How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some feel relief at finally being able to recognize their challenges, while others feel grief for having missed opportunities to live their lives because of the symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A health professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by examining the mood of a person, past and present medical and mental health conditions, and their childhood behavior and school experience. The assessment includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to the details. Often, these issues also result from other underlying issues such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in tackling symptoms that cause havoc at a personal as well as professional scale is to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood and last into adulthood. To be eligible for an diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their daily life in two or more areas (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. To be able to meet these requirements, symptoms must have lasted for at least six months. They are not better explained by other mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
In addition to examining the person's symptoms, the health care provider will review their medical history and mental health history. The doctor will also interview the patient as well as, if possible, relatives to get perspective on childhood behaviors. The health professional may review the patient's present workplace and home environment and discuss the patient's schooling with them.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In general, to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, a person must show at least six symptoms of inattention that are serious 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 evaluation is usually enough for a healthcare professional to determine if someone has ADHD. This includes an extensive interview with the person as well as his or her parents, and any caregivers or educators, as well answering questionnaires or scales. The health professional will also look over the individual's medical, psychiatric and family history and might refer the person to a physical exam in order to rule out other causes for his or her symptoms. They will look at the person's sleep patterns, diet, the home and work environments to determine if stressors could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may be suffering from 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 life. They'll be looking to find out if you are struggling to complete tasks, if you frequently lose things, or are unable to remember where you left your keys. They might ask whether or not these problems cause you stress at work, at home or in relationships. Your doctor will also review the medical history and physical examination. This information will allow them to identify other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as sleep disorders, depression and anxiety or a thyroid issue.
It's likely that your healthcare professional will ask family members, friends and other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also inquire about your behavior in various settings, such as at work, school or with your scout or religious leaders. You might be asked to take a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available online but should not be used to replace the face-to-face consultation with your doctor.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet an upper threshold of symptoms than kids -- five out of nine signs over a six-month period. You must also be able to show significant impact in your school, work 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 suffer from co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from sadness over missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete explanation for her troubles. Consult your doctor or local support group to send you to a medical professional who can perform ADHD assessments on adults. You can also inquire 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 choice for treatment. Drugs like amphetamine or methylphenidate boost or regulate levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and behavior. They can help those with ADHD focus 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 behaviors.
There are also non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants that are slower than stimulants but can still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for a person may vary over time, so it is important to discuss all possible options with your medical professional who conducts the assessment.
A health professional with expertise in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. diagnosing adhd will include an interview, the submission of questionnaires, scales, and a review family history, mood disorders and medical conditions like sleep disorders, and other physical ailments. A referral for a medical examination may be included to determine if there is a medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take a while. This is especially true when you are an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms over a long time. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which means that the person should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their job or school and other documents like old report cards. The healthcare professional may ask permission to speak to relatives or close friends to get a full picture of the person's past experiences and behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. Many people experience a range of emotions, from relief at finally having an explanation for their problems, to a sense of grief at the loss of opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis she was able to begin making changes in her life and progress in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find that getting assistance from a therapist can be an essential step. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. There are many methods to locate a specialist in the area. Ask your doctor to refer you to. He or she may have a list of specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also look on the internet. There are a variety of websites that list doctors, including information on their specialties as well as areas of focus. Asking your family or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also call your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
When you see an experienced therapist in treating ADHD and other disorders, it is essential to be as truthful as you can. It is essential to discuss how ADHD symptoms impact your life and on other people. It's also important to discuss your medical history, including your past background. This will help the therapist rule out other conditions that might have similar symptoms, for example depression or anxiety.
In addition to monitoring an person's behavior, a psychotherapist is likely to conduct interviews and use standard rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist could solicit input from other caregivers like teachers or religious or scout leaders to get an accurate assessment of the person's behavior in different environments.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel depressed and embarrassed by their issues and are reluctant to discuss them. This can impact the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults with ADHD can assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to know that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapist will immediately prescribe medication. While certain people with ADHD might require medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that can be extremely efficient. These treatments can be utilized in conjunction with medication or used as a stand-alone treatment.