Ten Stereotypes About ADHD Diagnosis Adult That Aren't Always The Truth
ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
A clear diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. Symptoms of ADHD can also cause depression and anxiety.
A thorough assessment will involve an in-depth interview with you. It could also involve screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, for example anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may also suggest an interview with the loved ones of yours.
Diagnosis
If you believe you may have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to get an evaluation by an accredited health professional. This could be psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in the field of mental disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the issues they cause, and how you've tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will also examine your medical background, including any previous mental health problems and any other medications you are taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different environments (home or school, as well as social situations) and be significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms must have been present for at least six 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, forgetting details, and loosing things. The school environment can also be a problem. People with inattention ADHD may not follow instructions and assignments, or turn in work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own activities. They often interrupt and utter answers before the questions are completed. They don't want to wait for their turn during conversations or games.
Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can lead to issues at school, home and at work. These issues are usually related to problems in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.
The person who is conducting the assessment may wish to talk with your teachers or parents and examine any records of your behavior problems as a child. They will likely perform an examination of your body to rule out other medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms you are suffering from, like thyroid issues or seizures.
If you have problems at work, in school or in your relationships, they could recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you.
adhd diagnosing
If you suspect that your child or you may have ADHD, it's important to find a qualified medical professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, talk to your insurance company, or search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also request suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.
During the evaluation the person who conducts it could ask you or your child questions about your childhood and current life in order to gain an understanding of what is happening. They may also want to talk to your teachers or others who were with you when you were a child. They might inquire about your medical background and past ailments to determine if you have any symptoms related to ADHD like depression or anxiety.
The evaluator will also use 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 allow them to compare your or child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have already been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure that you or your child meets the criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you might be subject to a neurological or physical examination. 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 also can't be explained by a different mental disorder, such as an anxiety or mood disorder. The evaluator will utilize the results of the testing and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report that outlines his or her findings and offers treatment options. Your child or you are likely to receive the report in a paper.
Treatment
ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the signs include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can lead to financial problems or trouble at work or school. Family and marriage therapy can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with expertise in working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is crucial.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if a person has ADHD. They can observe the person in different situations, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, review past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial testing, and perform an examination for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of the individual's life. This includes their work, home and social setting.
For an young adult or adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must be present in more than one setting and seriously affect their daily functioning. They have to be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have occurred from before the age of 12 and they are not explained by other mental disorders, such as 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 a variety of environments.
A therapist can teach techniques that can help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD like making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules, using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also help you improve your communication and problem-solving skills that can help you 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.
Support
Many people feel relieved after receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel that they have finally figured out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow regardless of missed opportunities at school or in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone off the rails. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for girls and women whose symptoms may have been overlooked in their childhood or not recognized until they grew older.
A doctor or specialist will examine the patient's life history, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will review documents from work and school and interview the person as well as anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health condition, like anxiety or depression and also ensure that the person does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical examination, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to assist a person change their thoughts and behaviors to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will assist the person learn strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the challenges the person experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will also be able suggest support groups for adults suffering from ADHD and other resources.
If a person has trouble finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance company's online directory. They can also ask friends and family members for recommendations or contact a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can help to locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to provide them with practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes to their lives every day.