ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD might suffer from symptoms that are similar to anxiety or depression. This is why a thorough assessment by a health care provider or mental health professional is essential.
Your doctor will ask you about your childhood symptoms. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or take part in interviews with teachers and other professionals who are familiar with you.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to handle everyday tasks such as planning and managing one's time. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle at work, have difficulty keeping up in school, and to discover that their relationships suffer because they tend to overlook important events or arrive late to events. They might also have difficulty staying focused in conversations or appear distracted by an eerie look.
The symptoms are assessed to determine if ADHD is present. They should have been present for at least six months and cause problems in multiple areas of their life. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD might not be aware that they have a problem, however, everyday stress can cause them to seek out help. They might begin to lose time at work because they miss deadlines or are unable to concentrate during meetings or lectures. Friendships may be affected if they don't follow through with plans or don't pay attention to partners. Family life can be affected if they are incapable of completing household chores.
A licensed professional can test for psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. Based on the individual's specific issues, these tests may give valuable information about the ways in which ADHD affects the individual and help determine if co-occurring conditions exist. Anxiety can cause symptoms similar to ADHD and depression is often linked to ADHD.
It is crucial to select a specialist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. Clinical psychologists, doctors, or clinical social workers are trained professionals. It is possible to locate a specialist through recommendations from colleagues or friends, but it is also wise to conduct some research to make sure the expert you choose is certified and licensed in your state. You can also check out the professional background of the doctor and ask for references of past patients or clients. These steps will allow you to locate a professional who can evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. When a diagnosis is made it can be a great relief to many adults. They no longer have to worry that their failures are due to insanity or a lack of knowledge and instead focus on learning how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. A lot of symptoms could be due to other factors, such as stress or an illness. Gender, sexes or race may play a part in a person's diagnosis. For example women and those of color may be diagnosed with the disorder less often than whites and males. diagnosis of adhd who exhibit ADHD symptoms are diagnosed later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis by conducting a comprehensive evaluation that examines the person's behavior and their history of symptoms over time. They will ask about the symptoms and also speak to people who know about them. For instance, they could ask the person's parents, spouse as well as coworkers and friends about how the symptoms affect their lives. The patient is expected to fill out questionnaires and will be subject to a series of tests, including the psychological assessment and an interview.
For a diagnosis to be granted, a person must show that at least five symptoms have been present for a minimum of 12 months, and that the symptoms are causing problems in two areas of their lives, like work, school or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. The specialist must also establish that the symptoms started before the age of 12 years old.
During the examination the examiner will look over the person's medical history and family history, as well as mood and anxiety disorders, other mental health conditions and addiction and physical conditions. In actual fact, it's not unusual for these other conditions to co-exist with ADHD.
It is important to locate an expert in mental health who has experience working with adults with ADHD. Many professionals are willing provide their expertise and knowledge in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to share this information you should stay clear of working with them.
Treatment
The decision to treat ADHD in adults is left to each individual. While a diagnosis can be overwhelming but there are a myriad of options for adults who wish to improve their performance and manage their symptoms.
Most health care providers use an extensive evaluation procedure to determine the condition of a patient. This includes a description of the symptoms provided by the person himself or by his closest family members, friends members, and teachers; the completion of questionnaires and scales, a full medical and psychiatric history; and occasionally the referral to a doctor for a physical exam.
A doctor will refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) released by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that individuals show at least five signs of hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must have also been present before the age of 12. The evaluation will look at how the symptoms impact the life of the individual. Examples of impairment are losing a job because of problems in the workplace as well as excessive conflict and discontent in relationships and not paying bills on time or getting into financial trouble, and not making enough academic progress in school.
A complete evaluation could include, in addition to the interview with a psychologist psychological tests that test executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capacities, and reasoning skills. A psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in ADHD and its treatment can conduct these tests and give a a comprehensive evaluation.
Behavioral therapy is a great option in managing symptoms for certain people. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an example. It teaches a person how to manage his own behavior, and how to increase confidence in himself. It also helps the patient learn to cope with the root causes that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD opt to participate in a clinical study, which is a research study designed to test new methods to identify and treat or prevent diseases. Talk to your health care physician about any dangers and benefits that come with taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have been living with the condition for many years. The strain of living with ADHD, whether it's a frustration with their job or issues with relationships, could eventually cause someone to realize they need professional help. If you're an adult who's been diagnosed with ADHD, you can get therapy from a therapist who specializes in the disorder or through a neurologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication for you. If you don't know where to find these professionals, contact your primary care doctor or the organization CHADD.
During the initial assessment, a mental health professional may ask you questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The therapist might also look over your medical background to determine if physical or emotional problems could have contributed to the development of your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your significant other in the event that it is appropriate. It's important that both partners or spouses participate in the assessment to gain more understanding of the other's ADHD symptoms and their effects on their relationship.
The therapist will assess the symptoms you are experiencing by using the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Assocation's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). The therapist will determine whether you suffer from moderate, mild, or severe ADHD. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions, and even your home.
After assessing your symptoms, the health professional will suggest a treatment plan. These could include therapy, lifestyle changes and medications. Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral treatments, which could improve your self-esteem and assist you in changing negative thinking patterns. They may also refer to neurofeedback or brain training which are non-pharmacological treatment strategies which increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Amwell Telehealth, an online service, can connect you to a healthcare professional who specializes in ADHD for assessment and treatment. Amwell is a telehealth company which works with more than 40 insurance companies. They usually require a copay or to meet your deductible if you pay out of the pocket. Thriveworks is a different option, that offers online counseling and also manage your medication.