ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD might experience symptoms that are similar to symptoms of depression or anxiety. This is why it's important to have an extensive evaluation by a mental health professional or health care professional.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms from your childhood. You might also be asked to fill out questionnaires or complete interviews with teachers and other professionals who are familiar with you.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to keep up with daily tasks, including managing your schedule and planning ahead. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to have a difficult time at work, struggle to keep up with school, and to find that their relationships suffer because they tend to overlook important dates or show up late to events. They may also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or appear distracted by eyes that are glazed over.
The symptoms are assessed to determine whether ADHD is present. They must have persisted for at least six months, and caused issues in multiple areas of their lives. Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may not realize that they have a problem, but everyday frustrations can prompt them to seek out help. They may start to slip behind in their work because they fail to meet deadlines or fail to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships can suffer when they sabotage plans or are unable to listen to their companions and their families may be a struggle due to their inability to stay on track on household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a qualified professional can conduct psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities when needed. Based on the individual's specific issues, these tests may provide helpful information about how ADHD affects the individual and can determine whether or not co-occurring conditions exist. Anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD and depression is often linked to ADHD.
It is important to choose a specialist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. Clinical psychologists, doctors or clinical social workers are trained professionals. You can find a specialist by asking friends or colleagues for recommendations, however you should conduct some research and verify that the specialist is licensed and certified within your state. You can also check out the background of the expert and request references of previous patients or clients. These steps will aid you in finding the most suitable person to assess you or your child for ADHD. Many adults can feel relieved after receiving a diagnosis. They no longer have to worry that their failings result from laziness or a lack of intelligence and instead focus on learning how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to get a diagnosis of ADHD. A lot of symptoms of ADHD are attributed to other factors such as stress or medical issues. Genre, gender and race may play a part in a person's diagnosis. People of color and women can, for instance, be less likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than males and whites. Some adults suffering from ADHD symptoms are diagnosed later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis through a thorough assessment which examines the individual's behavior and history of symptoms over time. They will ask about the symptoms and also speak to people who are familiar with them. They may ask their spouse or parents of the person to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient will be asked to complete questionnaires, and may be tested with several tests, which include a psychological assessment, as well as an interview.
To be diagnosed, a person must show that at least five symptoms have been present for at least 12 months, and that these symptoms have caused impairments in two areas of life like 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's also important for the professional to establish that these symptoms existed before the age of 12.
During the assessment the examiner will take a look at the person's personal and family background and medical history, their anxiety and mood disorders, any other mental health conditions, and their use of drugs and physical conditions. In actual fact, it's not common for any of these other conditions to overlap with ADHD.
It's important to find an expert in mental health that has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to discuss their training and expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to divulge this information, you should stay clear of working with them.
Treatment
The choice to treat ADHD in adults is left to each individual. Although receiving a diagnosis can be intimidating at first but there are a variety of options for adults to treat their symptoms and improve functioning.
Most health care providers use a comprehensive evaluation process to assess a patient's condition. This will include a description of the symptoms by the individual or his close family, friends members and teachers; completion of scales and questionnaires; a full medical and psychiatric history; and sometimes an appointment with a physician to conduct a physical examination.
A doctor will consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which was published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that an individual demonstrate at least five signs of hyperactivity, inattention or inattention. The symptoms must have also existed prior to the age of 12. The assessment will focus on how the symptoms affect the person's life. Examples of impairment could include losing a job due to issues in the workplace, excessive conflict and distress in relationships, not paying bills on time, falling into financial trouble and not making enough academic progress at school.
A complete assessment may include along with the interview with a psychologist tests for psychological testing that assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capacities, and reasoning skills. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in ADHD and treatment for it can conduct these tests and provide an extensive evaluation.
Behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing symptoms for some people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains the patient strategies to control his own behavior and improve confidence in himself. It can also help the person learn to deal with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Certain people with ADHD opt to take part in a clinical study, which is a research study that aims to test new ways to prevent and treat diseases and conditions. Talk to your health care physician about any potential risks and benefits of taking part in a trial.
Counseling
Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis have been suffering from the condition for a long time. It doesn't matter if it's a problem with their job or relationship problems or stress from living with ADHD can finally make someone realize that they require professional help. If you're an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD, you can get counselling from a therapist that specializes in the disorder or through a psychiatrist or neurologist who can prescribe medication for you. If you don't know where to look for these professionals, consult your primary care physician or the organization CHADD.
In the initial assessment, a mental health professional may ask you questions here about your symptoms and their impact on your life. The therapist will also review your medical records to determine if physical or emotional issues may have contributed to your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your significant other, if applicable. Each spouse or partner should participate in the assessment. This will help them better understand each one's ADHD symptoms, and how they affect their relationship.
The therapist will review your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will then determine what level of ADHD you are suffering from: mild, moderate or severe. They'll also discuss the effects of your ADHD on your social interactions, work and at home.
After assessing your symptoms, your health care provider will recommend treatment options. These could include medication, lifestyle changes and therapy. Your doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral treatment, which can boost your self-esteem and assist you in changing negative thinking patterns. They can also refer you for neurofeedback or brain training which are non-pharmacological treatments that increase concentration and decrease impulsivity.
Online telehealth services like Amwell can connect you with an expert in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell is a telehealth company that has a partnership with more than 40 insurance companies. They typically require a copay or meet your deductible when you pay out through your the pocket. Thriveworks is another option which provides online counseling and can also manage your medication.