ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms similar to depression or anxiety. This is why a thorough examination by a medical professional or mental health professional is required.
Your specialist will ask about your experiences from childhood. 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 manage daily tasks, such as scheduling and managing time. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle at work, to be unable to keep up in schools, and to notice that their relationships suffer as they tend to forget important dates or show up late to events. They may also have difficulty paying attention in conversations or seem to be distracted by an eerie look.
The symptoms are assessed to determine if ADHD is present. They should have been present for at least six month and cause problems in multiple areas of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might not be aware of their problem however, the frustrations they experience in everyday life could prompt them to seek out help. They might begin to slip behind in their work because they fail to meet deadlines or are unable to concentrate during meetings or lectures. Friendships could suffer as they don't follow through with plans or are unable to listen to their partners and their family lives can be fraught because of their inability to keep up on household chores.
In addition to conducting a thorough interview, a professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or testing for learning disabilities depending on the need. These tests can help in determining the extent to which ADHD affects an individual, and if comorbid conditions are present. For example, anxiety can cause similar symptoms as ADHD and depression frequently is a result of ADHD.
It is important to select an expert who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Clinical psychologists, physicians or clinical social workers are certified professionals. It is possible to locate the right specialist by asking friends or colleagues, but it is advisable to do some research to ensure that the specialist 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 will help you locate a professional who can evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. Many adults can feel relieved once they receive an assessment. They can stop worrying about their failings due to laziness and lack of intelligence, and instead focus on how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms could be due to other factors, such as stress or a medical condition. In addition gender, sex and race can all affect the likelihood that the patient receives a correct diagnosis. For example women and people of color might be diagnosed with the disorder less frequently than men and whites. As a result, some people who struggle with the symptoms of ADHD don't receive the help they require until later in their lives.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis through a thorough review of the person's past of symptoms and behavior. They will inquire about the symptoms and also talk to people who are familiar with the symptoms. They may ask their spouse or parents of the patient how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient is required to fill out questionnaires, and may be tested with several tests, which include a psychological assessment, as well as an interview.
To be diagnosed the patient will have to prove that they've been suffering from the same symptoms for at least 12 months and that they are currently causing impairment in two areas of their lives such as 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 professional must also establish that the symptoms started before the age of 12.
During the examination the examiner will take a look at the person's personal and family background and medical history, their mood and anxiety disorders, their mental health conditions, and their use of drugs and physical conditions. In reality, it's not common for any of these conditions to be overlapping with ADHD.
It is essential to find an expert in mental health who has worked with adults with ADHD. Many professionals are willing share their expertise and training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to share this information you should avoid working with them.
Treatment
Unlike when someone is here a child, the decision of whether or not to treat ADHD as an adult is up to the individual. While the diagnosis can be daunting, there are many options available to adults who want to improve their performance and manage their symptoms.
The majority of health care professionals will employ a thorough evaluation process to assess an individual's condition. This will include a description of the symptoms provided by the person himself or by his close friends, family members and teachers; completing of questionnaires and scales; an extensive medical and psychiatric history; and sometimes a referral to a physician to conduct a physical examination.
A doctor will follow diagnostic guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which requires that a patient show at least five signs of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will examine how the symptoms impact the person's daily activities. Examples of impairment include losing a job due to problems in the workplace, excessive conflict and distress in relationships, not paying bills on time, being in financial trouble and not making enough academic progress in school.
In addition to a medical interview, a comprehensive assessment may include psychological tests to measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities and reasoning. These tests are conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD treatment.
For some people, behavioral therapy can help in reducing their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one example. It helps a person learn how to manage his own behavior, and how to improve his self-esteem. It can also help the patient learn to cope with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD decide to take part in a clinical study which is a type of research designed to test new methods to identify and treat or prevent diseases. Discuss with your health care provider about any risks and benefits associated with taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many people who are given an ADHD diagnosis have lived with the condition for decades. The strain of living with ADHD isn't just frustration at work or issues with relationships, could eventually cause people to realize they require professional assistance. If you're an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD and need help, you can seek 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 experts, ask your primary care physician or the organization CHADD for suggestions.
In the initial assessment the mental health professional might ask you questions regarding your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. The therapist will also go 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 partner in the event that it is appropriate. Both partners or spouses should participate in the assessment. This will allow them to better know each the other's ADHD symptoms, and how they impact their relationship.
The therapist will evaluate your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria established 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 have mild, moderate, or severe ADHD. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, social interactions and your home.
After assessing your health issues, your health care provider will recommend treatment options. This could include medication, lifestyle changes, and therapy. Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you overcome negative thinking patterns and boost self-esteem. They can also refer to neurofeedback or brain training that are non-pharmacological treatment techniques that increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Online telehealth services such as Amwell can connect you to a provider who specializes in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell is a telehealth service that works with more than 40 insurance companies. They typically require a copay, or they can meet your deductible if you pay out through your the pocket. Another option is Thriveworks which provides online therapy and can also offer medication management.