How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult. Some people feel relief that they can finally comprehend their struggles, while other people feel sorrow due to the fact that they missed opportunities in their lives because of symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A mental health professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD by analyzing a person's mood, their present and past mental and medical conditions and their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standard rating scales.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require concentration or attention to detail. In many cases, these problems result from other underlying issues such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to gaining control over symptoms that can cause chaos in your professional and personal life.
Symptoms of ADHD typically appear in childhood and last into adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at minimum two areas of a person's daily life (home school, home and at work). For symptoms to be considered to meet this criteria they must last for at least six months and cannot be caused by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
The health care professional will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will interview the patient as well as, if possible, family members to gain a perspective on the child's behavior. The health care professional might review the patient's present work and home environments and discuss the patient's schooling with them.
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, in order to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD, a person must have at least six inattention-related symptoms that are serious enough to affect their life 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 usually enough for a healthcare professional to identify someone with ADHD. This may include a lengthy interview with the individual as well as their family members and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care provider will also go over the person's medical, psychiatric and family history. They may refer the patient for a physical exam to rule out other causes for his or her symptoms. The doctor will also look at the individual's sleep patterns eating habits, diet and work the home environment to identify any stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD is important to see a health care specialist who is trained in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact on your daily life. They'll likely be interested in knowing how often you have trouble finishing tasks, how often you lose things or forget where you put your keys, and if these issues cause stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over the medical history and physical exam. how is adhd diagnosed in adults will allow them to rule out other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders and anxiety or thyroid issues.
It's likely that your health care provider will question family members or other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also talk about how you behave in different settings, such as at work and 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 a face-toface interview with your physician.
Adults have to meet a lower threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms over a six-month time period. You will also need to be able to demonstrate a 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 examine the way your brain functions and determine if there are coexisting mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she finally found a clear explanation for her troubles. Ask your doctor or local support group to send you to a medical professional who can conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also call your insurance company to determine which doctors are included.
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 the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people with ADHD concentrate and remain organized. They also help control their impulses and make more rational choices, improve communication, and decrease the impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or certain antidepressants, work slower than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication which is best for a person will change as time passes. It is important to discuss with the medical professional who is conducting the evaluation all options.
A health professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the individual in addition to the answers to questionnaires and scales for the individual and an examination of family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral for an examination by a doctor could be included as well to rule out a possible medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation will likely take a while, especially if the person is an adult who has been struggling to manage symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be comprehensive and therefore, the patient should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations from work or school. The healthcare professional could request permission to talk with family members and close friends to gain a better understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. It is normal for people to feel various emotions, from relief finding a clear explanation for their issues to sadness over the loss of opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. Matlen however, states that after receiving a diagnosis she was able make changes in her life, which included her career and her relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is a vital step for people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist isn't always straightforward. There are many ways to locate a specialist in the area. Request your physician to refer you. He or she may have a list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also search on the internet. There are numerous websites that provide directories of doctors and include information on their areas of focus and specialization. Another alternative is to request recommendations from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center or ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is essential to be honest when you visit a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. It is essential to discuss the ways that ADHD symptoms impact your life and the lives of others. It's also important to discuss your past and current medical history. This allows the therapist to rule out conditions such as anxiety or depression that could exhibit similar symptoms.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a psychotherapist is likely to conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist may also seek out other caregivers for their opinions, such as teachers, religious leaders or scout and scout leaders to obtain an accurate picture of behavior of a person in various situations.
Adults with ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their symptoms and are reluctant to discuss them. This can affect the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience in working with adults with ADHD can generally assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to know that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean the therapy provider will immediately prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD do need to take medication but there are plenty of treatment options that are successful, including behavioral therapy. These treatments can be utilized with medication or as standalone treatments.