the person experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If someone is having trouble finding a specialist doctor, they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's directory online. You can also ask family and friends for recommendations, or find an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can also help to locate an 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 to their day-to-day lives.