10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From ADHD Diagnosis Adult

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Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain control over the symptoms that can cause trouble both at home and in your professional life. The symptoms of ADHD can lead to anxiety and depression.

A thorough examination could include a detailed interview and screening questionnaires to identify other conditions, like anxiety or depression, which might coexist or resemble ADHD. Your healthcare professional may request an interview with your family member.

Diagnosis

It is crucial to seek out a licensed health professional to evaluate you if you suspect that you might have ADHD. This could include a psychiatrist, psychologist or family physician, or nurse practitioner who is knowledgeable of mental disorders. The evaluation will involve talking about your symptoms, the issues they create and the ways you have tried to deal with them. The healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any prior mental health issues and any other medications you are taking.

The healthcare provider must be able identify at least six indicators (traits) of ADHD. They are present in at least two environments (home or school, as well as social situations) as well as significantly affecting your ability to function. The symptoms should be present for at least six months and they must be constant over time. In addition, your healthcare provider must determine whether your symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive or a combination of both.

Attention-deficit symptoms include difficulty paying attention, forgetting details, and loosing things. Problems with school are also common. People with inattentive ADHD might have difficulty following directions and completing assignments, or finishing work on time. They aren't able to sit still, paying attention to others or focusing on themselves. They frequently interrupt and utter answers before the questions are completed. 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 kind of ADHD can cause issues at school, home and at work. These problems are often related to a breakdown in relationships or getting into financial difficulties.

The person who is conducting the test will probably want to talk with your teachers and parents and look over any documentation you have of your behavior problems as an infant. They'll likely conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.

They may recommend additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests if the problems you are having at work, school or in your relationships demand it. These tests do not diagnose ADHD but they could provide important information about the disorder.

Evaluation

If you suspect that you or your child might have ADHD, you should seek out a qualified health professional who can assess your symptoms. You can request recommendations, talk to your insurance company or search the internet for specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also seek suggestions from an adult ADHD support group.

During the evaluation, the person conducting it will talk with you or your child about your childhood and present life to get a better understanding of what's happening. They may also ask to speak with your teachers and others who were around you as a kid. They may ask about your medical background and previous illnesses to determine if you are suffering from any symptoms connected to ADHD, such anxiety or depression.

The evaluator will also use 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 evaluate your child's behavior with those of other children as well as adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This is to ensure that you or your child is in line with standardized criteria for the diagnosis. They may also conduct a physical or your child a physical exam and a neurological exam. They could also look for medical conditions that could 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 any 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 is expected to write a report that outlines the findings and offers treatment options. They will probably give you or your child with a copy the report.

Treatment

ADHD can cause problems at work and in the family. Some of the symptoms are impulsivity and forgetfulness, which can cause financial difficulties or problems at school or work. Family and marriage therapy can help address the challenges that people with ADHD have to face in their relationships. Individual psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) can help address the feelings of anger and inadequacy that are often associated with a diagnosis of ADHD. Finding a therapist who has experience in working with ADHD patients and who understands their unique challenges is important.

Health professionals employ a variety of methods to determine if someone has ADHD. They might observe the person in different environments, inquire about their symptoms and the impact they have on their lives, review the past behavior and conduct neuropsychological and psychological tests, and conduct an exam for medical reasons. They can also talk to caregivers and teachers to obtain a complete picture of a person's life, including workplace, home and social settings.

For an young adult or an adolescent to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, the symptoms must occur 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 prior to age 12 and they cannot be better 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 show at minimum five of the following symptoms in a variety of settings:

Therapists can help students develop skills that can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD, such as making plans ahead and keeping track of your schedules, using a planner or notebook, and developing and sticking 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

Many people feel relief after getting a diagnosis as adults. They feel as if they've finally found out what's wrong. It's also often an emotional time for those who have lost out on opportunities at school or at relationships or jobs that have been ruined. Matlen said that it's particularly difficult for women and girls who's symptoms might have been missed during childhood or not fully recognized as they grew.

A specialist or doctor will examine the patient's life story, including childhood and adolescence. They will examine documents from work and school, interview the person and anyone who knows them well and ask questions about symptoms. They will ensure that the symptoms aren't a result of a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.

The doctor may also recommend cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) in addition to the physical examination. The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is to assist 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, time management, and impulse control. The therapist will help the person to identify and avoid triggers that can cause ADHD symptoms.

Some doctors might recommend the patient to a psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise 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 with ADHD.

If someone is having trouble finding a specialized 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 recommendations, or find a local adult ADHD support group. The specialist can also assist to locate a neurologist or psychiatrist to monitor their medication as well as an therapist or a life coach to give them practical strategies to manage their symptoms and make positive changes in their day-to-day lives.