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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults

Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at home as well as in your professional life. These symptoms can lead to depression and anxiety.

A thorough assessment could include a thorough interview and screening questionnaires that help to determine other disorders, like depression or anxiety, that may coexist or look like ADHD. Your healthcare professional may also request to interview a loved one.

Diagnosis

If you believe you might be suffering from ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by an accredited health professional. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable in mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will also look over your medical history, including any prior mental health issues as well as any other medications you are taking.

The healthcare provider must be able to recognize at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two environments (home school, at home, and social situations) as well as significantly affecting your performance. The symptoms must be 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.

Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention, losing track of details, and loosing things. School problems are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD might have difficulty adhering to instructions, completing assignments or submitting work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or keeping track of their own possessions. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they are finished. They aren't able to hold their own during conversations or games.

Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptoms include restlessness, fidgeting or excessively tapping hands and speaking without thinking. This kind of ADHD can cause issues at school, 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 review any documentation of your behavior issues as a child. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you are experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.

If you have problems at school, at work or in your relationships, they could suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects your life.

Evaluation

If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should seek out an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, talk to your insurance provider or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also seek recommendations from an adult ADHD support group.

During the evaluation the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life to get an comprehension of what is going on. They may also want to speak with teachers and others who were with you when you were a kid. They may ask about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if are experiencing any symptoms connected to ADHD like anxiety or depression.

The evaluator may 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 let them evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to make sure you or your child meets the criteria that are standard for diagnosing. You or your child may be subject to a neurological or physical exam. They could also look for medical conditions that could mimic 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 cannot be explained by a different mental disorder, like an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder. The evaluator analyzes the results of the tests and interview to diagnose ADHD. The evaluator will draft an outline of his or her findings and offers treatment options. They'll likely give you or your child with copies of the report.

Treatment

Having ADHD can cause problems in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can cause financial difficulties or problems at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy can help address the challenges that people with ADHD face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help alleviate feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often a result of an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to choose a therapist who has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can bring up.

Health care professionals use various methods to determine if someone has ADHD and this includes monitoring them in different situations and asking them about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, examining the past behavior, performing psychological and neuropsychological tests and a medical examination. They may also consult teachers and caregivers to gain a complete picture of the person's life. This includes their home, workplace and social environment.

For an adolescent or young adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must manifest in more than one setting and significantly affect their daily functioning. They must have been present for at least 6 months. The symptoms must have occurred from before the age of 12 and they are not 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 exhibit at minimum five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:

A therapist can help teach skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using the planner, notebook or diary and also establishing and sticking to routines. They can also assist you to 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 feel relief after being diagnosed as adults. They feel as if they finally know what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow in the form of missed opportunities at school, in the workplace, or for relationships that have gone off the rails. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for girls and women who's symptoms might have been missed during childhood or not recognized until they grew older.

A specialist or doctor will review the life history of the individual, including childhood and adolescence. They will review school and work records and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety or that the individual is not suffering from physical issues such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.

In  adhd diagnosing  to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist individuals change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the person develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will instruct the client to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.

Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to talk about the problems that the person is having at home, at work, and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults with ADHD.

If someone has difficulty finding a specialist They can ask their primary care provider to refer them or look up the directory online of their health insurance company. You could also ask family members and friends for suggestions, or join a local adult ADHD support group. 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 daily lives.