ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD may suffer from symptoms similar to those of anxiety or depression. This is why it is important to have an in-depth evaluation by a mental health professional or health care provider.
Your specialist will ask about your health issues since your childhood. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires or interview with teachers and professionals who know you.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to keep up with daily tasks, including managing one's schedule and planning ahead. People with undiagnosed ADHD are often unable to perform at their best at work, have trouble staying on top of their studies and also find that their relationships suffer because they tend to miss important dates or show up late to events. They might also have difficulty paying attention in conversations or seem distracted with an eerie look.
The symptoms are assessed to determine if ADHD is present. They should have been present for at least 6 months and cause problems in multiple areas of their life. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD might not be aware of their condition however, their frustrations in daily life can lead them to seek help. They might be unable to keep up with their work due to missing important deadlines or cannot concentrate during meetings and lectures. Friendships may suffer if they don't adhere to their plans or don't listen to their friends. Family life may be affected if they're incapable of completing household chores.
In addition to conducting a thorough interview, a qualified professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or learning disabilities testing depending on the need. Based on the individual's specific issues, these tests may provide valuable information on the how ADHD impacts the person and can determine whether or not comorbid conditions exist. For instance, anxiety may cause similar symptoms to ADHD and depression frequently is a result of ADHD.
It is important to choose a specialist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. Professionals who are certified include clinical psychologists, physicians or clinical social workers. It is possible to find an expert through recommendations from friends or colleagues, however it is advisable to conduct some research to make sure the expert you select is licensed and certified in your state. You can also check the professional background of a specialist and request references from past patients or clients. These steps will help you find the best person to test your child or you for ADHD. Once a diagnosis is made it can be a massive relief to many adults. They no longer have to worry that their failings result from laziness or a lack of intelligence and instead focus on figuring out how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms can be attributed to other causes, such as stress or an illness. Gender, sexes and race may influence the diagnosis of a person. For example, women and people of color might be diagnosed with the disorder more often than men and whites. As a result, some adults struggling with the symptoms of ADHD don't receive the help they need until much later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis through a thorough assessment which examines the individual's behavior and the history of symptoms over time. They will inquire with the person about their symptoms, and they will also speak to those who are familiar with their condition. For instance, they may ask the person's parents, spouses or coworkers about how the symptoms impact their lives. The patient will be asked to fill out questionnaires, and may be tested with several tests, including a psychological assessment and an interview.
To receive a diagnosis the patient will have to prove that they have suffered from a variety of symptoms for at least 12 months and are currently causing impairment in two areas of their life like 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 that the specialist establish that these symptoms were present prior age 12.
During the examination the examiner will look over the patient's medical history and family history, as well as anxiety and mood disorders, other mental health conditions and addiction and physical ailments. It's not uncommon for these disorders to overlap with ADHD.
It's important to find an expert in mental health that has experience working with adults with ADHD. Most professionals with experience will be willing to discuss their training and expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to divulge this information, it's not a good idea to work with them.
Treatment
The decision to treat ADHD for adults is up to each individual. While the diagnosis can be daunting but there are a myriad of options available to adults who want to improve their functioning and manage their symptoms.
The majority of health care professionals will utilize a thorough assessment process to determine the condition of an individual. This includes a description of the symptoms provided by the patient himself or by his close friends, family members, and teachers; the completion of questionnaires and scales; an extensive medical and psychiatric history; and occasionally an appointment with a physician for a physical exam.
A doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) released by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that an individual demonstrate at least five symptoms of hyperactivity or inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must have also been present prior to the age of 12. The assessment will focus on how the symptoms affect the person's life. Examples of impairment include losing a job due to problems in the workplace, excessive conflict and distress in relationships or not paying bills on time, falling into financial trouble and not making adequate academic progress in school.
In addition to a medical interview, a thorough evaluation will typically include psychological tests to assess executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning. These tests can be conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD treatment.
Behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing symptoms for certain people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps the patient strategies to manage his own behavior as well as improve confidence in himself. It can also instruct the patient how to deal with the root of issues that make his symptoms worse.
A few people suffering from ADHD opt to participate in a clinical study, which is a research project that aims to test new methods to identify the presence of diseases, or to prevent or treat them. People should talk to their health care provider about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in the clinical trial.
Counseling
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD have been living with the condition for many years. It doesn't matter if it's a problem with their job or relationships or the stress of living with ADHD can finally make someone realize that they require professional help. If you're an adult who's been diagnosed with ADHD and need help, you can seek counseling through a therapist who specializes in the disorder or through a neurologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're unsure how to find these health experts, ask your primary care physician or contact the CHADD. getting an adhd diagnosis for recommendations.
In the initial assessment, the mental health professional will inquire with you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The therapist might also look over your medical background to determine if emotional or physical issues may be the cause of your ADHD. The therapist will speak with you and, if applicable, your significant other. Each spouse or partner are required to take part in the assessment. This will allow them to better know each other's ADHD symptoms, and how they impact their relationship.
The therapist will assess your symptoms using the diagnostic criteria set 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 may suggest various treatment options. These include medications, lifestyle changes and therapy. Your physician might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapies, which can assist you in changing negative thought patterns and improve self-esteem. They can also refer you for neurofeedback or brain training, which are non-pharmacological treatments that increase concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity.
Online telehealth services such as Amwell can connect you with an expert in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell is a telehealth provider that has a partnership with more than 40 insurance companies. They usually require a copay, or they can meet your deductible if you pay out from your the pocket. Another option is Thriveworks, which offers online therapy and can provide medication management.