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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults

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

A thorough assessment will include an in-depth interview with you. It could also involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, like depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may invite you to speak with a family member.

Diagnosis

If you think that you might have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to get an evaluation by a licensed health care professional. This could be psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who has expertise of mental disorders. The assessment will include talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause, and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare professional will also review your medical history, including any prior mental health problems and any other medications you're taking.

The healthcare provider has to be able to identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at least two environments (home or school, as well as social situations) as well as significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms must have been present for at minimum 6 months and be consistent. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.

Symptoms of inattentiveness include forgetting things, loosing items, and having difficulty paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattention ADHD can have trouble adhering to instructions, completing assignments or making sure that work is submitted on time.  adults diagnosed with adhd  have trouble sitting still, paying attention to others or focusing on their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before questions are finished. They are often unable to wait for their turn in games or conversations.

Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This type of ADHD can cause problems at school, at work and home. These problems are usually linked to trouble in relationships and getting into financial difficulties.

The person who is conducting the test will likely want to speak with your teachers, parents, or parents and look over any documentation you have of your issues with behavior as an infant. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any medical conditions which may be causing the symptoms you are experiencing, including thyroid issues or seizures.

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

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If you suspect that you or your child might have 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 a referral, contact your insurance provider or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also ask for suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.

During the assessment the person who is conducting it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They may also want to speak with your teachers and others who were with you when you were a child. They may ask about your medical history and past illnesses to determine if have any symptoms that may be connected to ADHD like depression or anxiety.

The evaluator could also utilize rating scales and questionnaires in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools can help compare your or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to make sure you or your child is in line with the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you may be subject to a neurological or physical examination. They may also look for any medical condition that could be mimicking ADHD like seizures or thyroid problems.

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. Your evaluator will use the results of the tests and interview to arrive at an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write a report that outlines the findings and offers treatment options. They'll likely give you or your child with a copy the report.

Treatment

ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can result in financial issues or problems at school or work. Family therapy and marriage can assist in addressing the issues that people with ADHD confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often associated with the diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their specific challenges is essential.

Health care professionals employ different methods to assess whether someone is suffering from ADHD, including observing them in several environments and asking them about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, reviewing past behavior, conducting tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as an examination for medical reasons. They may also talk with teachers and caregivers to get a full picture of the individual's life. This includes their workplace, home, and social environment.

For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must manifest in two or more environments and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must have been present for a minimum of 6 months. The symptoms must have manifested prior to the age of 12 and cannot be explained by any other mental disorder, 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 show at least five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings.

Therapists can help you develop skills that help reduce symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead, keeping track of schedules and using the planner, notebook or diary, as well as developing and sticking to routines. They can also help you improve your communication and problem-solving skills that will 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 find relief in receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel as if they have finally figured out what's wrong. It's also a time of grief, whether for lost opportunities in school or relationships or work that have failed. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been overlooked in their childhood or not fully recognized as they grew older.

A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, which includes childhood and adolescence. They will review the records of work and school and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about their symptoms. They will make sure the symptoms aren't caused by mental health issues like depression or anxiety.

The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The aim of CBT is helping the patient change their thinking and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will help the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills, and impulse control. The therapist will help the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that lead to ADHD symptoms.

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

If someone has difficulty finding a specialist, they can either ask their primary care provider to refer them to a specialist or search the directory online of their health insurance company. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations, or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can also help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as a therapist or life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.