How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some people feel relieved that they finally understand their struggles while others experience sadness because they missed out on opportunities because of symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A health care provider or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by examining the person's mood as well as their past and current mental and medical health issues, and their childhood behavior and school experience. The assessment usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists and the standardized rating scales.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort or attention to detail. Often, these issues also result from other underlying issues such as depression or addiction disorders. Making sure you are diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards getting control of symptoms that can cause chaos in your professional and personal life.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood and persist into adulthood. For a person to receive a diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their lives in at least two areas (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. To be eligible symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, dissociative disorders or personality disorders.
In addition to looking into the person's symptoms, the health care provider will also review their medical history and mental health history. They will also talk to the person and, if possible, relatives to get perspective on childhood behavior. The health professional will also speak to the patient's teacher and review their current home and work environments.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition released by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive version of ADHD, one must exhibit six or less inattention symptoms that are severe enough to affect their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health professional will usually determine if a person has ADHD by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This involves a thorough interview with the person and their parents, as well as any caregivers or educators, as well completing scales or questionnaires. The health care provider will also go over the person's medical, psychiatric and family histories and might refer the person to a physical exam in order to rule out possible causes of his or her symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleeping habits, diet and work and the home environment to identify any stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
how is adhd diagnosed in adults
If you think that you might have ADHD, you should consult a specialist doctor in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll be interested in how many times you have difficulties finishing tasks or losing items or forget to put away your keys, and if these problems cause stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This information will help your doctor rule out other conditions which may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such a depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.
Your health care provider may interview family members, caregivers and friends about your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in various situations, such as at school, work or with religious or scout leaders. Your doctor might also ask you to fill out an assessment or self-test to evaluate your symptoms. They are available online, but should not be used in lieu of a face-toface interview with your physician.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet a lower threshold of symptoms than children -- five out of nine signs over an entire six-month period. You will also need to be able demonstrate a significant impact in your work, school and at home.
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 usually look at the ways your brain functions and may help determine if you suffer from co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete reason for her problems. Consult your doctor or local support group to refer you to a health professional who can perform ADHD tests on adults. You can also call your insurance provider to determine which providers are listed.
Treatment
The medication is often the first option for many people suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behaviors. They can help some people with ADHD concentrate better and remain organized and in control of their impulses. They can also help them make more reasonable decisions, improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, perform slower than stimulants. However, they can still be effective in treating some people with ADHD. The type of medication that works best for a particular person can change over time, which is why it is crucial to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional who conducts the assessment.
A health specialist with expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the patient in addition to the completion of questionnaires and scales by the person, and an examination of family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, like sleep disorders and physical ailments. A referral to a medical examination may be included as well to rule out a possible medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
The assessment will likely to take a while, especially if the person is an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which implies that the patient should bring copies of performance assessments from their workplace or school and other information such as old report cards. The healthcare professional can request permission to talk with close family members or acquaintances to gain a better understanding of the person's previous behavior and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. It is normal for people to experience an array of emotions, from relief finally getting a reason for their struggles to grief over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that following the diagnosis, she was able make changes in her life, including her work and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find that getting help from a therapist is a crucial step. However, finding the right therapist may be difficult. There are how is adhd diagnosed in adults of ways to find a specialist in your area. Ask your doctor to refer you. He or she might have a list of specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also search online. There are a variety of websites that offer directories of doctors and include details on their areas of focus and specialty. Another option is to seek a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also call your local mental health center or ADHD support group to get suggestions.
It is essential to be honest when you visit the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect your life and the impact they have on others. It is also essential to discuss your past and current medical background. This will help the counselor rule out any other conditions that could have similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist could also solicit other caregivers for their opinions like religious leaders, teachers, or scout and scout leaders in order to get a true picture of the behavior of the individual in different situations.
Adults with ADHD might be embarrassed and frustrated by their problems and may be reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can affect the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience in working with adults with ADHD can generally help them overcome these barriers.
It is crucial to understand that the diagnosis of ADHD does not mean a therapist will prescribe medication. While some people who suffer from ADHD may require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be extremely efficient. These methods of treatment can be used alongside medication or they can be utilized as a stand-alone treatment.