How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult. Some people feel relieved that they finally understand their struggles while others experience sadness for having missed out on opportunities in their lives due to symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by looking at the person's mood and past medical and mental health conditions and their behavior during childhood and school experiences. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptoms checklists and the standardized rating scales.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort or focus on detail. These problems are usually caused by other underlying conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in controlling the symptoms that cause trouble on a personal and professional level is to get a valid ADHD diagnosis.
Symptoms of ADHD generally begin in 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, work and home) and cause significant impairment. To be able to meet these requirements the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. They cannot be explained better by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
The health care professional will also review the patient's medical and mental history. The doctor will speak with the person and, if they are able, their family members, in order to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health care professional will also speak to the patient's teacher and review their current home and work environment.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. In general, to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD an individual must show six or more inattention symptoms that are serious enough to hinder their life 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 through an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This involves an extensive interview with the individual as well as his or her parents, and any other caregivers or teachers, as well as answering questionnaires or scales. The health care professional will also look over the individual's psychiatric, medical and family history. They may refer the individual for a physical examination to rule out possible causes of his or her symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleep habits eating habits, diet and work home environment to determine any stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist doctor in the field. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the impact on your life. They'll want to know if have difficulty completing tasks, if you frequently lose things, or forget where you put your keys. They may ask whether or not these problems cause you stress at work, at home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and physical exam. This will help them identify other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like sleep disorders, depression and anxiety or thyroid issues.
Your health professional could interview family members, caregivers, and friends regarding your behavior. They'll also discuss your behavior in various settings, such as at work, school or with your scout or religious leaders. You might be asked to take self-tests to identify your symptoms. They are available on the internet, but they should not be used as a substitute for a face-toface consultation with your physician.
adult adhd diagnosis must have an lower threshold than children to be formally diagnosed with ADHD that is five out of nine symptoms over a six-month time period. Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate a significant impact on your work, school as well as your 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 usually examine the way your brain functions and help determine if you have co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may create a variety of emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief she could pinpoint a cause for her problems. Ask your doctor or support group to recommend you to a health professional who is able to conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also check with your insurance provider to find out which providers are included on its list.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD medication is the first option for treatment. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to increase or balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals which regulate behavior and attention. They can help those 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.
There are also nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants that work slower than stimulants but can still be effective for patients with ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a person's needs may change over time, which is why it is important to discuss all possibilities with the medical professional who conducts the evaluation.
A health care professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the patient, answers to questionnaires and scales by the person and an examination of the family history and mood disorders as well as medical conditions, like sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical examination may also be included to rule out medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
The assessment will likely take some time, particularly when the patient is an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which implies that the individual should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their school or job and other information like old report cards. The healthcare professional may ask for permission to speak with close family members or acquaintances to gain more information about the person's previous behavior and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. It is normal for people to experience various emotions, from relief at finally having a concrete explanation for their problems to sadness over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that after being diagnosed, she was able to make positive changes in her life, including her career and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is a crucial step for many people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. Fortunately, there are many ways to find a specialist in your area. Begin by asking your physician for a referral. He or she may have a list with specialists who have experience treating ADHD. You can also look on the internet. There are numerous websites which list doctors, as well as details about their specialties and areas of interest. Asking family members or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
It is important to be honest when visiting an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD. This includes discussing how ADHD symptoms impact your life and the impact they have on others. It's important to talk about your medical history, both past and present. background. This helps the therapist to rule out conditions such as anxiety or depression that may exhibit similar symptoms.
In addition to observing the individual's behavior, the psychotherapist is likely to conduct interviews and use standard rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist could also seek input from other caregivers, such as teachers or religious or scout leaders to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior in different settings.
Adults with ADHD frequently feel angry and embarrassed by their issues and may be reluctant to discuss them. This can affect the quality of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults who have ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is important to know that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will prescribe medication. While certain people who suffer from ADHD may need to take medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be extremely effective. These treatments can be utilized in conjunction with medication or as separate treatments.