ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD can suffer from symptoms that are similar to anxiety or depression. This is why a thorough assessment by a health care provider or mental health professional is required.
Your specialist will ask about your health issues from your early years. You might also be asked to complete 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 like scheduling and managing time. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to have a difficult time at work, struggle to keep up with school, and to discover that their relationships suffer as they tend to miss important events or arrive late to events. They might also have difficulty staying focused in conversations or seem distracted with a glazed-over look.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on an examination of the symptoms. They must have been present for at least 6 months and cause problems in multiple areas of their life. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD might not be aware of their problem however, the frustrations they experience in everyday life may prompt them to seek out help. They might begin to lose time at work due to missing deadlines or fail to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Their friendships may suffer because they blow off plans or fail to listen to their friends and their families can be fraught because of their inability to keep up on household chores.
In addition to conducting a thorough interview, a trained professional can conduct psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests when needed. Depending on the person's specific problems, these tests can provide helpful information about ways in which ADHD affects the individual and can determine whether or not co-occurring conditions exist. Anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD and depression is frequently associated with ADHD.
It is essential to select an expert who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Qualified professionals can include clinical psychologists, physicians or clinical social workers. You can find the right specialist by asking your friends or colleagues for recommendations, however you should conduct some research and ensure that the specialist is certified and licensed within your state. You can also research the specialist's professional background and request references from previous patients or clients. These steps can help you find the best person to test your child or you for ADHD. When a diagnosis is made, it can be a huge relief to many adults. They no longer have to worry about their failings because of laziness or lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult for adults to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms can be attributed to other factors, such as stress or an illness. Genre, gender, and even race can be a factor in the diagnosis of a patient. For example, women and people of color might be diagnosed with the disorder less often than men and whites. As a result, some people who struggle with the symptoms of ADHD don't receive the help they require until later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough review of the person's past of symptoms and behavior. They will interview the patient about their symptoms, and will also talk to people who are familiar with them. For instance, they could ask the person's parents, spouses or coworkers about the way that the symptoms impact their lives. The patient is expected to complete questionnaires and may undergo a series of tests, which could include the psychological assessment and an interview.
To be diagnosed the patient will have to show that they have suffered from a variety of symptoms for at least 12 months and are currently experiencing impairment in two different areas of their life such as school, work or in relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. The specialist must also establish that the symptoms first manifested before the age of 12 years old.
During the assessment the examiner will look over the person's medical background, family history, anxiety and mood disorders, any other mental health issues, substance abuse and other physical ailments. In actual fact, it's not uncommon for some of these conditions to be overlapping with ADHD.
It's important to find an expert in mental health who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to provide information regarding their experience and training in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is hesitant to provide this information, it's probably not the best idea to work with them.
Treatment
The choice to treat ADHD in adults is left to each individual. While a diagnosis can be a bit overwhelming however, there are a variety of options for adults who want to improve their functioning and manage their symptoms.
Most health care professionals employ an extensive evaluation procedure to evaluate a patient's health. This may include a description of the symptoms by the patient himself or by his close family, friends members and teachers; completing of questionnaires and scales; complete medical and mental history; and occasionally the referral to a doctor to conduct a physical examination.
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 a person exhibit at least five symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must also have been present prior to the age of 12. The assessment will focus on how the symptoms impact the person's life. Examples of impairment include losing a job due to issues at work or excessive conflict and stress in relationships or not paying bills on time, getting into financial trouble, and not making enough academic progress at school.
In addition to a medical interview, a thorough assessment will often consist of psychological tests to determine executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial skills and reasoning abilities. These tests are conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD treatment.
For some people who are suffering from behavioral issues, therapy may help in reducing their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good example. It teaches someone how to manage his own behavior, and how to increase his self-esteem. It can also instruct the patient how to deal with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD decide to take part in a clinical study which is a research study that aims to test new methods to detect and treat or prevent diseases. Talk to your health care doctor about the dangers and benefits that come with taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis have lived with the disorder for years. Whether it's frustration with their job or relationships or stress from living with ADHD can cause someone to realize they need professional help. If you are an adult with ADHD and a therapist who specializes in the disorder can help you. A neurologist or psychiatrist can prescribe medication. If you're unsure how to find these health care specialists, consult your primary care physician or contact the CHADD organization CHADD for suggestions.
In the initial assessment the mental health professional might ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. The therapist will also look over your medical records to determine whether physical or emotional issues could have contributed to your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your partner in the event that it is appropriate. It is crucial that both spouses or partners take part in the test to gain more understanding of each other's ADHD symptoms and their impact on 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). The therapist will determine if you have mild, moderate, or severe ADHD. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions and your home.
After evaluating your symptoms, the health professional will suggest different treatment options. These could include lifestyle changes, therapy and medication. Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you change negative thoughts patterns and improve self-esteem. They could also refer to neurofeedback or brain training which are non-pharmacological treatment methods which increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Online telehealth providers like Amwell can connect you to specialists in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell is a telehealth provider which works with more than more info 40 insurance companies. They usually require a copay or meet your deductible if you pay out of pocket. Thriveworks is a different option, that offers online counseling and can also manage medication.