How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some feel relief at finally realizing their struggles, whereas others feel remorse that they have missed out on life opportunities because of the symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by examining the mood of a person, past and present mental and medical health issues, and their childhood behavior and school experience. The assessment includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require mental energy over time or paying attention to specifics. These problems are usually caused by other underlying conditions such as depression or abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to getting control of symptoms that cause havoc in personal and professional life.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood and persist into adulthood. For a person to receive a diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their life in at least two areas (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. For symptoms to meet this requirement they must last for at least six months and cannot be caused by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
The health care professional will also review the patient's mental and medical history. He or she will interview the patient and in the event that it is possible, relatives to understand the perspective of childhood behaviors. The health care professional might review the patient's present workplace and home environment and talk with their teachers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. Generally, to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD an individual must have at least six symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to hinder their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health professional will usually determine if a person has ADHD through an extensive psychiatric assessment. This will include an extensive interview with the individual, his or her family and any caregivers or teachers, as well as answering questionnaires and scales. The health care professional will also go over the person's psychiatric, medical and family history. They might refer the person for a physical examination to rule out other causes of his or her symptoms. He or she will also examine the person's sleeping habits, diet and work and home environment to determine any stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD it is essential to consult a medical specialist who is specialized in the disorder. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. They'll be looking to find out if you are having trouble completing tasks, if you often lose items, or forget where you put your keys. They may also inquire about whether or not these problems cause you stress at work, home or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over the medical history and physical exam. This information will help your doctor rule out other conditions which may mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD, such a depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid problems.
It's likely that your health care provider will question family members, friends and other caregivers about your behavior. They'll also discuss your behavior in various environments, such as at school and work or with your scout or religious leaders. You may be asked to complete a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available online, but they should not be used in lieu of a face-toface interview with your doctor.
Adults must meet an lower threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms over a six-month time period. You will also need to be able to demonstrate a significant impact on your school, work as well as your home life.
If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend neuropsychological or psychological testing to determine if you have the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD. These tests test how your brain works, and determine if there are any mental disorders that coexist, such as depression or anxiety.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions. adhd in adults undiagnosed of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief she had a reason for her troubles. Ask your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a medical specialist who conducts ADHD assessments for adults. You can also contact your insurance provider to determine the providers that are listed.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD treatment is the first option for treatment. Drugs like amphetamine or methylphenidate boost or balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people with ADHD concentrate better and stay organized, control their impulses and make more rational choices, improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behavior.
There are also non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants which work more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for some people with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for a particular person can change over time, which is why it is important to discuss all options with the healthcare professional conducting the assessment.
A health expert with expertise in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This includes an interview, the filling out of scales, questionnaires and a review family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions like sleep disorders, as well as other physical ailments. A appointment to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take some time. This is especially the case in the case of an adult who has had to struggle to manage symptoms for many years. The evaluation should be thorough which is why the person should bring old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at school or at work. The healthcare professional can request permission to speak with relatives or close friends to get a full understanding of the individual's past experiences and behaviours.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on their lives. People often feel a mix of emotions, from relief at finally having a concrete reason for their struggles, to sadness over the missed opportunities and relationships that result from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed and was able to begin making changes in her life and continue to move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is an important step for people with ADHD. However, finding the right therapist may be a challenge. Luckily, there are several methods to locate a therapist in your area. Begin by asking your doctor for the referral. They might have an extensive list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also try looking on the internet. There are many websites that list doctors, including information on their specialties as well as areas of interest. Another alternative is to request a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center or ADHD support group to get suggestions.
It is crucial to be honest when you visit the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect your life and the effect they have on others. It is important to discuss your past and present medical history. This will help the therapist determine if you have any conditions like anxiety or depression that may be similar to anxiety or depression.
In addition to observing an individual's behavior, the therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standard rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist could also ask other caregivers for their input, such as religious leaders, teachers, or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of the behavior of a person in various situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be embarrassed and frustrated by their problems and may are reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can impact the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD can help them overcome these obstacles.
It is important to know that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will prescribe medications. While some individuals with ADHD require medication but there are plenty of other treatment options that can be successful, including the use of behavioral therapy. These treatments can be utilized in conjunction with medication or as separate treatments.