How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a challenge. Some people feel relief knowing that they can finally comprehend their struggles and others feel grief for having missed out on opportunities in their lives due to the symptoms that went untreated so long.
A health care provider or mental health professional can determine ADHD by analyzing a person's current mood, past and present mental and physical health conditions and their behavior during childhood and school experiences. The assessment usually 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 details. These issues are often caused by other conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in controlling the symptoms that cause trouble on a personal and professional scale is to get a valid ADHD diagnosis.
The signs of ADHD typically begin in childhood and last throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of a person's life (home, school, and work). To meet these criteria symptoms must be present for at least six months. They cannot be explained better by other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
The health care provider will also review the patient's mental and medical history. They will also talk with the person, and if possible their family members, in order to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health care provider may review the patient's present working and home environments, and discuss the patient's schooling with them.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. Generally, to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD an individual must exhibit at least six symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to interfere with 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 can usually identify a person suffering from ADHD by conducting an extensive psychiatric assessment. This will include an extensive interview with the person and their family and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to completing scales and questionnaires. The health care provider will also go over the person's medical, psychiatric and family histories and may refer the patient for a physical examination to rule out any other causes for his or her symptoms. They will also look at the individual's sleep patterns, diet and work and home environment to assess any stressors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD, it's important to visit a health care provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will likely want to know how many times you have trouble finishing tasks, how often you lose things or forget where you put your keys, and whether these problems cause stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and physical examination. This information will help them rule out other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders and anxiety or a thyroid issue.
Your health care provider may interview family members, caregivers and friends regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in various situations like at school, at work or with scouts or religious leaders. You may be asked to take an assessment of your own to determine the severity of your symptoms. adult diagnosis of adhd are available online however, they shouldn't be used in lieu of the face-to-face consultation with your physician.
Adults must meet an lower threshold than children to be formally diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms in the course of six months. You will also need to be able demonstrate a significant impact on your school, work, 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 may help determine if you have co-existing mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can trigger complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief she had a reason for her problems. Consult your doctor or local support group to refer you to a health professional who can conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also call your insurance provider to find out which doctors are included.
Treatment
The medication is often the first option for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost or regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behaviors. They can help people with ADHD concentrate and remain organized. They also help control their impulses and make more rational choices improve communication, and reduce the impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants which work more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for patients with ADHD. The type of medication that is most effective for a person's needs may change over time, which is why it is essential to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional who conducts the test.
A health professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the patient as well as the answering questionnaires and completing scales by the person as well as a review of family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, like sleep disorders and physical ailments. A appointment to a medical exam may also be included to rule out medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
The test will likely to take some time, particularly in the case of an adult who has struggled to manage symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which means that the person should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their workplace or school and other documents like old reports. The healthcare professional can request permission to speak with close family members or friends to gain a more complete understanding of the individual's past experiences and behaviors.
For adults, getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience. People typically experience a variety of emotions, ranging from relief to finally having an explanation for their problems, to a sense of grief at the loss of opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that after being diagnosed, she was able to make positive changes in her life, including in her work and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is an important step for many people with ADHD. However, finding get diagnosed with adhd can be challenging. There are a variety of ways to find a therapist in the area. Request your physician to refer you to. He or she might have a list with specialists who are skilled in treating ADHD. You can also search for them online. There are numerous websites that provide directories of doctors, and provide information on their areas of expertise and specialty. Asking family members or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also call your local mental health center or ADHD support group for suggestions.
It is important to be honest when visiting a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. It is important to discuss how ADHD affects your life as well as the lives of other people. It's also important to discuss your medical history. This will help your doctor rule out other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
In addition to observing an individual's behavior, the therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist could also ask other caregivers for their opinions for example, teachers, religious leaders or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of the behavior of an individual in various situations.
Adults with ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their symptoms and may be reluctant to discuss them. This can affect the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience in working with adults with ADHD is usually able to assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to understand that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that the therapist will automatically prescribe medication. While some people suffering from ADHD might require medication, behavioral therapy is another option that can be extremely efficient. These treatments can be utilized in conjunction with medication or as separate treatments.