How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy to accept. Some people feel relieved that they finally understand their struggles while others experience grief for having missed out on opportunities in their lives because of symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A mental health specialist or health care professional can diagnose ADHD based on the mood of a person, their present and past mental and medical conditions as well as their childhood behavior and experiences at school. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptom checklists and the standardized scales of rating.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to specifics. These issues are often caused by other underlying conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in tackling the symptoms that cause trouble at a personal as well as professional scale is to get a proper ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in the early years of childhood and continue into adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two aspects of a person's daily life (home school, home and work). To meet these criteria symptoms must be present for at least six months. They are not better explained by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
In addition to looking into the patient's symptoms and health issues, the doctor will review their medical history and mental health history. They will also talk to the patient, and if possible their family members, in order to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health care professional might also review the patient's current working and home environments, and talk with their teachers.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Generally, to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD, an individual must exhibit at least six symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to hinder their life. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional is usually able to identify a person suffering from ADHD through an extensive psychiatric assessment. adhd diagnosed will include an extensive interview with the patient as well as their family members and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to answering questionnaires and scales. The health care provider will also go over the person's psychiatric, medical and family histories and might refer the person for a physical exam to rule out any other causes for his or her symptoms. He or she will examine the individual's sleep habits, diet, work and home environments to assess stressors which may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a specialist doctor in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. They will likely be interested in how often you experience difficulty completing tasks, how often you lose items or forget to put away your keys, and if these issues cause stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over the medical history and physical examination. This information will aid your doctor in determining other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid problems.
It's likely that your health care provider will question family members as well as other caregivers about your behavior. They'll also discuss how you behave in different settings, such as at work and school, or with your scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also request you to complete an assessment or self-test to determine the severity of your symptoms. These are available online, but should not be used to replace a face-toface interview with your physician.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is based on the threshold of symptoms lower than children - five out of nine signs over a six-month period. 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 look at the way your brain functions and can help determine if you have co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may create a variety of emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a solid explanation for her troubles. Ask your doctor or local support group to recommend you to a health professional who can perform ADHD assessments on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to determine the providers that are listed.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD treatment is the first choice for treatment. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine work by increasing or balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate behavior and attention. They can help those who suffer from ADHD focus and stay well-organized. They can also control their impulses and make more rational decisions improve communication, and lessen impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants which work slower than stimulants but can still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication that works best for a particular person can change over time, so it is crucial to discuss all possible options with your healthcare professional who conducts the test.
A health care professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the individual as well as the completion of questionnaires and scales by the person as well as an examination of family history and mood disorders as well as medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out any medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take some time. This is particularly true in the case of an adult who has struggled to manage symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as is possible, which means that the individual should bring copies of performance assessments from their school or job and other documents such as old report cards. The healthcare professional can ask for permission to speak with family members or friends to get an understanding of the person's previous behavior and experiences.
For adults, receiving an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. It is common for people to feel an array of emotions, ranging from relief at finally getting a reason for their problems to sadness over the loss of opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed, she was able to begin making changes in her life and progress with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is a vital step for people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist is not always easy. There are many methods to find a specialist in the area. Begin by asking your regular doctor for a referral. He or she might have a list with specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also look for them online. There are many websites that have directories of doctors, and provide information on their areas of focus and specialization. Asking friends or family for recommendations is another option. You can also reach out to your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to receive suggestions.
It is crucial to be honest when you visit the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. It is essential to discuss the ways that ADHD affects your life as well as the lives of other people. It is important to discuss your past and present medical background. This will help the therapist rule out conditions such as depression or anxiety that can be similar to anxiety or depression.
In addition to observing the individual's behavior, the psychotherapist is likely to conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist could solicit input from other caregivers, such as teachers or religious and scout leaders, to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior in various situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel overwhelmed and irritated by their problems and may be reluctant to talk about the issues. This can impact the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults who have ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
It is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that the therapist will prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD require medication, there are a number of treatment options that are successful, including behavioral therapy. These treatments can be utilized in conjunction with medication, or as standalone treatments.