ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD might suffer from symptoms that are similar to anxiety or depression. This is why it is important to have an extensive evaluation by a mental health professional or health care provider.
Your specialist will ask about your experiences from your childhood. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires or interview with teachers and professionals who know you.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to manage daily tasks such as scheduling and managing time. People with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty at work, have trouble maintaining their school schedules and find that their relationships suffer as they tend to miss important dates or show up late to events. They might also have difficulty paying attention in conversations or seem distracted with a glazed-over look.
The symptoms are evaluated to determine whether ADHD is present. They must have been present for at least six months and have caused problems in various areas of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might not be aware of their problem, but frustrations in everyday life could prompt them to seek help. They might begin to slip behind in their work due to missing deadlines or fail to concentrate during meetings or lectures. Their friendships may suffer because they blow off plans or fail to listen to their partners and their families may be a struggle due to their inability to stay on track on household chores.
In addition to conducting a thorough interview, a trained professional can conduct neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities when needed. These tests can help in determining the extent to which ADHD affects an individual, and also if comorbid conditions are present. For comorbidities , anxiety may cause similar symptoms as ADHD and depression frequently occurs in people with ADHD.
It is crucial to choose an expert who has prior experience treating adults with ADHD. Qualified professionals can include physicians, clinical psychologists or clinical social professionals. It is possible to find a specialist through recommendations from colleagues or friends, but it is also wise to conduct some research to make sure the expert you choose is licensed and certified in your state. You can also look up the background of the specialist and request references from former patients or clients. These steps will allow you to locate a professional who can evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. Once a diagnosis is made, it can be a great relief to many adults. They no longer have to worry about their failings because of laziness or lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on addressing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Many of the symptoms of ADHD could be attributed to other factors such as stress or medical illnesses. Genre, gender, and even race can play a part in the diagnosis of a patient. Women and people of color are, for instance, likely to be diagnosed less frequently with the disorder than men and whites. 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 an ADHD diagnosis through a thorough review of the person's past of symptoms and behavior. They will ask the person about their symptoms, and will also speak to those who know them well. For instance, they might ask the person's parents, spouse or coworkers about the way that the symptoms impact their lives. The patient will be asked to complete questionnaires and may undergo a series of tests, which could include a psychological evaluation and an interview.
To receive a diagnosis the patient will have to prove that they've been suffering from the same symptoms for at least 12 months and that they are currently causing impairment in two areas of their lives, 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 crucial that the specialist establish that these symptoms were present prior to age 12.
During the examination, an examiner will review the patient's medical background and family history, as well as anxiety and mood disorders, as well as any other mental health issues, addiction and physical conditions. In actual fact, it's not common for any of these other conditions to overlap with ADHD.
It's important to find an expert in mental health that has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. Most professionals with experience will be willing to discuss their experience and training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to share this information, you should stay clear of working with them.
Treatment
The choice to treat ADHD in adults is up to each individual. While the diagnosis can be daunting but there are a myriad of options for adults who wish to improve their functioning and manage their symptoms.
Most health care professionals employ an extensive evaluation process to determine the condition of a patient. This may include a description of the symptoms either by the person himself or by his closest family members, friends members and teachers; completing of scales and questionnaires; an extensive medical and psychiatric history; and occasionally a referral to a physician for a physical exam.
A doctor will apply diagnostic guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which requires that a patient show at least five symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention or the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms must also be present prior to the age of 12. The assessment will focus on how the symptoms affect the person's life. Examples of impairment are losing a job due to issues in the workplace, excessive conflict and distress in relationships and not paying bills on time or falling into financial trouble and not making satisfactory academic progress at school.
In addition to a medical interview, a comprehensive assessment may include psychological tests to measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities such as decision-making and planning) as well as spatial and visual skills and reasoning abilities. A psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD and its treatment may administer these tests and provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing symptoms for some people. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one example. It teaches someone how to control his own behavior, and how to increase confidence in himself. It also helps the person learn to cope with the underlying problems that make 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 methods to prevent and treat diseases and conditions. Talk to your healthcare doctor about the risks and benefits associated with taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the condition for decades. It doesn't matter if it's a problem with their job or relationships, the everyday stress of living with ADHD can finally make someone realize that they need professional assistance. If you're an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD and need help, you can seek counselling from a therapist that is an expert in the field or through a neurologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure of where to look for these specialists, you can contact your primary care physician or the CHADD. CHADD.
During the initial assessment an expert in mental health may ask you questions regarding your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The therapist might also look over your medical history to determine whether physical or emotional problems could have contributed to the onset of your ADHD. The therapist will talk to you as well as, if necessary, your spouse. Each spouse or partner are required to take part in the assessment. This will allow them to better know each other's ADHD symptoms and how they impact their relationship.
The therapist will analyze the symptoms you present by using the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). They will then determine what degree of ADHD you have moderate, mild or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions, and even your home.
After assessing your symptoms, your health care provider will suggest a treatment plan. These can include therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. Your physician may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapies, which can help you overcome negative thinking patterns and improve self-esteem. They may also recommend brain training or neurofeedback, which are non-pharmacological treatments to improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity.
Online telehealth services like Amwell can connect you with specialists in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell has a relationship with more than 40+ insurance companies and typically requires a copay or covers your deductible for out-of-pocket visits. Thriveworks is a different option, that offers online counseling and also manage your medication.