How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some feel relief at finally understanding their struggles, while others feel grief for having missed opportunities to live their lives because of symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A mental health professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD in a person's mood, their previous and current mental and physical ailments and their childhood behavior and experiences at school. The test usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales.
Symptoms
People with ADHD are unable to complete tasks that require mental effort or attention to detail. Often, these issues also stem from other underlying problems like depression or substance abuse disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards getting control of the symptoms that wreak destruction in both professional and personal life.
ADHD symptoms typically start in the early years of childhood and continue into adulthood. In order for a person to be granted a diagnosis of the disorder, their symptoms must interfere with their lives in more than one area (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. For symptoms to be considered to meet this criteria they must last for at least six months and cannot be caused by mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
In addition to looking into the person's symptoms as well as their health history, the healthcare professional will also review their medical history and mental health history. He or she will interview the patient as well as in the event that it is possible, relatives to get perspective on childhood behaviors. The health care professional might also review the patient's current workplace and home environment and speak with their teachers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition released by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, a person must exhibit six or less symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to interfere in their daily activities. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric assessment is usually enough for a healthcare professional to determine if someone has ADHD. This includes an in-depth interview with the individual, his or her parents, as well as any caregivers or teachers, as well as answering questionnaires or scales. The health care professional will also review the person’s medical, psychiatric or family history and refer the person to a physical exam in order to determine the cause of symptoms. They will also examine the individual's sleep patterns eating habits, diet and work the home environment to identify any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a doctor who is an expert in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact on your life. They'll likely want to know how many times you have difficulties finishing tasks, how often you lose things or forget to put away your keys, and if these issues cause stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and physical examination. This information will help your doctor rule out other conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD, such a depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health professional could interview family members, caregivers, and friends about your conduct. They will also discuss your behavior in different settings such as at school, at work or with scouts or religious leaders. adult adhd diagnoses might also request that you fill out a self-test or rating scale to evaluate your symptoms. These are available online however, they shouldn't be used in lieu of the face-to-face consultation with your doctor.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD is based on a lower threshold of symptoms than kids -- five out of nine signs over the course of six months. You'll also need to have an impact on your work, school and 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 usually examine the way your brain works and may help determine if you have coexisting mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can cause complex emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a concrete explanation for her troubles. Ask your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a health care professional who performs ADHD assessments on adults. You can also call your insurance company to determine which doctors are included.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD medication is the first treatment option. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behaviors. They can help some people with ADHD focus better and stay focused and in control of their impulses. They can also help them make more rational decisions improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behaviors.
There are also nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants that are more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for some patients with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for a person may vary over time, so it is crucial to discuss all options with the healthcare professional conducting the evaluation.
adhd undiagnosed in adults with expertise in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This may include an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires and a review family history, mood disorders and medical conditions including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to medical examinations could be included to determine if there is a medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take a while. This is particularly true if you are an adult who has struggled to deal with symptoms for many years. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their school or job and other information such as old report cards. The healthcare professional may ask for permission to speak with family members and close friends to get a better understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.
For adults, diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience. People typically experience a variety of emotions, from relief at finally having an explanation for their problems, to a sense of grief at the loss of opportunities and relationships caused by untreated ADHD. Matlen however, states that after receiving a diagnosis she was able to make positive changes in her life, including in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is a crucial step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. However, finding the right therapist may be difficult. There are a variety of ways to find a therapist in the area. Request your physician to refer you. They might have an extensive list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look on the internet. There are numerous websites that list doctors, with details about their specialties and areas of interest. Asking friends or family for recommendations is another option. You can also reach out to your local mental health clinic, or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
When you see a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as truthful as you can. It is essential to discuss how ADHD symptoms impact your life and the lives of other people. It's important to talk about your past and present medical history. This will help the therapist determine if you have any conditions like depression or anxiety that can have similar symptoms.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and employ standardized scales to measure the severity of symptoms. The therapist could also ask other caregivers for their input for example, religious leaders, teachers, or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of the behavior of a person in various situations.
Adults with ADHD might feel overwhelmed and irritated by their issues and are reluctant to discuss them. This can affect the quality of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD can generally assist them to overcome these obstacles.
It is crucial to understand that the diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapist will prescribe medications. While certain individuals with ADHD may need to take medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that can be very efficient. These treatments can be used alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.