How To Explain ADHD Diagnosis Adults To A Five-Year-Old

ADHD Diagnosis For Adults

People suffering from ADHD can experience symptoms similar to depression or anxiety. This is why it's essential to undergo an in-depth evaluation by a mental health professional or health care provider.

Your doctor will inquire about your childhood symptoms. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires or complete interviews with teachers and other professionals who are familiar with you.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of daily tasks, such as managing one's time and planning ahead. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle at work, to be unable to keep up in school, and to find that their relationships suffer since they tend to forget important dates or show up late to events. They may also have difficulty staying focused in conversations or seem distracted with a glazed-over look.

The symptoms are evaluated to determine whether ADHD is present. They should have been present for at minimum six months and caused issues in multiple areas of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may not be aware of their condition however, the frustrations they experience in everyday life can lead them to seek help. They might begin to fall behind at work because they fail to meet deadlines or are unable to concentrate during meetings or lectures. Their friendships may suffer because they blow off plans or fail to listen to their partners and their family lives may be a struggle due to their inability to keep up on household chores.

A licensed professional can test for learning disabilities, psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can be useful in determining how ADHD affects a person, and if comorbid conditions are present. For instance, anxiety can cause similar symptoms as ADHD and depression is a common occurrence that occurs in people with ADHD.

It is important to choose an expert who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Professionals who are certified include physicians, clinical psychologists or clinical social workers. It is possible to find an expert through recommendations from friends or colleagues, however it is recommended to do some research and ensure that the specialist you select is licensed and certified in your state. You can also look up the professional background of the doctor and request references from previous patients or clients. These steps will allow you to identify a specialist who can assess your child or yourself for ADHD. Many adults feel relieved when they are given the diagnosis. They can stop worrying about whether their problems are due to laziness or lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on learning how to manage their symptoms.

Diagnosis

Adults may have difficulty getting a diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms of ADHD are attributed to other factors, such as stress or medical illnesses. In addition gender, sex, and race all influence the likelihood that a person receives an accurate diagnosis. For instance women and those of color might be diagnosed with the disorder less often than men and whites. Some adults with ADHD symptoms are diagnosed later in life.

A mental health professional can confirm an ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough evaluation that looks at the person's behavior and history of symptoms over time. They will inquire with the person about their symptoms, and they will also talk to people who are familiar with their condition. They might ask the spouse parents, friends or relatives of the person how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient will be asked to answer questionnaires and could be subjected to several tests, including a psychological assessment as well as an interview.

To be diagnosed, one must prove that at least five of the symptoms have been present for a minimum of 12 months, and that the symptoms are causing impairments in two areas of their lives such as school, work or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. It is also essential for the doctor to determine that these symptoms existed before the age of 12.

During the evaluation, an examiner will review the person's medical background including family history, mood and anxiety disorders, any other mental health issues and alcohol abuse, as well as other physical ailments. It's not uncommon for these conditions to overlap with ADHD.

It is essential to find a professional with expertise in treating adults with ADHD. Most professionals with experience will be willing to discuss their experience and training in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to share this information, it's best not to work with them.

Treatment

The choice to treat ADHD for adults is up to each individual. Although receiving a diagnosis can feel daunting initially however, there are plenty of options for adults to treat their symptoms and improve functioning.

Most health care providers use a comprehensive evaluation process to evaluate a patient's health. This includes a description of the symptoms either by the patient himself or by his close friends, family members and teachers; completion of scales and questionnaires; a full medical and psychiatric history; and sometimes the referral to a doctor for a physical exam.

A doctor will apply diagnostic guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) that requires an individual to show at least five symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms must have also been present before the age of 12. The evaluation will look at how the symptoms affect the person's life. Examples of impairment are losing work due to issues at work, a lot of conflict in relationships, financial issues or not making payments in time.

In addition to a medical interview, a complete evaluation will typically include psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual skills and reasoning abilities. These tests can be conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD treatment.

For some individuals the use of behavioral therapy could be beneficial in managing their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good example. It teaches a person how to manage his own behavior and how to improve his self-esteem. It also helps the person learn to cope with the underlying problems that make his symptoms worse.

A few people suffering from ADHD opt to participate in a clinical study, which is a research study designed to test new methods to identify the presence of diseases, or to prevent or treat them. It is recommended that people speak with their healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in the clinical trial.

Counseling

Many adults diagnosed with ADHD have been suffering from the condition for many years. Whether it's frustration with their website job or relationship problems or the stress of living with ADHD can finally make someone realize they need professional help. If you're an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD and you're unable to get counseling through a therapist who is an expert in the field or through a psychiatrist or neurologist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure where to find these health care experts, ask your primary physician or the CHADD organization CHADD for suggestions.

During the initial assessment, a mental health professional might ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. The therapist will also review your medical records to determine whether emotional or physical problems may have contributed to your ADHD. The therapist will interview you as well as, if necessary your spouse. Both partners or spouses are required to participate in the test. This will help them better understand each the other's ADHD symptoms, and how they impact their relationship.

The therapist will evaluate the symptoms you have presented with the diagnostic criteria laid out by the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). The therapist will determine if you suffer from mild, moderate, or severe ADHD. They'll also discuss the impact of your ADHD on your work, social interactions and at home.

After assessing your health issues, your health care provider may suggest various treatment options. These could include medications, lifestyle changes, and therapy. Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapies, which can help you change negative thoughts patterns and improve self-esteem. They can also recommend you for brain training or neurofeedback, which are non-pharmacological treatments that increase concentration and reduce impulsivity.

Online telehealth services such as Amwell can connect you to a provider who specializes in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell is a telehealth company that works with more than 40 insurance companies. They usually require a copay or to meet your deductible if you pay out of pocket. Thriveworks is a different option, which offers online counseling and also manage your medication.