ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that resemble anxiety or depression. This is why it's crucial to have a thorough examination by a mental health professional or health care professional.
Your doctor will ask you about your experiences from your early years. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires or interview with teachers and professionals who know you.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to keep up with daily tasks, such as managing your schedule and planning ahead. People with undiagnosed ADHD can struggle at work, have trouble keeping up in school and also find that their relationships suffer as they tend to miss important dates or show up late for events. They may also have difficulty paying attention to conversations or appear distracted by a glazed over look.
The symptoms are evaluated to determine whether ADHD is present. They have to be present for at least 6 months and cause issues in a variety of areas of their life. Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may not realize that they have a problem but everyday frustrations can prompt them to seek help. They might begin to slip behind in their work because they miss deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships can suffer when they blow off plans or fail to listen to their friends and their family lives is often a mess due to their inability to stay on track on household chores.
A certified professional can also test for psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. Based on the individual's particular issues, these tests may provide valuable information on the how ADHD impacts the person and can determine whether or not comorbid conditions exist. For example, anxiety can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, and depression often occurs with ADHD.
It is essential to select a specialist with experience treating adults with ADHD. Clinical psychologists, doctors, or clinical social workers are qualified professionals. You can locate an expert by asking colleagues or friends for recommendations, however you should do some research and verify that the expert is licensed and certified within the state you reside in. You can also research the professional background of the specialist and ask for references from past patients or clients. These steps can help you find the best person to assess your child or yourself for ADHD. Many adults feel happy once they receive an assessment. They no longer have to worry about their shortcomings being because of laziness or lack of intelligence instead, and concentrate on how they can manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to receive an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Many of the symptoms could be due to other causes, such as stress or an illness. Gender, sexes and race may influence the diagnosis of a patient. For instance women and those of color may be diagnosed with the disorder more often than whites and men. This means that some adults struggling with the symptoms of ADHD don't receive the help they need until much later in life.
A mental health professional confirms the ADHD diagnosis through a comprehensive evaluation of the person's history of symptoms and behavior. They will ask about the symptoms and consult with people who know about the person's symptoms. For instance, they could ask the person's spouse, parents, coworkers, and friends about how the symptoms impact their lives. The patient will be asked to answer questionnaires and may be tested with a series tests which include a psychological assessment, as well as an interview.
To be diagnosed the patient will have to show that they have had several of the symptoms for at least 12 months and are currently causing impairment in two areas of their 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 doctor to determine that these symptoms existed before the age of 12.
During the examination an examiner will go over the person's medical background, family history, mood and anxiety disorders, any other mental health issues, substance abuse and other physical ailments. It's not uncommon for these conditions to overlap with ADHD.
It is essential to find a professional with experience in treating adults with ADHD. Most professionals are willing to offer their knowledge and experience in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is hesitant to share this information, it's best not to work with them.
Treatment
Unlike when someone is a child, the decision of whether or not to tackle ADHD as an adult is entirely up to the person. Although being diagnosed with ADHD may be intimidating at first however, there are plenty of options for adults to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning.
Most health care providers use an extensive evaluation process to evaluate a patient's health. This includes a thorough description of symptoms by the patient or his relatives, friends, and teachers. It could also include the completion of questionnaires as well as scales.
A doctor will use diagnostic guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which requires an individual to show at least five indicators of inattention, hyperactivity or the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms must also have existed prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will look at how the symptoms affect the life of the individual. Examples of impairment are losing work due to issues at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial issues or not paying bills in time.
A comprehensive assessment could include, in addition to the clinical interview, psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, and 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 person how to develop strategies to control his own behavior and improve confidence in himself. It can also help the person learn to manage the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Certain people with ADHD opt to take part in a clinical study, which is a study that aims to test new methods to prevent and treat diseases and conditions. People should talk to their healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of participating in the clinical trial.
Counseling
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have lived with the condition for many years. The strain of living with ADHD, whether it's frustration at work or relationship issues, can eventually cause people to realize they require professional help. If you are an adult diagnosed with ADHD and a therapist who specializes in the disorder can help you. A psychiatrist or neurologist may prescribe medication. If you're not sure how to find these health experts, ask your primary care physician or contact the CHADD. CHADD for suggestions.
In the initial assessment, the mental health professional will interview you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The therapist will also review your medical documents to determine if any physical or emotional issues could contribute to your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your significant other, if applicable. Each spouse or partner should participate in the assessment. This will help them better be aware of each one's ADHD symptoms and how they impact 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). The therapist will determine whether you suffer from moderate, mild or severe ADHD. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, social interactions, and your home.
After assessing your symptoms, the health care professional will suggest treatment options. These can include therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral treatments, which could increase your self-esteem as well as assist you in changing negative thinking patterns. They could also refer to neurofeedback or brain training which are non-pharmacological treatment methods that improve concentration and decrease impulses.
Amwell Telehealth, an online service, will connect you with a doctor who is trained in ADHD for assessment and treatment. Amwell is a telehealth provider which works with more than 40 insurance companies. Iam Psychiatry require a copay or to meet your deductible if you pay out through your the pocket. Thriveworks is another option, which offers online counseling and can also manage medication.