ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD may experience symptoms that are similar to symptoms of depression or anxiety. This is why it is important to have an in-depth examination by an expert in mental health or health care professional.
Your doctor will inquire about your childhood-related symptoms. You might also be asked to fill out questionnaires or complete interviews with teachers and other professionals who are familiar with you.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to manage daily tasks, such as managing your schedule and planning ahead. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle at work, have difficulty keeping up in school, and to discover that their relationships suffer because they tend to forget important dates or show up late to events. They may also have trouble keeping track of conversations or appear distracted by eyes that are glazed over.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on an assessment of the symptoms. They must have persisted for at minimum six months and caused difficulties in more than one area of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may not realize that they have a problem but everyday frustrations can prompt them to seek out help. They could be behind in their work because they miss important deadlines or cannot concentrate during lectures and meetings. Friendships could suffer as they don't follow through with plans or are unable to listen to their friends and their family lives can be fraught because of their inability to follow through on household chores.
A qualified professional can also test for psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can be useful in determining how ADHD affects a person and if any comorbidities are present. Anxiety can cause symptoms similar to ADHD and depression is often linked to ADHD.
It is crucial to choose an expert who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Psychologists, physicians, or clinical social workers are trained professionals. You can find the right specialist by asking your colleagues or friends for recommendations, however you should also do some research and ensure that the expert is licensed and certified within your state. You can also research the background of the specialist and request references from former patients or clients. These steps can help you find the best person to assess your child or yourself for ADHD. Many adults can feel relieved once they receive the diagnosis. They can stop worrying about their failures being because of laziness or an inability to think, and instead focus on addressing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Many of the symptoms can be attributed to other factors such as stress or a medical condition. In addition, sex, gender, and race can all affect whether or not someone receives a proper diagnosis. People of color and women are, for instance, likely to be diagnosed less often with the disorder than males and whites. Some adults suffering from ADHD symptoms are diagnosed later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis through a thorough assessment that looks at the person's behavior and history of symptoms over time. They will inquire with the person about their symptoms, and they will also talk to people who are familiar with them. They may ask spouses parents, friends or relatives of the person how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient will be asked to fill out questionnaires, and could be subjected to several tests, including a psychological assessment as well as an interview.
To receive a diagnosis, the patient has to prove that they have had several of the symptoms for at least 12 months and are currently causing impairment in two areas of their life like work, school or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. It is also essential that the specialist establish that these symptoms were present prior to the age of 12.
During the evaluation, the examiner will look into the person's personal and family background as well as their medical history, their anxiety and mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and their use of drugs and physical conditions. In reality, it's not common for any of these other conditions to overlap with ADHD.
It is important to locate an expert in mental health that has experience working with adults with ADHD. Many professionals are willing share their expertise and training in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to share this information, you should not work with them.
Treatment
The choice to treat ADHD in adults is left to each person. Although receiving a diagnosis can feel daunting initially however, there are plenty of options for adults to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning.
The majority of health professionals will employ a thorough evaluation process to determine the condition of an individual. This may include a description of the symptoms by the individual or his close friends, family members, and teachers; the completion of scales and questionnaires; an extensive medical and psychiatric history; and, sometimes, a referral to a physician for a physical exam.
A doctor will consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) released by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that a person exhibit at least five indicators of hyperactivity, inattention or inattention. The symptoms must also have been present before the age of 12. The assessment will focus on how the symptoms affect the person's life. Examples of impairment include losing work due to problems at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial issues or not paying bills on-time.
A comprehensive assessment could include along with the interview with a psychologist, psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual capacities, and reasoning skills. These tests are conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in ADHD treatment.
For certain individuals the use of behavioral therapy could help in reducing their symptoms. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains the patient strategies to manage his own behavior as well as improve confidence in himself. It can also instruct the person how to deal with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD choose to participate in a clinical trial, which is a type of research study that aims to test new ways to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions. Discuss with your health care doctor about the risks and benefits associated with participating in a trial.
Counseling
Many people who are given an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the condition for decades. The strain of living with ADHD or frustration at work or issues with relationships, could eventually lead someone to realize they need professional help. If you're an adult and have been diagnosed with ADHD, you can get therapy from a therapist who specializes in the disorder or through a neurologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure where to look for these professionals, consult your primary care physician or the CHADD. CHADD.
During the initial evaluation, the mental health professional will interview you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The therapist might also look over your medical history to determine whether emotional or physical issues may have contributed to the onset of your ADHD. The therapist will interview you and, if applicable your spouse. Both partners or spouses are required to take part in the assessment. This will allow them to better understand each other's ADHD symptoms, and how they impact their relationship.
The therapist will evaluate the symptoms you have presented 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 suffer from moderate, mild or severe ADHD. They'll also talk about the impact of your ADHD on your work, social interactions and your home life.
After evaluating your symptoms, the health care professional may suggest various treatment options. These could include lifestyle changes, therapy and medications. Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral treatments, which could increase your self-esteem as well as help you change negative thought patterns. They may also refer to brain training or neurofeedback which are non-pharmacological treatment methods which increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Online telehealth providers like Amwell can connect you with a provider who specializes in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell is a telehealth company that works with more than 40 insurance companies. They typically require a copay, or they can meet your deductible if you pay out of pocket. Another alternative diagnosis for adhd is Thriveworks which provides online therapy and can also provide medication management.