Ten Common Misconceptions About ADHD Diagnosis Adult That Don't Always Hold
ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you manage symptoms that can cause problems at home and in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also lead to anxiety and depression.
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, such as depression or anxiety. Your healthcare professional may ask to interview the family member of yours.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to get an evaluation by an accredited health professional. It could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or family doctor, or nurse practitioner that specializes in mental health issues. The assessment will include a discussion of your symptoms, the problems they cause, and the ways you have managed them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including any past mental health issues as well as any medication you are taking.
The healthcare provider has to be able identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They should be seen in at minimum two different environments (home or school and social situations) and significantly affect your ability to function. The symptoms must be present for at least six months, and they must be consistent over time. 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, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. Problems in school are also common. People with inattention ADHD can have trouble following instructions, completing assignments or finishing work on time. They may have difficulty sitting still and paying attention to other people or focusing on their personal belongings. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they have finished their questions. They struggle to wait for their turn 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 school, at home and at work. These problems are usually linked to trouble in relationships and becoming financially strained.
The person who is conducting the test will probably want to talk with your parents and/or teachers and see any records you have of your behavior problems as an infant. They'll likely conduct an examination of your body to rule out other medical conditions which may be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, such as seizures or thyroid problems.
If you have problems at school, at work or with your relationships, they could suggest additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological testing. These tests aren't able to diagnose ADHD however they could give you important information about the disorder.
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If you suspect you or your child may be suffering from ADHD, you should consult an experienced health professional who can evaluate your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company, or search online for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You can also request 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 current life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They may also ask to talk to your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They might ask about your medical history as well as past illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression.
adhd diagnosis adults uk uses questionnaires and ratings scales to determine the frequency at which you or your child displays 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. This will help ensure that you or your child meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. They may also offer you or your child a physical examination and an examination of the neurological system. They might also check for any medical condition that may be a symptom of ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
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 better by a different mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interviews to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator will write an account of his or her findings and recommends solutions. They may provide you or your child with a copy of the report.
Treatment
Being diagnosed with ADHD can create problems in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the signs are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can lead to financial issues or issues at school or work. Family and marriage therapy can aid those suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they encounter in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can help alleviate the feelings of frustration and inadequacy that are often associated with an diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist with experience in working with ADHD patients and who can relate to their unique challenges is crucial.
Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They can observe them in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over their past behavior as well as conduct neuropsychological and psychosocial tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. They may also consult with caregivers and teachers to get a complete picture of an individual's life, including their workplace, home and social environments.
For an adolescent or young adult to receive a diagnosis of ADHD the symptoms must occur in more than one setting and severely interfere with their daily functioning. They must be present for at least six months. Symptoms must have been occurring prior to age 12 and they cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, like 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 demonstrate at least five of the symptoms in multiple settings:
A therapist can help teach skills that can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD like planning ahead and keeping track of schedules, using a notebook or planner and establishing and adhering to routines. They can also assist you to develop communication and problem-solving abilities 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
For many people, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can bring relief and the feeling of being able to recognize the cause. It can also be a time of grief 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 women and girls whose symptoms may have been ignored in childhood or were not fully recognized as they matured.
A doctor or specialist will review the life history of the person, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at documents from work and school, interview the person and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about their symptoms. They will make sure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person does not have physical issues such as low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment.
In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT is to assist the person to change their thoughts and behavior to manage their ADHD more effectively. The therapist will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will teach the patient to recognize and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.
Some doctors will refer the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They can discuss the issues the person is having at work, at home and in relationships. They will also be able to suggest support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources.
If a person has trouble finding a specialized doctor, they can ask their primary care provider for a referral or search their health insurance provider's online directory. adhd adult diagnosis uk can also ask family and friends for suggestions, or contact a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication, and a life coach or therapist to give them strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their lives.