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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults A proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause issues at home and in your professional life. Symptoms of ADHD can also result in depression and anxiety. A thorough evaluation may include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, like anxiety or depression that might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare provider may invite you to speak with a family member. Diagnosis It is crucial to have a licensed health professional assess you if you think you might have ADHD. It could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or a family doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in mental health issues. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the problems they cause and how you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history, including previous mental health issues as well as any medications you might be taking. The healthcare professional must be able identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They must occur in at least two settings (home, school and social situations) and seriously affect your functioning. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and be constant. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both. The signs of inattention include forgetting things, losing things, and having trouble paying attention. School-related problems are also common. People with inattentive ADHD may have difficulty following instructions, completing assignments or submitting work on time. They have trouble sitting still or paying attention to other people or keeping track of their own belongings. They frequently interrupt and blurt answers before they are finished. They struggle 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 kind of ADHD may cause problems at school, at work and at home. These problems are usually linked to financial problems and troubled relationships. The person conducting the assessment will probably want to talk with your teachers, parents, or parents and look over any documentation you have of your behavioral issues as a child. They'll likely conduct an examination to determine if there are any other medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizures. They might recommend additional neuropsychological, psychological and/or learning disabilities testing when the issues you're experiencing at school, work or in your relationships require it. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable information about how the disorder affects your life. Evaluation If you think you or your child may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, you should seek out an experienced medical professional who can examine your symptoms. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company or search online for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also go to an adult ADHD support group for suggestions. During the evaluation the person conducting it may ask you or your child questions about your childhood and present life in order to gain an comprehension of what is going on. They may also want to speak with your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They might ask about your medical history and previous ailments to determine if have any issues that appear like symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression. The evaluator can also employ questionnaires and rating scales to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, and how often they occur. These tools let them 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 your child or you meet the standard criteria for diagnosis. Your child or you may also undergo a neurological and physical exam. They could also check for a medical condition that could be mimicking ADHD or 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 are not ascribed to any other mental disorder, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator will consider the results of the test and interview to make an official diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts an account of the findings of the test, and suggests treatment options. They'll likely give you or your child with copies of the report. Treatment ADHD can cause issues at work and within the family. Some of the symptoms include forgetfulness and impulsive decisions that can result in financial issues or issues at work or at school. Marriage and family therapy may aid people suffering from ADHD overcome the challenges they confront in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, can help address feelings of frustration and feeling inadequate frequently associated with an ADHD diagnosis. Finding a therapist with experience in working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is important. Health care professionals employ different methods to determine if someone has ADHD, including observing them in several settings, asking about their symptoms and how they impact their lives, reviewing the past behavior, performing tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as medical examinations. They may also talk with teachers and caregivers to gain a complete picture of the individual's daily life. This includes their work, home and social setting. For an young adult or an adolescent to be diagnosed with ADHD the symptoms must occur in two or more settings and seriously affect their daily functioning. They must be present for at minimum six months. The symptoms must have developed before the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, 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 show at least five signs in different environments. Therapists can help you develop techniques that can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. These include planning ahead and keeping track of your schedules and using a planner, notebook or diary and also 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 feel relieved after being diagnosed as adults. diagnosis of adhd feel as if they've finally found out what's wrong. It can also be a time of sorrow regardless of the missed opportunities in school or at work or relationships that have gone south. It's particularly difficult for women and girls, those whose symptoms might be missed in the early years or not appreciated when they reached maturity, Matlen said. A specialist or doctor will review the life history of the individual, including the adolescent years and childhood. They will look over the person's work and school documents and interview them as well as anyone other person who is familiar with them. They will also ask about the signs. They will ensure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression or that the individual does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment. In addition to a physical exam, the specialist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The purpose of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is to help individuals change their thoughts and behavior to better manage their ADHD. The therapist will help the client develop strategies to improve their time management, organizational skills and impulse control. The therapist will help the person to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms. Some doctors may recommend the patient to a psychiatrist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the difficulties the person is facing at home, at work and in relationships. They will be able recommend support groups and other resources for adults suffering from ADHD. If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor, they could ask their primary care provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance provider's online directory. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions or join a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can help the person locate an neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and a life coach or therapist to provide strategies to manage symptoms and make positive changes in their daily lives.
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