How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be a challenge. Some people feel relieved that they have finally come to terms with their difficulties, while other people feel sorrow due to the fact that they missed opportunities due to the symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A health care provider or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by examining the person's mood and past mental and medical health issues and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The test includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental energy over time or paying attention to details. These issues are often caused by other underlying issues like depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step to control issues that can cause chaos on a personal and professional scale is to get a proper ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in the early years of childhood and continue throughout adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of one's life (home, school and at work). For symptoms to be considered to meet the criteria they must last for at least six month and cannot be explained by other mental disorders like mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
The health professional will also review the patient's mental and medical history. They will also talk to the patient as well as when possible, family members to get perspective on the child's behavior. The health care professional might also review the patient's current working and home environments, and talk with their teachers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive version of ADHD, a person must have six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to interfere in their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional can usually identify a person with ADHD by conducting an extensive psychiatric assessment. This may include a lengthy interview with the individual as well as their family and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to completing scales and questionnaires. The health care provider will also look over the individual's psychiatric, medical and family history. They might refer the person for a physical exam to rule out other reasons for their symptoms. The doctor will also examine the individual's sleep patterns eating habits, diet and work home environment to assess any stressors 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 ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll be interested in knowing how often you have difficulty completing tasks and how often you misplace things or forget where you have put your keys, and whether these issues cause stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and physical exam. This will help them determine if there are other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as sleep disorders, depression and anxiety or thyroid issues.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers, and friends about your conduct. They'll also discuss your behavior in various environments, such as at school and work or with your scout or religious leaders. Your doctor might also request that you fill out an assessment or self-test to determine the severity of your symptoms. They are available online, but should not be used in lieu of a face-toface interview with your doctor.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet an upper threshold of symptoms than children -- five out of nine symptoms in an entire six-month period. You'll also need to have an impact on 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 test how your brain functions and will determine if you are coexisting mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can cause complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief she had a reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or local support group for a referral to a health care professional who can conduct ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out which doctors are included.
Treatment
The medication is often the first option for many people with ADHD. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine work by increasing or balancing the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which regulate behavior and attention. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better and remain organized manage their impulses, make more rational choices, improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behavior.
There are also non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants which work more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication that is most effective for a particular person can change over time, which is why it is essential to discuss all possible options with your healthcare professional conducting the evaluation.
A medical expert with expertise in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This will include an interview, the completion of questionnaires, scales, and a review of family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions including sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical exam may also be included to rule out any medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take a while. This is particularly true when you are an adult who has had to struggle to manage symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their job or school and other information like old report cards. The healthcare professional might ask permission to speak with close family members or friends to get a full picture of the individual's previous experiences and behavior.
For adults, getting an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. Many people experience a range of emotions, from relief to finally have a concrete reason for their struggles, to sadness over the missed opportunities and relationships that result from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis she was able to start making changes in her life and move forward with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is an important step for people with ADHD. However, finding the right therapist may be difficult. There are a variety of methods to locate a therapist in your area. Ask your doctor to recommend you. He or she may have a list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look online. There are numerous websites that provide directories of doctors and include information on their areas of interest and specialization. Another alternative is to request a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also call your local mental health center or an ADHD support group for suggestions.
adult adhd diagnosis is important to be honest when visiting the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life and the impact they have on other people. It is also essential to discuss your past and current medical background. This helps the therapist to determine if you have any conditions like depression or anxiety that can be similar to anxiety or depression.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and use standardized scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist could also ask for input from other caregivers like teachers or Scout and religious leaders, to get an accurate assessment of the person's behavior in different environments.
Adults with ADHD might feel embarrassed and frustrated by their problems and may be reluctant to talk about them. This can limit the quality of the assessment 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 getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will automatically prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD do need to take medication but there are plenty of other treatment options that are effective, including treatment for behavioral issues. These treatments can be utilized in conjunction with medication or as an alternative treatment.