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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over symptoms that can cause issues at home as well as in your professional life. Symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression. A thorough evaluation will include an in-depth interview with you. It could also include screening questionnaires for other conditions that might resemble ADHD or coexist with it, such as anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may request an interview with your family member. Diagnosis If you suspect that you may have ADHD or other related disorders, it is crucial to have an evaluation conducted by a licensed health care professional. This could include a psychologist, psychiatrist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, problems they cause, and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will look over your medical history, including previous mental health issues as well as any medications you might be taking. The healthcare professional must be able to identify at least six symptoms (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two settings (home, school and social situations) and significantly impair your functioning. The symptoms must be 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. The signs of inattention include a tendency to forget things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People who aren't attentive ADHD can have trouble following directions or completing assignments. They may also have difficulty making sure that work is submitted on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or focusing on their personal possessions. They frequently interrupt and scream out answers before they have finished. 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 kind of ADHD can cause issues at school, home and at work. These problems are often linked to financial difficulties and troubled relationships. The person who is conducting the assessment may wish to speak with your teachers or parents and review any records of your behavioral issues as an infant. They'll probably conduct an examination to rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. If you have problems at work, in school or in your relationships, they may recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, and/or neuropsychological testing. These tests are not able to diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information on how the disorder affects you. Evaluation If you think you or your child may have ADHD and you suspect that they may, you should find a qualified medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can request a referral, contact your insurance company or look online for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for suggestions. During the assessment, the person conducting it will talk to you or your child about your childhood and current life to gain a better understanding of what's going on. They may also want to talk to teachers or others who were with you when you were in your youth. They could inquire about your medical history and past illnesses to see if you are suffering from any issues that look like symptoms of ADHD like anxiety or depression. The evaluator also uses ratings scales and questionnaires to determine the frequency at which your child or you exhibit certain ADHD behaviors and how severe they are. These tools allow them to examine your child's or your child's symptoms with the symptoms of other children and adults who have been diagnosed. This is to ensure that you or your child meets the standard criteria for diagnosis. They might also give you or your child a physical exam and an examination of the brain. They can also look for medical conditions that could be the 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. The evaluator will utilize the results of the testing and interview to determine an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator is expected to write an outline of his or her findings and recommends treatment options. They will probably provide you or your child with copies of the report. Treatment Being diagnosed with ADHD can create problems in many areas of life, including family and work. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can cause financial issues or problems at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy may aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the difficulties they face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and inadequacy frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. It is important to find a therapist who has experience working with individuals who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges that this disorder can bring about. Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine whether someone is suffering from ADHD. They can observe them in various environments, inquire about their symptoms and the effects they have on their lives, look over past behavior, conduct psychological and neuropsychological tests, and then conduct a medical exam. They may also consult with teachers and caregivers to get the complete picture of the person's life, including their home, work and social settings. For an adolescent or young adult to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must manifest in more than one setting and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have occurred from before the age of 12 and cannot be 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 minimum five of the following symptoms in multiple settings: A therapist can teach techniques that can help to alleviate symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules using a planner or notebook as well as developing and adhering to routines. They can also teach strategies for problem-solving and communication that can aid in 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 receiving a diagnosis as an adult. They feel as if they finally know what's wrong. It's also often a time of sorrow, whether for lost opportunities at school or at work or relationships that have failed. Matlen explained that it's especially difficult for women and girls who's symptoms might have been missed during childhood or not recognized until they matured. A doctor or specialist will look over the life story of the person, which includes the adolescent years and childhood. They will look at the records of work and school and then interview the individual and anyone else who is familiar with them and ask questions about the symptoms. They will check to make sure that the symptoms aren't more easily explained by a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety and also ensure that the person does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or a hearing or vision impairment. The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical exam. The purpose of CBT is to assist the patient change their thinking and actions so they can manage their ADHD more effectively. adult adhd diagnoses will assist the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. They will also teach the person to identify and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms. Some doctors might refer the person to a psychologist or psychiatrist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can discuss the problems the person is experiencing at work, home and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD. If a person has trouble finding a specialized doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance company's online directory. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions, or join an adult local ADHD support group. The specialist can assist the person locate a psychiatrist or neurologist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.