How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some people feel relief knowing that they can finally comprehend their struggles, while other people feel sadness due to the fact that they missed opportunities in life due to the symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by looking at the person's mood as well as their past and current medical and mental health conditions and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to the details. Often, these issues also result from other underlying issues like depression or addiction disorders. The first step in tackling issues that can cause chaos on both a personal and professional scale is to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis.
The signs of ADHD generally begin in childhood and last into adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at least two areas of one's life (home school, home, and at work). For symptoms to meet this requirement they must last for at least six months and cannot be caused by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
The health professional will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will talk with the person, and if possible their family members, to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health care professional might also review the patient's current workplace and home environment and talk with their teachers.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, a person must show six or fewer inattention symptoms that are severe enough to hinder their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric evaluation is usually enough for a health care professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This will include a thorough interview with the individual and their parents, and any other caregivers or educators, as well taking questionnaires or scales. The health care professional will examine the patient's medical, psychiatric and family history and refer the individual to a physical exam to rule out any other causes of symptoms. He or she will examine the person's sleeping patterns, diet, work and home environments to determine if stressors may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you should consult a doctor who is an expert in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll be interested in how often you have difficulties finishing tasks, how often you lose things or forget where you have put your keys, and if these issues cause stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and physical examination. This information will help them determine if there are other conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or a thyroid issue.
Your health professional could interview family members, caregivers, and friends regarding your behavior. adhd adults diagnosis 'll also discuss your behavior in various settings, such as at school and work or with your scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also request you to complete an assessment or self-test to assess your symptoms. These are available online, but should not be used to replace an in-person visit with your doctor.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet an upper threshold of symptoms than for kids -- five out of nine symptoms in the course of six months. You'll also need to have an impact on your school, work and home life.
If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend neuropsychological or psychological testing to determine if you have the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD. These tests usually look at the way your brain functions and may help determine if you suffer from coexisting mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a solid explanation for her issues. Ask your doctor or support group to refer you to a health professional who can conduct ADHD tests on adults. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
Medication is often the first option for many patients suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine function by increasing or balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate behavior and attention. They can help those with ADHD focus better and remain organized and in control of their impulses. They can also help them make more reasonable decisions improve communication and relationships and decrease impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants that work slower than stimulants but can still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a particular person can change over time, which is why it is important to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional conducting the assessment.
A medical professional with expertise in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This includes an interview, the completion of scales, questionnaires, and a review family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions, including sleep disorders, and other physical illnesses. A appointment to a medical exam may also be included to rule out medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
The test is likely to take some time, particularly in the case of an adult who has been struggling to manage symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be thorough which is why the person should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at school or at work. The healthcare professional may ask permission to speak to close family members or friends to gain a more complete picture of the individual's previous experiences and behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on their lives. It is normal for people to feel various emotions, from relief finally having a concrete explanation for their struggles to grief over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed she was able to make changes in her life and continue to move forward with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find that getting assistance from a therapist can be a crucial step. Finding the right therapist isn't always straightforward. Fortunately, there are many ways to find a specialist in your area. Start by asking your physician for an appointment. He or she may have a list with specialists who are skilled in treating ADHD. You can also look online. There are a variety of websites that have directories of doctors that include details on their areas of focus and specialization. Asking your family or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also contact your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
If you are seeing a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as truthful as you can. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect your life and the impact they have on others. It's also important to talk about your medical history. This will help the therapist determine if you have any conditions like anxiety or depression that could exhibit similar symptoms.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and use standard scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also ask other caregivers for their opinions for example, teachers, religious leaders or scout and scout leaders to get a true picture of the behavior of the individual in various situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel dissatisfied and embarrassed by their symptoms and be reluctant to discuss them. This can compromise the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults with ADHD can help them overcome these obstacles.
It is also important to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapy provider will automatically prescribe medication. While some individuals with ADHD do need to take medication however, there are a variety of other treatment options that can be successful, including the use of behavioral therapy. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.