How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some feel relief in understanding their struggles, while others are sad that they missed out on life opportunities due to symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health care provider or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by looking at the mood of a person, past and present medical and mental health conditions and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The assessment usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized scales of rating.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to specifics. In many cases, these problems stem from other underlying problems such as depression or substance use disorders. Making sure you are diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that wreak destruction in both professional and personal life.
ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood and last throughout adulthood. In order for a person to be granted an diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their life in two or more areas (home school, work and home) and cause significant impairment. To be able to meet these requirements the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders like mood disorders, anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
The health care professional will also go over the patient's mental and medical history. They will also talk to the patient as well as when possible, family members to understand the perspective of childhood behavior. The health care provider may review the patient's present work 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. In general, to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD an individual must have at least six inattention-related symptoms that are serious enough to affect their life. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric assessment is typically enough for a healthcare professional to identify someone with ADHD. This involves a thorough interview with the individual as well as his or her parents, as well as any caregivers or teachers, as well as completing scales or questionnaires. The health care provider may also review the person’s medical, psychiatric, and family history and refer the individual for a physical examination to rule out any other causes of symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleep patterns, diet, and workplace and home environments to determine if stressors may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD, you should consult a specialist doctor in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact on your life. They'll likely want to know how often you have trouble finishing tasks, how often you lose things or forget to put away your keys, and if these issues create stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also review the medical history and physical examination. This information will help your doctor rule out other conditions that may cause the symptoms associated with ADHD like sleep disorders, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems.
adhd in adults undiagnosed 's likely your healthcare professional will ask family members as well as other caregivers about your behavior. They'll also inquire about how you behave in different situations, like at work and school, or with your scout or religious leaders. You might be asked to complete self-tests to identify your symptoms. They are available on the internet, but they should not be used in lieu for a face-to-face appointment with your physician.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD requires you to meet an upper threshold of symptoms than kids -- five out of nine symptoms over the course of six months. You must also be able to show significant impact in 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 examine the ways your brain functions and may help determine if you suffer from co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may create a variety of emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from sadness over missed opportunities to relief that she finally found a clear explanation for her issues. Consult your doctor or local support group to recommend you to a health professional who can conduct ADHD evaluations on adults. You can also call your insurance company to find out the providers that are listed.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD, medication is the first option for treatment. Drugs like amphetamine or methylphenidate increase or balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behaviors. They can help people who have ADHD concentrate and remain well-organized. They also help control their impulses, make more rational decisions improve communication, and decrease the impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants which work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for some patients with ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a particular person will change as time passes. It is crucial to discuss with the medical professional who is conducting the evaluation all options.
A health professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the person in addition to the answering questionnaires and completing scales by the person as well as an examination of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, like sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical examination can also be recommended to rule out medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take a while. This is especially true when you are an adult who has struggled to manage symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which implies that the person should bring copies of performance evaluations from their workplace or school and other information like old reports. The healthcare professional might ask permission to speak to close family members or friends to obtain a complete picture of the individual's previous experiences and behaviors.
For adults, getting an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. It is common for people to experience various emotions, from relief finally having a concrete explanation for their struggles to grief 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 make changes in her life and progress in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD need assistance from a therapist is a crucial step. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. There are many methods to locate a specialist in the area. Start by asking your doctor for the referral. He or she might have a list of specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also search online. There are numerous websites that list doctors, including details about their specialties and areas of focus. Another alternative is to request a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also call your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
It is crucial to be honest when visiting a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. It is important to discuss how ADHD symptoms impact your life and the lives of other people. It is essential to discuss your past and present medical background. This allows the therapist to determine if you have any conditions like depression or anxiety that can be similar to anxiety or depression.
In addition to monitoring an individual's behavior, the psychotherapist is likely to conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also solicit other caregivers for their opinions like religious leaders, teachers or scout and scout leaders to obtain an accurate picture of the behavior of a person in different situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently feel angry and ashamed of their condition, and they might be reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can limit the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults who have ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
It is also important to realize that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the counselor will automatically prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD require medication but there are plenty of other treatment options that can be successful, including treatment for behavioral issues. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or as a stand-alone treatment.