How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some people feel relief that they can finally comprehend their struggles and others feel sadness for having missed out on opportunities in their lives because of symptoms that went untreated so long.
A health care provider or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD by examining the mood of a person, past and present medical and mental health conditions and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The assessment includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to details. In many cases, these problems stem from other underlying problems such as depression or substance use disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to gaining control over symptoms that can cause havoc in personal and professional life.
Symptoms of ADHD typically appear in childhood and last into adulthood. For a person to receive a diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their life in more than one area (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. To be eligible, symptoms must have lasted for at least six months and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders and dissociative disorders.
The health professional will also look over the patient's medical and mental history. They will also talk to the patient as well as, if possible, relatives to get perspective on childhood behavior. The health care professional will also talk to the patient's teacher and review their current home and work settings.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition released by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In general, in order to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, a person must show six or more inattention symptoms that are severe enough to hinder their life. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric evaluation is usually enough for a health care professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This will include an extensive interview with the individual, his or her family members and any caregivers or teachers, as well as completing scales and questionnaires. The health professional may examine the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family history and refer the person for a physical examination to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. He or she will also look at the person's sleep habits, diet and work and home environment to determine any stressors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a doctor who is an expert in the field of ADHD. adult diagnosis of adhd will inquire about your symptoms and the impact on your life. They'll likely be interested in how many times you have trouble finishing tasks, how often you lose things or forget where you put your keys, and if these issues create stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and physical exam. This information will help your doctor rule out other conditions which may mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD, such a sleep disorders, depression anxiety, thyroid issues or depression.
adult diagnosis of adhd that your health care provider will question family members as well as other caregivers about your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different settings such as at school, at work or with scouts or religious leaders. You might be asked to complete a self-test to determine your symptoms. You can find these online, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face appointment with your doctor.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD is based on the threshold of symptoms lower than children -- five out of nine signs over an entire six-month period. You must also be able to demonstrate a significant 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 works, and can determine if there are any mental disorders that coexist, such as depression or anxiety.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can trigger complicated emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she had a solid explanation for her troubles. Ask your doctor or support group to refer you to a health professional who can perform ADHD assessments on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to determine which doctors are included.
Treatment
The first option for a lot of patients suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behaviors. They can help people with ADHD focus and stay organized. They can also manage their impulses and make more rational choices, improve communication, and decrease the impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants that are slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for some people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication which works best for an individual may change as time passes. It is essential to discuss with the medical professional who is who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A health professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the patient in addition to the answers to questionnaires and scales by the person, and a review of family history of mood disorders, as well as medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A appointment to a medical exam may also be included to rule out medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take a while. This is particularly true in the case of an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms over many years. The evaluation should be thorough and therefore, the patient should bring their old reports and copies of their performance assessments at work or school. The healthcare professional could request permission to talk with family members and close friends to gain a better understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on their lives. It is common for people to experience a mixture of emotions, ranging from relief at finally getting a reason for their struggles to grief over the loss of opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. Matlen, however, says that after being diagnosed, she was able to make positive changes in her life, including her career and her relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is a vital step for people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist could be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many methods to locate a therapist in your area. Begin by asking your doctor for a referral. They may have a list of specialists who have experience treating ADHD. You can also search online. There are numerous websites that have directories of doctors, and provide details about their areas of interest and areas of expertise. Another option is to ask for a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also reach out to your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
When you see an experienced therapist in treating ADHD and other disorders, it is essential to be as truthful as you can. It is essential to discuss how ADHD affects your life and the lives of other people. It is important to discuss your medical history. This allows the therapist to identify any illnesses such as anxiety or depression that could exhibit similar symptoms.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and employ standardized scales to measure the severity of symptoms. The therapist may also ask other caregivers to provide their feedback like religious leaders, teachers, or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of behavior of an individual in different situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel embarrassed and frustrated by their issues and are reluctant to discuss the issues. This can compromise the quality of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who is experienced in working with adults with ADHD can generally help them overcome these barriers.
It is also important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapist will automatically prescribe medication. While some people who suffer from ADHD require medication, there are a number of treatments that are effective, including the use of behavioral therapy. These methods of treatment can be utilized alongside medication or as standalone treatments.