How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy to accept. Some people feel relieved that they finally understand their struggles while others experience sadness because they missed out on opportunities in life due to the symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A health care provider or mental health professional can determine ADHD by analyzing a person's current mood, past and present mental and physical health conditions, and their childhood behavior and school experience. The evaluation includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to specifics. Often, these issues also stem from other underlying problems like depression or addiction disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that cause chaos in your professional and personal life.
ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood and last throughout adulthood. To be eligible for a diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their life in more than one area (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. To be able to meet these requirements symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, dissociative disorders or personality disorders.
The health care professional will also look over the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will talk to the patient and, if possible, their family members, in order to gain a perspective on the behavior of children. The health care provider may also look at the patient's current workplace and home environment and talk with their teachers.
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 an individual must show at least six inattention-related symptoms that are severe 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 assessment is typically enough for a healthcare professional to determine if someone has ADHD. This will include an extensive interview with the person, his or her parents, and any caregivers or educators, as well completing scales or questionnaires. The health care provider will also go over the person's medical, psychiatric and family history and might refer the person to a physical exam in order to rule out any other reasons for their symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleeping patterns, diet, work and home environments to identify stressors that may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD it is essential to visit a health care specialist who is trained in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll be looking to find out if you have difficulty completing tasks, if you often lose things, or if you forget where you put your keys. They may also inquire about whether or not these problems cause you stress at work, home or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions which may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such a sleep disorders, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers, and friends about your conduct. adhd diagnosis adults will also discuss your behavior in various situations, such as at work, school or with religious or scout leaders. Your doctor might also request you to complete an assessment or self-test to evaluate your symptoms. These are available online, but they shouldn't be used in lieu for a face-to-face interview with your doctor.
Adults must have an lower threshold than children to be formally diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms within a six-month time period. Additionally, you must be able demonstrate a significant impact on your school, work, and 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 look at how your brain functions and will determine if you are mental disorders that coexist such as depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. how to diagnosis adhd of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief she had a reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health professional who can conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also check with your insurance company to find out which providers are included on its list.
Treatment
The medication is often the first option for a lot of patients suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine work by increasing or balancing levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people with ADHD concentrate better and stay 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 such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants which work slower than stimulants but can still be effective for some people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a person may vary over time, which is why it is important to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional conducting the assessment.
A health professional with expertise in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This may include an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires, and a review of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions including sleep disorders, as well as other physical ailments. A referral to medical examinations could be included as well to determine if there is a medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take some time. This is particularly true if you are an adult who has had to struggle to cope with symptoms over many years. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as is possible, which means that the person should bring copies of performance assessments from their job or school and other documents such as old report cards. The healthcare professional may ask for permission to speak with family members or acquaintances to gain more information about the individual's past behaviors and experiences.
For adults, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is common for people to feel a mixture of emotions, from relief finding a clear explanation for their struggles to grief over the loss of opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed she was able to start making changes in her life and continue to move forward with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is an important step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist could be challenging. There are More to find a therapist in the area. Ask your regular doctor to refer you to. They might have an extensive list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look for them online. There are numerous websites that list doctors, including information about their specialties and areas of expertise. Another option is to ask for a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group for suggestions.
It is essential to be honest when you visit a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. It is crucial to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life as well as the lives of others. It's also important to talk about your medical history. This helps the doctor rule out other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms, for example anxiety or depression.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a therapist will likely conduct interviews and use standard rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist could also ask for feedback from other caregivers, such as teachers or Scout and religious leaders, to get a clear picture of the person's behavior in various situations.
Adults with ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their issues, and they might 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 suffering from ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
It is important to know that the diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While some people who suffer from ADHD require medication, there are a number of treatments that are successful, including behavioral therapy. These treatments can be used alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.