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ADHD Diagnosis For Adults A proper diagnosis of ADHD can aid in reducing symptoms that can cause problems at home and in your professional life. Symptoms can also lead to depression and anxiety. A thorough evaluation will include a detailed interview with you. It may also involve screening questionnaires for other illnesses that could be similar to ADHD or coexist with it, such as anxiety or depression. Your healthcare professional may also ask you to speak with a loved one. Diagnosis It is essential to seek out a licensed health professional to assess your situation if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or family physician, or nurse practitioner with specialized knowledge of mental disorders. The assessment will include a discussion about your symptoms, the problems they cause, as well as how you've dealt with them. The healthcare professional will go over your medical history, including any past mental health issues and any medication you are taking. To diagnose the healthcare professional must identify at least six signs (symptoms) of ADHD. They must be present in at least two different environments (home, school, and social situations) and also significantly affecting your ability to function. 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. Inattentive symptoms include trouble paying attention, forgetting details, and loosing things. Problems in school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD can have trouble adhering to instructions and completing assignments, or submitting work on time. They have difficulty sitting still, paying attention to others or keeping track of themselves. They often interrupt and blurt answers before they are finished. They have trouble waiting 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 issues at school, home and work. These issues are often connected to financial difficulties and troubled relationships. The person conducting the assessment will probably want to talk with your parents and/or teachers and look over any documentation you have of your behavioral issues as an infant. They will likely perform physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms you're experiencing, including thyroid issues or seizures. If you're having issues at work, in school or with your relationships, they might recommend additional psychological, learning disabilities, or neuropsychological tests. These tests don't diagnose ADHD but they could provide you with valuable information about the disorder. Evaluation If you suspect that your child or you is suffering from ADHD It is important to find a certified health expert who can assess your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance provider or search the internet for professionals who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group. During the assessment the person who is conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and current life to get a better understanding of what's going on. They may also ask to speak with your teachers and others who knew you as a child. They could inquire about your medical history and previous illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms that may be related to ADHD, such depression or anxiety. The evaluator may also use questionnaires and rating scales in order to determine the severity of certain ADHD behaviors, as well as how often they occur. These tools will help them evaluate your child's symptoms to the ones of other children and adults who have been diagnosed with the condition. This is to ensure that you or your child meets standardized criteria for the diagnosis. Your child or you might undergo a neurological and physical examination. They may also check for medical issues that may be a cause of ADHD like 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 other mental disorder like anxiety or mood disorders. Your evaluator uses the results of the tests and interview to determine the diagnosis of ADHD. The evaluator drafts an outline of his or her findings, and suggests solutions. They'll likely provide you or your child with copies of the report. Treatment ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the signs include impulsive or forgetful decisions that can cause financial issues or trouble at work or school. Marriage and family therapy can help overcome the difficulties that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) can address the feelings of frustration and inadequacy which often accompany an diagnosis of ADHD. It is essential to find a therapist that has worked with people who suffer from ADHD and who can understand the unique challenges this disorder can cause. Health professionals employ various ways to determine if a person has ADHD, including watching them in various settings and asking them about their symptoms and how they affect their lives, analyzing past behavior, conducting tests of neuropsychology and psychological, as well as medical examinations. They can also consult with caregivers and teachers to get a complete picture of a person's life, including the home, work and social settings. The symptoms are required to be present in at least two different settings and interfere with everyday functioning. I Am Psychiatry have to be present for at least six months. The symptoms must have occurred before the age of 12 and are not attributed to any other mental disorder, 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 show at least five symptoms in various settings. A therapist can assist in teaching skills that help reduce the symptoms of ADHD. This includes planning ahead and keeping track of timetables and using the planner, notebook or diary and also developing and adhering to routines. They can also teach the skills of communication and problem-solving 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 For many people, receiving an diagnosis in the adult years can be a relief and a sense of finally knowing what's going on. It can also be a time of sadness in the form of missed opportunities at school or in the workplace or for relationships that have gone awry. It's particularly difficult for girls and women, whose symptoms might have been overlooked in their the early years or not appreciated as they grew older, Matlen said. A specialist or doctor will look over the person's entire life history, 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 their symptoms. They will check to ensure that the symptoms are not more easily explained by a mental health condition, like anxiety or depression or that the individual does not have a physical problem like low blood pressure or hearing or vision impairment. The doctor might also suggest cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical test. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to help people change their thinking and behaviors so they can better manage their ADHD. The therapist will teach the person strategies to improve their organizational skills as well as time management, and impulse control. They will also show the patient how to recognize and avoid triggers that cause ADHD symptoms. Some doctors may refer the patient to a psychiatrist with experience treating adults with ADHD. They will be able to discuss the issues the person is facing at home, at work, and in relationships. They will also be able recommend support groups for adults with ADHD and other resources. If a patient is having difficulty finding a specialist doctor they can ask their primary healthcare provider for a referral, or look through their health insurance provider's online directory. They can also ask their friends and family members for recommendations or join an organization that offers local support for adults with ADHD. The specialist can help the person locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication and an therapist or a life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their lives every day.