ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD can 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 specialist will ask you about your symptoms from childhood. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires or have interviews with teachers and professionals who know you.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to accomplish daily tasks like managing time and planning. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to have a difficult time at work, have difficulty keeping up in schools, and to notice that their relationships suffer because they tend to miss important events or arrive late to events. They may also have difficulty paying attention in conversations or seem to be distracted by eyes that are glazed over.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by a thorough assessment of the symptoms. They must have resisted for at least six months, and caused issues in more than one area of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might not be aware of the problem however, their frustrations in daily life may prompt them to seek out help. They may fall behind in their work because they miss important deadlines or fail to concentrate during lectures and meetings. Friendships could suffer if they don't adhere to their plans or don't listen to partners. Family life can be affected if they are not able to finish household chores.
In addition to a thorough interview, a qualified professional can conduct psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing when needed. Based on the individual's specific issues, these tests can provide helpful information about ways in which ADHD impacts the person and can determine whether or not there are comorbidities. For instance, anxiety may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, and depression often occurs in people with ADHD.
It is essential to select a specialist who has prior experience treating adults with ADHD. Clinical psychologists, physicians, or clinical social workers are certified professionals. It is possible to locate a specialist through recommendations from friends or colleagues, but it is advisable to do some research and ensure that the specialist you select is certified and licensed in your state. You can also look up the specialist's professional background and request references from previous patients or clients. These steps will help you identify a specialist who can assess your child or yourself for ADHD. Many adults feel relieved once they receive the diagnosis. They can no longer worry about their failings due to inattention and an inability to think and instead concentrate on how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Many of the symptoms can be attributed to other causes like stress or a medical condition. Genre, gender, and even race can be a factor in the diagnosis of a person. For example, women and people of color are likely to be diagnosed with the disorder less frequently than whites and men. In how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult , many people who struggle with the symptoms of ADHD do not receive the assistance they require until later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm an ADHD diagnosis through a thorough evaluation of the person's history of symptoms and behavior. They will ask about the symptoms and also speak to people who know about the person's symptoms. They may ask their spouse or parents of the person to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient is required to answer questionnaires and may be subjected to a series tests which include a psychological assessment, as well as an interview.
For a diagnosis, the patient must demonstrate that at least five symptoms have been present for at least 12 months, and that the symptoms are causing impairments in two areas of life such as 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 important for the professional to establish that these symptoms were present prior the age of 12.
During the examination the examiner will look over the person's medical background and family history, as well as mood and anxiety disorders, as well as any other mental health issues, alcohol abuse, as well as other physical conditions. It's not uncommon for these disorders to coexist with ADHD.
It's important to find an expert in mental health who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to discuss their training and expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to divulge this information, it's best not to work with them.
Treatment
As opposed to a child, the decision of whether or not to treat ADHD as an adult is entirely up to the person. While receiving a diagnosis may feel daunting initially, there are a number of options for adults to manage their symptoms and improve functioning.
Most health care providers will utilize a thorough assessment process to assess an individual's condition. This may include a detailed description of the symptoms by the patient, his relatives, friends, and teachers. It could also include the submission of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will use the diagnostic guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) that requires an individual to show at least five indicators of hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12. The assessment will look at how the symptoms affect the person's daily activities. Examples of impairment include losing a job due to problems at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial problems or not making payments on time.
A complete evaluation could include, in addition to the clinical interview, psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision making) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning abilities. These tests are conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD treatment.
Behavioral therapy is a great option in managing symptoms for some people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains the patient strategies to manage his own behavior and increase his self-esteem. It can also help the person learn to deal with the underlying problems that make his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD decide to participate in a clinical study which is a type of research designed to test new ways to identify the presence of diseases, or to prevent or treat them. Discuss with your health care doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis have lived with the condition for decades. If it's discontent with their job or relationship issues or the stress of living with ADHD can cause someone to realize that they need professional assistance. If you're an adult and have been diagnosed with ADHD, you can get counseling through a therapist who is an expert in the field or through a psychiatrist or neurologist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure how to locate these health care professionals, ask your primary care physician or contact the CHADD organization CHADD for recommendations.
In the initial assessment, the mental health professional will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The therapist may also review your medical history to determine whether physical or emotional issues could have contributed to the development of your ADHD. The therapist will speak with you, and if appropriate your spouse. It's important that both spouses or partners participate in the assessment to gain more understanding of their respective ADHD symptoms and their impact on their relationship.
The therapist will assess your symptoms using the diagnostic criteria defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will then determine what degree of ADHD you have moderate, mild or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions, and your home.
After assessing your symptoms the health care professional may suggest different treatment options. These include medication, lifestyle changes and therapy. Your physician might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapies, which can help you overcome negative thinking patterns and improve self-esteem. They can also recommend you for brain training or neurofeedback, which are non-pharmacological treatments to improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity.
Online telehealth services such as Amwell can connect you to an expert in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell works with over 40insurance companies. It typically requires a co-pay or meets your deductible for out-of-pocket visits. Thriveworks is another option which offers online counseling and also manage medication.