How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a challenge. Some feel relief in realizing their struggles, whereas others are sad that they have missed out on life opportunities due to symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A mental health specialist or health care professional can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the mood of a person, their previous and current mental and physical ailments as well as their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The evaluation includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental energy over time or paying attention to specifics. These problems are usually caused by other underlying issues such as depression or abuse disorders. The first step to control issues that can cause chaos at a personal as well as professional level is to get a proper ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood and persist throughout 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, home and work) and cause significant impairment. To meet this requirement to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six month and cannot be caused by mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
In addition to examining the patient's symptoms as well as their health history, the healthcare professional will review their medical history and mental health history. They will also talk to the person and in the event that it is possible, family members to understand the perspective of childhood behavior. The health care provider may also review the patient's current workplace and home environment and talk with their teachers.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, an individual must have six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to affect their daily activities. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health professional will usually identify a person with ADHD by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This includes an in-depth interview with the person as well as his or her parents, as well as any caregivers or teachers, as well as completing scales or questionnaires. The health care provider will also look over the individual's medical, psychiatric and family history. They may refer the individual to a physical exam in order to rule out any other reasons for their symptoms. He or she will also examine the person's sleeping habits, diet and work and the home environment to identify any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a doctor who is an expert in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will want to know if you have difficulty completing tasks, if it is common to lose things, or forget where you left your keys. They might also inquire about whether or not these problems result in stress at work, at home or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and physical exam. This information will allow them to rule out other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid issues.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers and friends about your behavior. They'll also discuss how you behave in different settings, such as at school and work or with your scout or religious leaders. You may be asked to complete a self-test to determine your symptoms. They are available online, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-toface consultation with your physician.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet the threshold of symptoms lower than for kids -- five out of nine signs over a six-month period. You must also be able to show significant impact in your school, work 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 typically look at the way your brain works and can aid in determining if you suffer from coexisting mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can trigger complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from sadness over missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health care professional who performs ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also inquire with your insurance provider to find out which providers are on its list.
Treatment
The medication is often the first option for a lot of patients suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine function by increasing or balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and behavior. They can help people with ADHD focus better and stay organized, control their impulses and make more reasonable decisions, improve communication and relationships and decrease impulsive behavior.
There are also adhd diagnosis in adults as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants that are slower than stimulants but can still be effective for some patients with ADHD. The type of medication which is most effective for a particular person may change over time. It is crucial to discuss with the medical professional who is conducting the evaluation all options.
A health care specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This will include an interview, the completion of scales, questionnaires and a review family history, mood disorders and medical conditions like sleep disorders, as well as other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out any medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
The test will likely take some time, especially in the case of an adult who has been struggling to manage symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as is possible, which means that the individual should bring copies of performance assessments from their workplace or school and other information such as old report cards. The healthcare professional may ask permission to talk with close family members or friends to obtain a complete understanding of the individual's past experiences and behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on their lives. Many people experience a range of emotions, ranging from relief to finally having an explanation for their struggles, to grief over the missed opportunities and relationships that result from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed and was able to begin making changes in her life and continue to move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find that getting assistance from a therapist is a crucial step. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. Luckily, there are several ways to locate a specialist in your area. Start by asking your doctor for an appointment. They might have an extensive list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also search online. There are a variety of websites that list doctors, with information on their specialties as well as areas of focus. Asking family members or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also call your local mental health center or ADHD support group to get suggestions.
When you see an experienced therapist in treating ADHD, it is important to be as transparent as possible. It is essential to discuss the ways that ADHD symptoms impact your life and on other people. It's also important to discuss your medical background. This allows the therapist to rule out conditions such as depression or anxiety that can be similar to anxiety or depression.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and use standardized scales to measure the severity of the symptoms. The therapist may also solicit other caregivers for their input like teachers, religious leaders or scouts and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of the behavior of an individual in different situations.
Adults with ADHD might feel overwhelmed and irritated by their issues and be reluctant to discuss them. This can limit the accuracy of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience in working with adults with ADHD is usually able to help them overcome these barriers.
It is crucial to understand that the diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will prescribe medications. While some people with ADHD do need to take medication but there are plenty of treatment options that can be efficient, such as treatment for behavioral issues. These treatment methods can be used in conjunction with medication or as an alternative treatment.