How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some people feel relief that they finally understand their struggles while others experience sadness due to the fact that they missed opportunities due to the symptoms that went untreated so long.
A health professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the mood of a person, past and present medical and mental health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experiences. The test usually includes ADHD symptom checklists and the standardized scales of rating.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to details. These issues are often caused by other conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to getting control of symptoms that can cause destruction in both professional and personal life.
The signs of ADHD typically appear in childhood and last into adulthood. For a person to receive an diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their life in at least two areas (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. To meet these criteria, symptoms must have lasted for at minimum six months and are not better explained by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders and dissociative disorders.
In addition to looking into the patient's symptoms as well as their health history, the healthcare professional will also review their medical history and mental health history. He or she will talk to the person and, if they are able, their family members, in order to gain a perspective on the behavior of children. The health care professional will also speak to the patient's teachers and review their current work and home environments.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. In general, to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD an individual must show at least six inattention-related symptoms that are severe enough to hinder 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 is usually able to identify a person suffering from ADHD by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This involves an in-depth interview with the individual and their parents, as well as any caregivers or educators, as well taking questionnaires or scales. The health professional will also review the person's medical, psychiatric and family history and may refer the patient to a physical exam in order to rule out any other causes for his or her symptoms. The doctor will also examine the individual's sleep habits, diet, workplace and home environments to determine if stressors may be causing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may be suffering from ADHD, you should consult a specialist doctor in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll likely want to know how often you have difficulties finishing tasks or losing things or forget where you have put your keys, and if these problems create stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and physical examination. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions which may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such a sleep disorders, depression anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.
click this that your health care professional will interview family members as well as other caregivers about your behavior. They'll also discuss your behavior in different environments, such as at work and school, or with your scout or religious leaders. You might be asked to take an assessment of your own to determine the severity of your symptoms. These are available online however, they shouldn't be used in lieu of an in-person visit with your doctor.
Adults must have an upper threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms over the course of six months. You'll also have to make an impact on your school, work and family 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 look at how your brain functions, and can determine if there are any mental disorders that coexist, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may result in a range of complex emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a concrete reason for her problems. Consult your doctor or local support group to recommend you to a health professional who can perform ADHD tests on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out the providers that are listed.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD treatment is the first choice for treatment. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine function by increasing or balancing neurotransmitters in the brain which regulate behavior and attention. They can help people who suffer from ADHD concentrate and remain well-organized. They can also control their impulses, make more rational decisions enhance communication, and decrease impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant drugs, like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are slower to work than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating some patients with ADHD. The type of medication which works best for an individual may change over time. It is crucial to discuss with the health professional in the process of evaluating all options.
A health care professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the patient in addition to the answering questionnaires and completing scales by the person, and an examination of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral to an examination by a doctor could be included as well to rule out a possible medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation will likely to take some time, particularly when the patient is an adult who has been struggling to manage symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be thorough, so the individual should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance assessments at school or at work. The healthcare professional could ask for permission to speak with family members or acquaintances to gain more information about the person's previous behavior and experiences.
For adults, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. People typically experience a variety of emotions, from relief to finally having a concrete reason for their struggles, to sadness at the loss of opportunities and relationships that result from untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that after receiving a diagnosis she was able to make positive changes in her life, including in her work and relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find that getting assistance from a therapist can be a crucial step. Finding the right therapist is not always easy. There are many ways to find a therapist in the area. Begin by asking your doctor for the referral. He or she might have a list with specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also try looking on the internet. There are many websites which list doctors, as well as details about their specialties and areas of expertise. Another option is to seek a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health clinic, or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is essential to be honest when visiting the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. This involves discussing how ADHD symptoms affect your life and the impact they have on others. It's also important to talk about your medical history, including your past background. This will help your doctor rule out other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
In addition to observing an person's behavior, a therapist will likely conduct interviews and employ standardized rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist might also ask for input from other caregivers, like teachers, religious or scout leaders to obtain a complete assessment of the person's behavior in various situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel embarrassed and frustrated by their problems and may be reluctant to discuss them. This can impact the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience in working with adults with ADHD is usually able to assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to understand that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean the counselor will immediately prescribe medication. While certain people who suffer from ADHD may require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be extremely effective. These methods of treatment can be utilized alongside medication or used as an alternative treatment.