ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD may suffer from symptoms similar to symptoms of anxiety or depression. This is why it is crucial to have a thorough assessment by a mental health professional or health care professional.
Your doctor will ask you about your childhood symptoms. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires or interview with teachers and professionals who know you.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to manage daily tasks such as managing time and planning. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle at work, to struggle to keep up with school, and to find that their relationships suffer because they tend to miss important events or show up late to events. They may also have trouble paying attention to conversations or appear distracted with an emaciated look.
The symptoms are evaluated to determine if ADHD is present. They should have been present for at least six months, and caused problems in multiple areas of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may not be aware that they are suffering from a disorder, however, everyday stress can cause them to seek assistance. They may start to lose time at work because they fail to meet deadlines or fail to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships can be damaged if they fail to follow through on plans or don't pay attention to their partners. Family life can be affected if they are unable to complete household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a qualified professional can conduct neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities as needed. Based on the individual's specific issues, these tests can give valuable information about the ways that ADHD impacts the person and can determine if there are comorbidities. For instance, anxiety can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, and depression often occurs in people with ADHD.
It is crucial to choose the right specialist with prior experience treating adults with ADHD. Clinical psychologists, physicians or clinical social workers are certified professionals. You can find the right specialist by asking your colleagues or friends for recommendations, but you should also do some research and ensure that the specialist is certified and licensed within the state you reside in. You can also check the background of the specialist and request references from former patients or clients. These steps will allow you to find someone who can evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. Once a diagnosis is made, it can be a huge relief to many adults. They can no longer worry about their failures being due to inattention and an inability to think and instead concentrate on how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to get a diagnosis of ADHD. A lot of symptoms can be attributed to other factors, such as stress or a medical condition. Gender, sexes or race may influence a person's diagnosis. Women and people of color are, for instance, likely to be less likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than whites and whites. Some adults suffering from ADHD symptoms are diagnosed later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis through a thorough evaluation of the person's history of symptoms and behavior. They will ask the person about their symptoms, and will also speak with people who know them well. They might ask the spouse or parents of the patient how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient will be asked to answer questions and may be subjected to an array of tests, including the psychological assessment and an interview.
For a diagnosis to be granted, one must prove that at least five symptoms have been present for at least 12 months, and that these symptoms are causing 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 crucial for the professional to establish that these symptoms were present prior to age 12.
During the examination the examiner will examine the person's family and personal background and medical history, their mood and anxiety disorders, their mental health issues, and their use of substances and other physical ailments. It is not uncommon for these conditions to overlap with ADHD.
It's crucial to find a professional who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. screening of professionals are willing to discuss their experience and training in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to share this information, it's not a good idea to work with them.
Treatment
The decision to treat ADHD for adults is up to each person. While the diagnosis can be a bit overwhelming, there are many options for adults who wish to improve their performance and manage their symptoms.
The majority of health professionals use an extensive evaluation process to evaluate a patient's health. This includes a description of the symptoms by the patient himself or by his close friends, family members, and teachers; the completion of scales and questionnaires; complete medical and mental history; and, sometimes, a referral to a physician to conduct a physical examination.
A doctor will apply the diagnostic guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which requires an individual to demonstrate at least five symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity. The symptoms must have also existed prior to the age of 12. The assessment will look at how the symptoms impact the person's daily activities. Examples of impairment are losing a job due issues in the workplace, excessive conflict and distress in relationships or not paying bills on time or falling into financial trouble and not making adequate academic progress in school.
In addition to a medical interview, a complete assessment may consist of psychological tests to determine working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning. These tests are conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD treatment.
For some people the use of behavioral therapy could help in reducing their symptoms. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches the patient strategies to control his own behavior as well as improve his self-esteem. It can also instruct the person how to deal with underlying problems which make his symptoms worse.
Certain people with ADHD opt to take part in a clinical study, which is a study designed to test new ways to prevent and treat diseases and conditions. Discuss with your health care provider about any risks and benefits associated with taking part in a trial.
Counseling
Many people who are given an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the condition for decades. It doesn't matter if it's a problem with their job or relationship issues or stress from living with ADHD can cause someone to realize they need professional help. If you're an adult and have been diagnosed with ADHD, you can get therapy from a therapist who is specialized in the disorder or through a psychiatrist or neurologist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure where to look for these professionals, contact your primary care doctor or the organization CHADD.
In the initial assessment the mental health professional will inquire with you about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The therapist might also look over your medical background to determine if physical or emotional issues could have contributed to the development of your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your partner, if applicable. Each spouse or partner are required to participate in the test. This will help them better be aware of each other's ADHD symptoms, and how they affect their relationship.
The therapist will evaluate the symptoms you have presented with the diagnostic criteria laid out by the American Psychiatric Assocation's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). They will then determine what level of ADHD you have: mild, moderate or severe. They'll also talk about the impact of your ADHD on your work, social interactions and your home life.
After evaluating your symptoms, your health care provider may suggest different treatment options. These can include therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. Your doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral treatment, which can increase your self-esteem as well as help you change negative thought patterns. They may also refer to brain training or neurofeedback that are non-pharmacological treatment techniques that improve concentration and decrease impulses.
Amwell Telehealth, an online service, will connect you to a provider who is trained in ADHD for assessment and treatment. Amwell works with over 40+ insurance companies and generally requires a co-pay or covers your deductible for out-of-pocket visits. Another alternative is Thriveworks, which offers online therapy and can also provide medication management.