ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD can suffer from symptoms that are similar to depression or anxiety. This is why it's important to have an extensive assessment by an expert in mental health or health care provider.
Your doctor will ask you about your childhood-related symptoms. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or take part in interviews with teachers and other professionals who know you.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to accomplish daily tasks, such as managing time and planning. People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are often unable to perform at their best at work, struggle with staying on top of their studies and find that their relationships suffer due to the fact that they tend to miss important dates or show up late to events. They can also have trouble staying focused in conversations or seem distracted with eyes that are glazed over.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on an evaluation of the symptoms. They must have persisted for at minimum six months and caused issues in more than one area of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may not realize that they are suffering from a disorder, but their daily struggles can cause them to seek out help. They may start to lose time at work because they fail to meet deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships can suffer if they don't adhere to their plans or don't listen to partners. Family life can be affected if they are unable to complete household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a trained professional can conduct neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities as needed. Based on the individual's particular issues, these tests may give valuable information about the ways that ADHD affects the person and determine whether or not there are comorbidities. For example, anxiety can cause similar symptoms as ADHD and depression frequently is a result of ADHD.
It is important to select the right specialist with prior experience treating adults with ADHD. Qualified professionals can include clinical psychologists, physicians or clinical social specialists. It is possible to find an expert through recommendations from friends or colleagues, but it is also wise to do some research and ensure that the specialist you choose is certified and licensed in your state. You can also look up the background of the specialist and ask for references from former patients or clients. These steps can help you find the best person to assess your child or you for ADHD. Many adults feel happy once they receive an assessment. They can stop worrying about their failures being due to laziness and lack of intelligence, and instead focus on how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult for adults to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms of ADHD could be attributed to other factors, such as stress or medical illnesses. Genre, gender and race may influence a person's diagnosis. For example women and people of color are likely to be diagnosed with the disorder less often than whites and males. This means that some adults who are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD aren't getting the help they require until later in their lives.
A mental health professional confirms an ADHD diagnosis through a comprehensive review of the person's past of symptoms and behavior. They will inquire with the person about their symptoms, and they will also speak to those who are familiar with them. For instance, they could ask the person's spouse, parents as well as coworkers and friends about how the symptoms affect their lives. The person will answer questionnaires and could be subjected to an array of tests, including a psychological assessment as well as an interview.
To receive a diagnosis, the patient has to prove that they have been suffering from the same symptoms for at least 12 months and that they are currently causing impairment in two areas of their life such as work, school 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 started before the age of 12.
During the examination the examiner will take a look into the person's personal and family background as well as their medical history as well as their mood and anxiety disorders, their mental health issues, and their use of drugs and physical conditions. In fact, it isn't uncommon for some of these conditions to be overlapping with ADHD.
It's crucial to find a professional with experience in treating adults with ADHD. Most professionals are willing to provide their expertise and knowledge in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to share this information, it's best not to work with them.
Treatment
The choice to treat ADHD in adults is up to each individual. Although being diagnosed with ADHD may seem daunting at first but there are a variety of options available to adults to manage their symptoms and improve functioning.
The majority of health care professionals will employ a thorough evaluation procedure to determine the severity of the condition of an individual. This will include a description of the symptoms by the individual or his close friends, family members and teachers; completing of scales and questionnaires; an extensive medical and psychiatric history; and, sometimes, a referral to a physician for a physical examination.
A doctor will use diagnostic guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which requires that a patient show at least five signs of hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive behavior. Symptoms must also have been present prior to the age of 12. The assessment will look at how the symptoms affect the person's daily life. Examples getting a adhd diagnosis of impairment include losing a job due problems at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial issues or not paying bills on-time.
A complete assessment may include, in addition to the interview with a psychologist psychological tests that test executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning abilities. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in ADHD and treatment for it can conduct these tests and provide comprehensive assessments.
Behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing symptoms for certain people. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an example. It helps a person learn how to manage his own behavior, and how to increase confidence in himself. It can also instruct the person how to deal with the root of issues that make his symptoms worse.
Certain people with ADHD opt to take part in a clinical study, which is a type of research study that aims to test new methods to prevent and treat diseases and conditions. Discuss with your health care physician about any dangers and benefits that come with participating in a trial.
Counseling
Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis have been suffering from the condition for decades. The stress of living with ADHD, whether it's an issue with their job or relationship issues, can eventually cause people to realize they require professional help. If you're an adult who's been diagnosed with ADHD and need help, you can seek counseling through a therapist who is an expert in the field or through a psychiatrist or neurologist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure where to find these health experts, ask your primary care physician or contact the organization CHADD for suggestions.
In the initial assessment, a mental health professional may ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. The therapist will also go through your medical records to determine whether emotional or physical problems may contribute to your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your partner If applicable. Each spouse or partner should participate in the assessment. This will allow them to better understand each one's ADHD symptoms and how they affect their relationship.
The therapist will assess the symptoms you have presented by using the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). They will then determine the level of ADHD you have mild, moderate or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions and your home.
After evaluating your symptoms, the health care professional may suggest different treatment options. These could include changes to your lifestyle, medication and therapy. Your physician may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can assist you in changing negative thought patterns and boost self-esteem. They can also recommend you for neurofeedback or brain training which are non-pharmacological treatments that increase concentration and reduce the impulsivity.
Online telehealth services such as Amwell can connect you with an expert in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell is a telehealth provider that works with more than 40 insurance companies. They usually require a copay, or they can meet your deductible when you pay out of the pocket. Another alternative is Thriveworks which provides online therapy and can also provide medication management.