How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be a challenge. Some feel relief at finally being able to recognize their challenges, while others feel grief for having missed opportunities to live their lives due to symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the person's mood, past and present medical and mental health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experiences. The test usually includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scales of rating.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to details. These issues are often caused by other underlying issues such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in controlling issues that can cause chaos on a personal and professional level is to get a valid ADHD diagnosis.
The symptoms of ADHD typically begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of a person's life (home school, home and at work). To be able to meet these requirements, symptoms must have lasted for at least six months. They cannot be better explained by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders, dissociative disorders or personality disorders.
In addition to examining the patient's symptoms, the health care provider will review their medical history and mental health history. They will also talk to the person and, if possible, family members to get perspective on childhood behavior. The health professional will also speak to the patient's teachers and go over their current work and home environment.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive version of ADHD, one must show six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to hinder their daily activities. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric evaluation is typically enough for a healthcare professional to identify someone with ADHD. This may include a lengthy interview with the person and their family and any caregivers or teachers, as well as taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health professional may also review the person’s medical, psychiatric or family history and refer the person to a physical exam to determine the cause of symptoms. The doctor will also look at the person's sleeping habits, diet and work and home environment to assess any stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist doctor in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact on your daily life. They will likely want to know how often you have trouble finishing tasks, how often you lose things or forget to put away your keys, and if these problems cause stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over the medical history and physical examination. This information will help them identify other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders and anxiety or a thyroid issue.
Your health care professional may interview caregivers, family members and friends about your behavior. They'll also discuss how you behave in different situations, like at work, school or with your scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also ask you to fill out an assessment or self-test to determine the severity of your symptoms. These are available online, but they should not be used in lieu of a face-toface interview with your doctor.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD is based on an upper threshold of symptoms than kids - five out of nine symptoms in a six-month period. You will also need to be able demonstrate a significant impact in your work, school, 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 can aid in determining if you suffer from coexisting mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a concrete explanation for her troubles. Ask your doctor or local support group to send you to a medical professional who can conduct ADHD tests on adults. You can also inquire with your insurance company to learn which providers are on its list.
Treatment
The medication is often the first option for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine work by increasing or balancing levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that regulate behavior and attention. They can help those who suffer from ADHD focus and stay well-organized. They also help control their impulses and make more rational decisions, improve communication, and decrease impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine, or some antidepressants work slower than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating certain patients with ADHD. The type of medication that is most effective for a person's needs may change over time, so it is crucial to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional conducting the test.
A health professional with expertise in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This includes an interview, the completion of questionnaires, scales, and a review family history, mood disorders and medical conditions including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical examination can also be recommended to rule out medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation will likely take some time, especially when the patient is an adult who has been struggling to manage symptoms for a long time. The assessment should be thorough, so the individual should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at school or at work. The healthcare professional could request permission to speak with family members and close friends to gain an understanding of the individual's past behaviors and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. It is common for people to feel an array of emotions, from relief finally having a concrete explanation for their problems to sadness over the loss of opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. Matlen, however, says that following the diagnosis, she was able to make a change in her life, which included her career and her relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are aware that seeking assistance from a therapist can be a crucial step. Finding adhd diagnosis in adult can be a challenge. There are many ways to find a specialist in the area. Request your physician to refer you. He or she may have a list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also search for them online. There are numerous websites that list doctors, including details about their specialties and areas of focus. Asking family members or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also call your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
It is essential to be honest when you visit an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD. This includes discussing how ADHD symptoms affect your life and the effect they have on other people. It is important to discuss your past and present medical history. This helps the therapist to identify any illnesses such as anxiety or depression that may be similar to anxiety or depression.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and employ standard scales to assess the severity of the symptoms. The therapist might also seek out other caregivers to provide their feedback, such as religious leaders, teachers, or scout and scout leaders to obtain a true picture of the behavior of an individual in different situations.
Adults with ADHD may feel embarrassed and frustrated by their problems and may be reluctant to talk about them. This can impact the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD can assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is crucial to understand that the diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While certain people who suffer from ADHD may require medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that can be extremely efficient. These treatments can be used in conjunction with medication or as separate treatments.