ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD might experience symptoms that are similar to those experienced by people suffering from anxiety or depression. This is why it's essential to undergo an extensive examination by an expert in mental health or health care provider.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms from childhood. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or conduct interviews with teachers and other professionals who know you.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of everyday tasks, like managing one's schedule and planning ahead. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle at work, be unable to keep up in school, and to find that their relationships suffer as they tend to forget important events or arrive late to events. They may also have trouble keeping track of conversations or appear distracted with eyes that are glazed over.
The symptoms are evaluated to determine if ADHD is present. They must have persisted for at least six months, and caused difficulties in multiple areas of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may not be aware of their problem however, their frustrations in daily life could prompt them to seek assistance. They may fall behind in their work because they fail to meet important deadlines or fail to concentrate during meetings and lectures. Friendships could be damaged if they fail to follow through with plans or fail to listen to their partners. Family life could be affected if they are incapable of completing household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a trained professional can conduct psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities when needed. These tests can be useful in determining how ADHD affects an individual, and if comorbid conditions are present. For instance, anxiety may cause similar symptoms to ADHD and depression is a common occurrence that is a result of ADHD.
It is crucial to choose the right specialist with experience in treating adults with ADHD. The qualified professionals include doctors, clinical psychologists or clinical social professionals. It is possible to locate an expert through recommendations from friends or colleagues, but it is recommended to do some research and make sure the expert you choose is certified and licensed in your state. You can also look up the professional background of the specialist and ask for references from former patients or clients. These steps can help you find the best person to evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. If a diagnosis is confirmed it can be a huge relief to many adults. They can stop worrying about their shortcomings being due to inattention and a lack in intelligence, and instead focus on addressing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms can be attributed to other causes such as stress or a medical condition. Gender, sexes or race may play a part in the diagnosis of a patient. Women and people of color are, for instance, likely to be diagnosed less frequently with the disorder than males and whites. In the end, many adults who are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD aren't getting the help they require until later in life.
A mental health professional confirms an ADHD diagnosis through a thorough evaluation of the person's history of symptoms and behavior. They will interview the patient about their symptoms, and they will also speak to those who are familiar with their condition. For instance, they might ask the person's parents, spouses, coworkers, and friends about how the symptoms affect their lives. The patient will be asked to complete questionnaires, and may be subjected to several tests, including a psychological assessment and an interview.
To be diagnosed the patient will have to show that they have had several of the symptoms for at least 12 months and are currently causing impairment in two areas of their life such as school, work, or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. It's also crucial for the doctor to determine that these symptoms existed before the age of 12.
During the examination, an examiner will review the person's medical history and family history, as well as anxiety and mood disorders, any other mental health conditions and substance abuse and other physical conditions. It is not uncommon for these disorders to overlap with ADHD.
It is crucial to find a professional who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to share their expertise and training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to share this information, you should stay clear of working with them.
Treatment
As opposed to a child, the decision whether or not to tackle ADHD as an adult is entirely up to the individual. Although receiving a diagnosis can feel daunting at first however, there are plenty of options for adults to treat their symptoms and improve functioning.
The majority of health professionals will employ a thorough evaluation process to assess the health of a person. This includes a thorough description of the symptoms provided by the patient, his family, friends and teachers. It may also include the completion of questionnaires as well as scales.
A doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) released by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that an individual demonstrate at least five signs of hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must also have existed prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will look at how the symptoms impact the person's life. Examples of impairment include losing work due to issues at work, a lot of conflict in relationships, financial issues or not making payments on-time.
A complete assessment may include as well as the clinical interview psychological tests that test working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning abilities. A psychiatrist or psychologist who has expertise in ADHD and treatment for it can administer these tests and provide an extensive evaluation.
For some individuals the use of behavioral therapy could help in reducing their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one example. It teaches someone how to control his own behavior and also how to boost confidence in himself. It can also help the patient learn to cope with the underlying problems that make his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD decide to participate in a clinical study, which is a type of research that aims to test new methods to detect the presence of diseases, or to prevent or treat them. It is recommended that people speak with their doctor about the risks and benefits of taking part in the clinical trial.
Counseling
Many people who are given an ADHD diagnosis have been suffering from the condition for a long time. The stress of living with ADHD or a frustration with their job or issues with relationships, could eventually lead people to realize they require professional help. If you're an adult with ADHD or ADD, a therapist that specializes in the disorder could help you. A psychiatrist or neurologist may also prescribe medication. If you're not sure how to find these health experts, ask your primary care physician or the organization CHADD for recommendations.
During the initial assessment an expert in mental health might ask you questions regarding your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The therapist will also go through your medical documents to determine if any physical or emotional issues may be contributing to your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your partner If applicable. It is crucial that both partners or spouses participate in the assessment to gain more understanding of their respective ADHD symptoms and the impact they have on their relationship.
The therapist will assess the symptoms you have presented by using the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). They'll then determine what degree of ADHD you have mild, moderate or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions, and even your home.
After assessing your symptoms, the health care professional will recommend treatment options. These could include therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. Your doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral treatments, which could improve your self-esteem and help you change negative thought patterns. They could also refer to brain training or neurofeedback that are non-pharmacological treatment techniques that increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Amwell, an online telehealth service, can connect you to a provider who is trained in ADHD for assessments and medication. Amwell collaborates with over 40+ insurance companies and typically requires a copay or meets your deductible for out-of-pocket visits. Thriveworks is another option, that offers online counseling and can also manage your medication.