How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, being diagnosed of ADHD isn't easy to accept. Some people feel relief that they finally understand their struggles while others experience sorrow due to the fact that they missed opportunities in life because of symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A mental health professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD in the person's mood, past and current medical and mental conditions as well as their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The test includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to the details. Most of the time, these issues stem from other underlying problems such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Making sure you are diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in gaining control over symptoms that can cause chaos in your professional and personal life.
The signs of ADHD generally begin in the early years of childhood and persist throughout adulthood. For a person to receive an diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their daily life in at least two areas (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. To meet this requirement to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six month and cannot be caused by other mental disorders like mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
In addition to examining the patient's symptoms as well as their health history, the healthcare professional will also review their medical history and mental health history. They will also talk with the person and, if possible, their family members, in order to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. adhd diagnosis adult might also look at 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, an individual must have 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 health professional can usually identify a person suffering from ADHD by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This involves an extensive interview with the person and their parents, as well as any caregivers or educators, as well taking questionnaires or scales. The health care provider will also go over the person's psychiatric, medical and family histories and may refer the individual for a physical exam to rule out any other reasons for their symptoms. They will also examine the person's sleeping habits eating habits, diet and work home environment to assess any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, it's important to consult a medical provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and their effects on your life. They'll want to know if have difficulty completing tasks, if it is common to lose things, or forget where you put your keys. They might also inquire about whether or not these issues result in stress at work, at home or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This will help them identify other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, or a thyroid problem.
Your health professional could interview family members, caregivers and friends regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different situations like at work, school or with religious or scout leaders. You may be asked to take self-tests to identify your symptoms. They are available on the internet, but they should not be used in lieu for a face-toface consultation with your physician.
Adults have to meet an lower threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms over a six-month time period. You will also need to be able to demonstrate a significant impact on your work, school and at home.
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 typically look at the ways your brain functions and may help determine if you have co-existing mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete reason for her issues. Consult your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health professional who performs ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also contact your insurance provider to determine which providers are listed.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD treatment is the first option for treatment. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine function by increasing or balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate behavior and attention. They can help some people with ADHD focus better and stay focused manage their impulses, make more rational decisions improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behaviors.
There are also nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants that work more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for some patients with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for a person's needs may change over time, so it is important to discuss all possible options with your healthcare professional who conducts the evaluation.
A health care professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the person, answering questionnaires and completing scales by the person, and an examination of the family history of mood disorders, as well as medical conditions, like sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation is likely to take a while, especially in the case of an adult who has struggled to manage symptoms for a long period of time. The assessment should be thorough which is why the person should bring old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations from work or school. The healthcare professional may request permission to speak with family members and close acquaintances to gain an understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.
For adults, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is normal for people to feel various emotions, from relief at finally getting a reason for their struggles to grief over the loss of opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed she was able to start making changes in her life and move forward with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is a crucial step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist isn't always straightforward. Fortunately, there are many ways to locate a specialist in your area. Start by asking your physician for the referral. He or she might have a list with specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also search on the internet. There are many websites which list doctors, as well as information about their specialties and areas of interest. Another alternative is to request recommendations from friends or family members. You can also call your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is crucial to be honest when visiting a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. It is crucial to discuss the ways that ADHD affects your life and the lives of others. It is also essential to discuss your medical history, including your past history. This helps the therapist to identify any illnesses such as anxiety or depression that could exhibit similar symptoms.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and utilize standard scales to assess the severity of the symptoms. The therapist could also solicit other caregivers for their input like religious leaders, teachers, or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of behavior of a person in different situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD often feel depressed and embarrassed by their issues and may be reluctant to discuss them. This can affect the quality of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who is experienced in working with adults with ADHD is usually able to assist them to overcome these obstacles.
It is also important to realize that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapy provider will automatically prescribe medication. While adhd diagnosis adult with ADHD require medication however, there are a variety of other treatments that are successful, including the use of behavioral therapy. These treatment methods can be utilized alongside medication or used as standalone treatments.