How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some feel relief in realizing their struggles, whereas others feel remorse for having missed out on life opportunities because of symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A health professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by examining the person's mood as well as their past and current mental and physical health conditions and their behavior during childhood and school experiences. The assessment usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD are unable to complete tasks that require concentration or attention to detail. Often, these issues also are a result of other issues such as depression or addiction disorders. The first step in controlling the symptoms that cause trouble on both a personal and professional scale is to get a valid ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically start in the early years of childhood and continue into adulthood. For a person to receive a diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their life in more than one area (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. To meet the criteria they must last for at least six months and cannot be caused by mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
The health care provider will also look over the patient's mental and medical history. He or she will talk to the patient and, if possible, their family members, in order to gain an understanding of childhood behavior. The health care professional might also review the patient's current working and home environments, and speak with their teachers.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose 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 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 thorough psychiatric examination is typically enough for a healthcare professional to determine if someone has ADHD. This may include a lengthy interview with the individual as well as their family members, caregivers and teachers, in addition to completing scales and questionnaires. The health care provider will also look over the individual's medical, psychiatric and family histories and might refer the person for a physical exam to rule out other reasons for their symptoms. They will also examine the person's sleep habits as well as their diet, work and the home environment to identify any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD it is essential to consult a medical provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will likely be interested in knowing how often you experience trouble finishing tasks and how often you misplace things or forget to put away your keys, and whether these problems create stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and physical exam. This will help them rule out other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid issues.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers, and friends regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different situations, such as at work, school or with scouts or religious leaders. Your doctor might also ask you to fill out a self-test or rating scale to assess your symptoms. You can find these online, but they shouldn't be used in lieu for a face-to-face interview with your physician.
Adults must have an lower threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms in the span of six months. You will also need to 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 help determine if you have co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from sadness over missed opportunities to relief that she had a solid reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or local support group to refer you to a health professional who is able to conduct ADHD evaluations on adults. You can also check with your insurance provider to find out which providers are on its list.
Treatment
Medication is often the first choice for people suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and behavior. adhd diagnosis adults can help those with ADHD focus and stay well-organized. They also help control their impulses and make more rational decisions, improve communication, and lessen the impulsive behavior.
how to diagnosis adhd , such as atomoxetine, or some antidepressants work slower than stimulants. However they are effective in treating some patients with ADHD. The type of medication which is best for a person may change as time passes. It is essential to discuss with the medical professional who is in the process of evaluating all options.
A health care professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the person as well as the answers to questionnaires and scales for the individual, and an examination of family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, like sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to an examination by a doctor could be included to determine if there is a medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take some time. This is particularly true in the case of an adult who has struggled to deal with symptoms for many years. The assessment should be thorough and therefore, the patient should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at work or school. The healthcare professional can request permission to speak to close friends or relatives to obtain a complete picture of the individual's previous experiences and behaviors.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on their lives. It is normal for people to experience a mixture of emotions, from relief at finally getting a reason for their problems to sadness over lost opportunities and relationships that were damaged by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed, she was able to start making changes in her life and progress in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is a crucial step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist isn't always straightforward. There are a variety of ways to find a specialist in your area. Start by asking your regular doctor for an appointment. He or she may have a list of specialists who have experience treating ADHD. You can also try looking on the internet. There are a variety of websites that offer directories of doctors and include information on their areas of focus and specialization. Asking family members or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also reach out to your local mental health clinic, or an ADHD support group to receive recommendations.
If you visit a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD, it is important to be as transparent as possible. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect your life and the impact they have on other people. It's also important to discuss your past and current medical background. This will help the therapist rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, for example anxiety or depression.
In addition to observing an person's behavior, a therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standardized rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist may also solicit other caregivers to provide their feedback, such as religious leaders, teachers or scouts and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of the behavior of the individual in different situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD might feel overwhelmed and irritated by their issues and are reluctant to discuss the issues. This can affect the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD can assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is important to know that having a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will prescribe medication. While certain individuals who suffer from ADHD may need to take medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that is extremely effective. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or used as standalone treatments.