ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms similar to depression or anxiety. This is why it's essential to undergo a thorough evaluation by an expert in mental health or health care provider.
Your doctor will inquire about your childhood symptoms. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or have interviews with teachers and professionals who know you.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to handle everyday tasks, such as planning and managing one's time. People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD can struggle at work, have trouble staying on top of their studies and may find that their relationships suffer as they tend to miss important dates or show up late for events. They may also have difficulty staying focused in conversations or appear distracted by an eerie look.
The diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the examination of the symptoms. They have to be present for at least six month and cause issues in a variety of areas of their life. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may not be aware of their problem however, their frustrations in daily life may prompt them to seek assistance. They may fall behind in their work due to missing important deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Their friendships may suffer because they don't follow through with plans or are unable to listen to their friends, and their family life can be fraught because of their inability to stay on track on household chores.
In addition to a thorough interview, a trained professional can conduct psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests when needed. Based on the individual's specific issues, these tests can provide helpful information about ways in which ADHD affects the individual and help determine if there are comorbidities. For instance, anxiety may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, and depression often occurs in people with ADHD.
It is crucial to choose the right specialist with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Clinical psychologists, doctors, or clinical social workers are trained professionals. You can find a specialist by asking colleagues or friends for recommendations, however you should do some research and verify that the expert is licensed and certified in the state you reside in. You can also check out the specialist's professional background and request references from past patients or clients. These steps will allow you to identify a specialist who can assess your child or you for ADHD. Many adults feel happy after receiving an assessment. They no longer have to worry that their failings are due to insanity or a lack of intelligence and instead focus on learning how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. A lot of symptoms can be attributed to other causes, such as stress or a medical condition. Genre, gender or race may be a factor in the diagnosis of a patient. People of color and women are, for instance, likely to be diagnosed less frequently with the disorder than males and whites. In the end, many people who struggle with the symptoms of ADHD don't receive the help they need until much later in life.
A mental health professional confirms the ADHD diagnosis through a thorough review of the person's past of symptoms and behavior. They will inquire with the person about their symptoms, and they will also speak with people who are familiar with them. They may ask spouses or parents of the person to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives. The person will be asked to fill out questionnaires and may be subjected to several tests, which could include an evaluation of their psychological condition and an interview.
To be diagnosed, a person must show that at least five symptoms have been present for at least 12 months, and that the symptoms have caused impairments in two areas of 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 important that the specialist establish that these symptoms were present prior to age 12.
During the examination an examiner will go over the person's medical background including family history, anxiety and mood disorders, any other mental health conditions and addiction and physical ailments. In fact, it isn't unusual for these conditions to be overlapping with ADHD.
It is essential to find an expert in mental health that has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. Most professionals are willing to share their expertise and training in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to share this information you should avoid working with them.
Treatment
As opposed to a child, the choice of whether or not to tackle ADHD as an adult is solely up to the person. While the diagnosis can be a bit overwhelming however, there are a variety of options for adults who want to improve their functioning and manage their symptoms.
Most health care professionals employ an extensive evaluation process to assess a patient's condition. This will include a description of the symptoms provided by the person himself or by his closest family members, friends members and teachers; completing of questionnaires and scales, a full medical and psychiatric history; and occasionally the referral to a doctor for a physical examination.
A doctor will consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that a person exhibit at least five symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will examine how the symptoms impact the person's daily life. Examples of impairment include losing a job due issues at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial issues or not making payments in time.
A complete assessment may include along with the interview with a psychologist, psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning abilities. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in ADHD and its treatment may conduct these tests and give a a comprehensive evaluation.
For certain individuals who are suffering from behavioral issues, therapy may be beneficial in managing their symptoms. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps the person how to develop strategies for managing his own behavior and improve confidence in himself. It can also instruct the individual how to cope with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
A few people suffering from ADHD decide to take part in a clinical trial, which is a research study designed to test new methods to detect and treat or prevent diseases. Talk to your healthcare doctor about the dangers and benefits that come with taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many people read more who receive an ADHD diagnosis have been suffering from the condition for a long time. The stress of living with ADHD, whether it's an issue with their job or relationship issues, can eventually lead someone to realize they need professional help. If you're an adult and have been diagnosed with ADHD and you're unable to get therapy from a therapist who is specialized in the disorder or through a neurologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure how to find these health care specialists, consult your primary physician or the organization CHADD for suggestions.
During the initial evaluation the mental health professional will interview you about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The therapist might also look over your medical history to determine if physical or emotional problems could be the cause of your ADHD. The therapist will interview you as well as, if necessary, your significant other. Both partners or spouses should participate in the assessment. This will allow them to better be aware of each one's ADHD symptoms and how they affect their relationship.
The therapist will review your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The therapist will determine whether you suffer from mild, moderate or severe ADHD. They'll also talk about the impact of your ADHD on your social interactions, work and at home.
After assessing your health issues, the health care professional may suggest various treatment options. These could include medication, lifestyle changes and therapy. Your doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can boost 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 which increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Online telehealth providers like Amwell can connect you to a provider who specializes in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell works with over 40+ insurance companies and typically requires a copay or covers your deductible for out-of-pocket visits. Another alternative is Thriveworks, which offers online therapy and can provide medication management.