ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms similar to anxiety or depression. This is why a thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is necessary.
Your doctor will inquire about your experiences since your childhood. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires or complete interviews with teachers and other professionals who know you.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to accomplish daily tasks, such as planning and managing one's time. People with undiagnosed ADHD can struggle at work, have difficulty keeping up in school and may find that their relationships suffer as they tend to forget important dates or turn up late for events. They may also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or seem distracted with an eerie look.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on an examination of the symptoms. They should have been present for at least six months and caused issues in more than one area of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD might not be aware that they have a problem but everyday frustrations can prompt them to seek help. They may start to lose time at work because they fail to meet deadlines or fail to concentrate during meetings or lectures. Friendships can suffer when they blow off plans or fail to listen to their companions and their family lives can be fraught because of their inability to keep up on household chores.
In addition to a thorough interview, a professional can conduct neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing when needed. Based on the individual's specific problems, these tests can provide valuable information on the how ADHD affects the individual and help determine whether or not comorbid conditions exist. Anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD and depression is often linked to ADHD.
It is crucial to choose a specialist who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Qualified professionals can include clinical psychologists, physicians or clinical social specialists. You can find a specialist by asking colleagues or friends for recommendations, but you should do some research and ensure that the expert is licensed and certified in the state you reside in. You can also check out the professional background of the doctor and request references from past patients or clients. These steps will help you locate a professional who can evaluate your child or you for ADHD. Many adults feel relieved when they are given an assessment. They can stop worrying about their shortcomings being due to laziness and a lack in intelligence instead, and concentrate on how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms can be attributed to other causes like stress or an illness. In addition, sex, gender, and race all influence whether or not someone receives a proper diagnosis. Women and people of color can, for instance, be less likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than men and whites. Some adults suffering from ADHD symptoms are not diagnosed until later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough evaluation that looks at the person's behavior and the history of symptoms over time. They will ask about the symptoms, and consult with people who are familiar with the symptoms. They might ask the spouse parents, friends or relatives of the patient how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient is expected to complete questionnaires and may be subjected to several tests, including a psychological evaluation and an interview.
For a diagnosis to be granted, the patient must demonstrate that at least five symptoms have been present for at least 12 months, and that these symptoms have caused impairments in two areas of their lives, like work, school or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. It is also essential for the professional to establish that these symptoms were present prior to age 12.
During the evaluation, an examiner will review the person's medical background including family history, mood and anxiety disorders, any other mental health issues, substance abuse and other physical ailments. In reality, it's not uncommon for some of these conditions to be overlapping with ADHD.
It is essential to find an expert in mental health that has worked with adults with ADHD. Many professionals are willing provide their expertise and knowledge in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to share this information, it's probably not the best idea to work with them.
Treatment
In contrast to when a person is a child, the decision of whether or to treat ADHD as an adult is solely up to the individual. While receiving a diagnosis may seem daunting at first however, there are plenty of options available to adults to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning.
Most health care providers use a comprehensive evaluation process to assess a patient's condition. This includes a thorough description of symptoms by the patient or his friends, family members and teachers. It may also include the completion of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that individuals show at least five symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention or inattention. The symptoms must have also existed prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will examine how the symptoms impact the individual's daily life. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of problems in the workplace or excessive conflict and stress in relationships, not paying bills on time, getting into financial trouble, and not making enough academic progress in school.
A comprehensive assessment could include, in addition to the interview with a psychologist, psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning abilities. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in ADHD and its treatment may conduct these tests and provide an extensive evaluation.
For some individuals who are suffering from behavioral issues, therapy may be beneficial in managing their symptoms. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches the person to develop strategies to control his own behavior and improve confidence in himself. It can also help the individual learn how to deal with the underlying problems that make his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD decide to participate in a clinical study which is a type of research designed to test new ways to identify and treat or prevent diseases. Patients should speak to their health care provider about the potential risks and benefits of participating in an clinical trial.
Counseling
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD have been suffering from the disorder for a long time. The strain of living with ADHD, whether it's an issue with their job or relationship issues, may finally cause one to realize that they require professional help. If you're an adult who's been diagnosed with ADHD and you're unable to get therapy from a therapist who specializes in the disorder or through a neurologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're unsure how to locate these health care specialists, consult your primary care physician or the organization CHADD for suggestions.
During the initial assessment an expert in mental health may ask you questions regarding your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. go!! will also go over your medical history to determine whether emotional or physical issues may have contributed to the onset of your ADHD. The therapist will speak with you, and if appropriate, your spouse. It's important that both spouses or partners participate in the assessment to gain a better understanding of each other's ADHD symptoms and the impact they have on their relationship.
The therapist will evaluate your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They'll then determine what degree of ADHD you have mild, moderate or severe. They'll also discuss the impact of your ADHD on your social interactions, work and at home.
After evaluating your symptoms, the health professional will suggest different treatment options. This could include lifestyle changes, therapy and medication. Your doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can increase your self-esteem as well as assist you in changing negative thinking patterns. They can also refer to neurofeedback or brain training that are non-pharmacological treatment techniques which increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Amwell Telehealth, an online service, can connect you with a doctor who is trained in ADHD for assessment and treatment. Amwell is a telehealth provider which works with more than 40 insurance companies. They typically require a copay or to meet your deductible when you pay out of pocket. Another option is Thriveworks which provides online therapy, and can offer medication management.