ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD might experience symptoms that are similar to symptoms of depression or anxiety. This is why a thorough examination by a medical professional or mental health professional is necessary.
Your specialist will ask you about your childhood-related symptoms. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires or interviews with teachers and professionals who know you.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to accomplish daily tasks such as planning and managing one's time. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle at work, to be unable to keep up in schools, and to notice that their relationships suffer since they tend to overlook important events or arrive late to events. They may also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or appear distracted with eyes that are glazed over.
The symptoms are assessed to determine whether ADHD is present. They should have been present for at minimum six months and caused issues in more than one area of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might not be aware of the problem however, their frustrations in daily life could prompt them to seek help. They might begin to fall behind at work because they fail to meet deadlines or fail to concentrate during meetings or lectures. Friendships can suffer if they don't adhere to their plans or don't listen to their partners. Family life may be affected if they're not able to finish household chores.
In addition to a thorough interview, a professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or testing for learning disabilities as needed. Based on the individual's particular issues, these tests may provide helpful information about how ADHD impacts the person and can determine whether or not there are comorbidities. Anxiety can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD and depression is often related to ADHD.
It is important to select an expert who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Psychologists, physicians or clinical social workers are qualified professionals. It is possible to locate the right specialist by asking friends or colleagues, however it is also wise to conduct some research to make sure the expert you select is licensed and certified in your state. You can also research the background of the expert and request references from previous patients or clients. These steps will assist you in finding the right person to evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. If a diagnosis is confirmed it can be a great relief for many adults. They can stop worrying about their failures being because of laziness or lack of intelligence instead, and concentrate on how they can manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. A lot of symptoms could be due to other causes such as stress or an illness. Sexe, gender or race may play a part in the diagnosis of a patient. For example women and those of color may be diagnosed with the disorder less often than men and whites. In the end, many people who struggle with the symptoms of ADHD do not receive the assistance they need until much later in their lives.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough evaluation of the person's history of symptoms and behavior. They will ask about the symptoms and also speak to people who know about the symptoms. They may ask their spouse or parents of the person how the symptoms have affected their lives. The person will be asked to fill out questionnaires and will be subject to a series of tests, which could include a psychological evaluation and an interview.
To be diagnosed, the patient has to prove that they have had several of the symptoms for at least 12 months and that they are currently experiencing impairment in two different areas of their life 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. The specialist must also establish that the symptoms first manifested before the age of 12.
During the evaluation, an examiner will review the person's medical history including family history, mood and anxiety disorders, any other mental health conditions and alcohol abuse, as well as other physical conditions. It's not uncommon for these disorders to overlap with ADHD.
It is crucial to find a professional who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Many professionals are willing offer their knowledge and experience in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to divulge this information, it's best not to work with them.
Treatment
Unlike when someone is a child, the decision of whether or not to tackle ADHD as an adult is solely up to the person. Although receiving a diagnosis can be intimidating at first but there are a variety of options for adults to manage their symptoms and improve functioning.
Most health care professionals employ an extensive evaluation process to evaluate a patient's health. This will include a description of the symptoms provided by the person himself or by his closest family members, friends members, and teachers; the completion of questionnaires and scales, a full medical and psychiatric history; and, sometimes, an appointment with a physician to conduct a physical examination.
A doctor will use diagnostic guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which requires an individual to demonstrate at least five indicators of inattention, hyperactivity or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12. The assessment will look at how the symptoms affect the individual's daily life. Examples of impairment include losing work due to issues at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial issues, or not paying bills on-time.
A comprehensive assessment could include, in addition to the clinical interview tests for psychological testing that assess working memory, executive function (abilities like making decisions and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning abilities. These tests are conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in ADHD treatment.
Behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing symptoms for some people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains the person to develop strategies for managing his own behavior and improve confidence in himself. It also teaches the individual how to cope with underlying problems which make his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD decide to participate in a clinical trial, which is a research project designed to test new ways to identify and treat or prevent diseases. Talk to your healthcare doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in a trial.
Counseling
Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the condition for decades. It doesn't matter if it's a problem with their job or relationships or the stress of living with ADHD could finally cause someone to realize they need professional help. If you're an adult and have been diagnosed with ADHD and need help, you can seek therapy from a therapist who specializes in the disorder or through a psychiatrist or neurologist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're unsure how to find these health care experts, ask your primary care physician or contact the organization CHADD for suggestions.
During the initial assessment, a mental health professional might ask you questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The therapist might also look over your medical history to determine whether emotional or physical issues may be the cause of your ADHD. The therapist will interview you as more info well as, if necessary your spouse. It's important that both spouses or partners take part in the test to gain more understanding of each other's ADHD symptoms and the impact they have on their relationship.
The therapist will analyze the symptoms you have presented with the diagnostic criteria laid out by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). They will then determine what level of ADHD you have mild, moderate or severe. They'll also discuss the effects of your ADHD on your social interactions, work and at home.
After assessing your symptoms the health professional will suggest various treatment options. These can include therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. Your physician might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can assist you in changing negative thought patterns and improve self-esteem. They can also refer to neurofeedback or brain training which are non-pharmacological treatment methods that increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Amwell Telehealth, an online service, can connect you to a healthcare professional who is trained in ADHD for evaluations and medications. Amwell has a relationship with more than 40+ insurance companies and typically requires a copay or exceeds your deductible for out of pocket visits. Another alternative is Thriveworks, which offers online therapy, and can provide medication management.