ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD might have symptoms similar to those of depression or anxiety. This is why it's important to have a thorough assessment by a mental health professional or health care provider.
Your specialist will ask you about your childhood symptoms. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires or have interviews with professionals and teachers who know you.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of daily tasks, including managing one's schedule and planning ahead. People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can struggle at work, have trouble staying on top of their studies and find that their relationships suffer due to the fact that they tend to forget important dates or show up late to events. They can also have trouble paying attention in conversations or seem to be distracted by a glazed-over look.
The symptoms are evaluated to determine if ADHD is present. They must have persisted for at least six months and caused difficulties in more than one area of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD might not be aware of their condition, but frustrations in everyday life may prompt them to seek out help. They could begin to lose time at work due to missing deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships could be damaged if they fail to adhere to their plans or don't listen to their friends. Family life could be affected if they are unable to complete household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a professional can conduct neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities depending on the need. Based on the individual's specific problems, these tests can give valuable information about the how ADHD affects the individual and help determine whether or not comorbid conditions exist. Anxiety can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD and depression is often associated with ADHD.
It is important to choose a specialist with experience treating adults with ADHD. Professionals who are certified include physicians, clinical psychologists or clinical social professionals. You can find the right specialist by asking your colleagues or friends for recommendations, but you should conduct some research and verify that the expert is certified and licensed within the state you reside in. You can also research the professional background of a specialist and ask for references from past patients or clients. These steps will aid you in finding the most suitable person to test your child or you for ADHD. Once a diagnosis is made, it can be a great relief to many adults. They can stop worrying about whether their problems are due to insanity or lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on figuring out how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms could be due to other causes like stress or a medical condition. Genre, gender or race may play a part in a person's diagnosis. People of color and women are, for instance, likely to be diagnosed less frequently with the disorder than whites and whites. Some adults suffering from ADHD symptoms are not diagnosed until later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm an ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough evaluation that examines the person's behavior and the history of symptoms over time. They will interview the patient about their symptoms, and will also talk to people who are familiar with them. For instance, they may ask the person's parents, spouses as well as coworkers and friends about the way that the symptoms impact their lives. The person will be asked to complete questionnaires and may be subjected to an array of tests, which could include a psychological evaluation and an interview.
For a diagnosis, the patient must demonstrate that at least five signs have been present for at least 12 months, and that these symptoms are causing impairments in two different areas of life like 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. The doctor must also prove that the symptoms began before the age of 12.
During the examination the examiner will look into the person's family and personal background and medical history, their mood and anxiety disorders, their mental health issues, as well as their use of drugs and physical conditions. It is not uncommon for these issues to coexist with ADHD.
It is crucial to find a professional with experience in treating adults with ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to provide information regarding their education and experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to share this information, you should avoid working with them.
Treatment
The choice to treat ADHD for adults is up to each person. While a diagnosis can be overwhelming however, there are a variety of options for adults who want to improve their functioning and manage their symptoms.
Most health care providers will employ a thorough evaluation procedure to determine the severity of the health of a person. This will include a detailed description of the symptoms provided by the patient, his relatives, friends, and teachers. It may also involve the submission of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which was published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that an individual demonstrate at least five signs of hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must also have existed prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will examine how the symptoms impact the life of the individual. Examples of impairment are losing work due to issues at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial difficulties, or not paying bills in time.
In addition to a clinical interview, a comprehensive assessment may include psychological tests to measure executive functioning, working memory, (abilities such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning. These tests can be conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in ADHD treatment.
Behavioral therapy can be helpful in managing symptoms for certain people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches the person to develop strategies for managing his own behavior and increase his self-esteem. It also teaches the individual how to cope with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD choose to participate in a clinical study, which is a study designed to test the effectiveness of new methods to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions. It is recommended that people speak with their health care provider about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in an clinical trial.
Counseling
Many people who are given an ADHD diagnosis have lived with the disorder for years. The strain of living with ADHD, whether it's frustration at work or relationship issues, may eventually cause someone to realize they need professional help. If you're an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD and you're unable to get counselling from a therapist that is specialized in the disorder or through a neurologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication for you. If you don't know where to find these professionals, consult your primary care doctor or the organization CHADD.
During the initial assessment the mental health professional will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The therapist will also go over your medical history to determine whether physical or emotional problems could have contributed to the development of your ADHD. The therapist will speak with you and, if applicable your spouse. It is essential that both partners or spouses participate in the assessment to gain an understanding of their respective ADHD symptoms and the impact they have on their relationship.
The therapist will analyze the symptoms you present by using the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Assocation's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). The therapist will determine whether you have moderate, mild, or severe ADHD. They'll also discuss the effects of your ADHD on your social interactions, work and your home life.
After assessing your symptoms your health care provider will suggest treatment options. This could include medication, lifestyle changes and therapy. Your physician may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can assist you in changing negative thought patterns and boost self-esteem. They could also refer to brain training or neurofeedback that are non-pharmacological treatment techniques that improve concentration and decrease impulses.
Amwell Telehealth, an online service, will connect you with a doctor who is website trained in ADHD for assessments and medication. Amwell is a telehealth service that has a partnership with more than 40 insurance companies. They usually require a copay or meet your deductible when you pay out through your pocket. Thriveworks is another option, which offers online counseling and also manage medication.