How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some people feel relieved at finally understanding their struggles, while others are sad for having missed out on life opportunities due to symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by looking at the mood of a person, past and present medical and mental health conditions, and their childhood behavior and school experiences. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized rating scales.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD are unable to complete tasks that require mental effort or focus on detail. In many cases, these problems stem from other underlying problems such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in tackling issues that can cause chaos at a personal as well as professional level is to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood and last into adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of a person's life (home, school, and work). For symptoms to be considered to meet the criteria, they must have lasted at least six months and cannot be explained by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
The health professional will also go over the patient's mental and medical history. They will also talk with the person, and if possible their family members, in order to gain a perspective on the behavior of children. The health professional may also review the patient's current workplace and home environment and discuss the patient's schooling with them.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, one must exhibit six or less symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to affect 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 examination is typically enough for a health professional to determine if someone has ADHD. This will include an in-depth interview with the individual as well as his or her parents, as well as any caregivers or educators, as well taking questionnaires or scales. The health care professional will also look over the individual's medical, psychiatric and family history and might refer the person for a physical examination to rule out any other reasons for their symptoms. how is adhd diagnosed in adults will look at the person's sleep patterns, diet, workplace and home environments to determine if stressors may be causing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think you may be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a doctor who is an expert in the field. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact on your life. They'll likely be interested in knowing how many times you have difficulty completing tasks or losing items or forget where you put your keys, and whether these issues cause stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and physical examination. This information will help them rule out other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid issues.
Your health professional could interview caregivers, family members and friends regarding your behavior. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult will also discuss your behavior in various situations, such as at school, work or with scout or religious leaders. You may be asked to complete an assessment of your own to determine the severity of your symptoms. These are available on the internet, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face interview with your physician.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD is based on the threshold of symptoms lower than for kids -- five out of nine symptoms over the course of six months. You'll also need to have an impact on your school, work and family 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 examine the way your brain functions, and can determine if there are coexisting mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a concrete reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a health professional who can conduct ADHD assessments for adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
The medication is often the first option for many patients suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people who have ADHD focus and stay well-organized. They can also manage their impulses and make more rational decisions enhance communication, and lessen the risk of impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, or some antidepressants perform slower than stimulants. However, they can still be effective in treating people with ADHD. The kind of medication that is best for a person can change over time. It is crucial to discuss with the healthcare professional who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A health specialist with expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the individual in addition to the answers to questionnaires and scales by the person as well as an examination of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and physical ailments. A appointment to a medical exam may also be included to rule out medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take some time. This is especially true when you are an adult who has struggled to deal with symptoms for many years. The evaluation should be comprehensive, so the individual should bring old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at school or at work. The healthcare professional might ask permission to speak to close family members or friends to get a full picture of the individual's previous experiences and behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. It is normal for people to experience various emotions, from relief at finding a clear explanation for their issues to sadness over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that following the diagnosis, she was able make changes in her life, which included her work and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are aware that seeking help from a therapist is an essential step. However, finding the right therapist may be a challenge. There are a variety of ways to locate a specialist in the area. Start by asking your doctor for a referral. He or she might have a list with specialists who are skilled in treating ADHD. You can also look for them online. There are a variety of websites that have directories of doctors that include information on their areas of expertise and specialization. Another option is to ask for a recommendation from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
It is essential to be honest when visiting the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. It is important to discuss the ways that ADHD affects your life and the lives of others. It's also important to discuss your medical history, including your past background. This allows the therapist to determine if you have any conditions like anxiety or depression that could have similar symptoms.
In addition to observing an individual's behavior, the therapy therapist may conduct interviews and employ standardized rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also seek input from other caregivers, such as teachers or Scout and religious leaders, to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior in different settings.
Adults with ADHD might feel dissatisfied and embarrassed by their issues and be reluctant to discuss the issues. This can affect the accuracy of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience in working with adults with ADHD can generally assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapy provider will automatically prescribe medication. While certain people who suffer from ADHD may require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be extremely efficient. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or used as a stand-alone treatment.