ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD can experience symptoms similar to anxiety or depression. This is why a thorough evaluation by a health care professional or mental health professional is essential.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms from childhood. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or complete interviews with teachers and other professionals who know you.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to accomplish daily tasks such as managing time and planning. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to have a difficult time at work, to have difficulty keeping up in school, and to discover that their relationships suffer as they tend to forget important dates or show up late to events. They may also have trouble staying focused on conversations or appear distracted with eyes that are glazed over.
The symptoms are assessed to determine if ADHD is present. They should have been present for at least six months, and caused problems in more than one area of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may not be aware of the problem, but frustrations in everyday life could prompt them to seek assistance. They may start to fall behind at 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 life can be fraught because of their inability to follow through on household chores.
In addition to conducting a thorough interview, a trained professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or testing for learning disabilities when needed. Based on the individual's specific issues, these tests can give valuable information about the ways that ADHD affects the person and help determine if there are comorbidities. For example, anxiety can cause similar symptoms as ADHD and depression is a common occurrence that is a result of ADHD.
It is important to select the right specialist with prior experience treating adults with ADHD. Clinical psychologists, doctors or clinical social workers are certified professionals. It is possible to locate the right specialist by asking friends or colleagues, however it is also wise to do some research to ensure that the specialist you choose is certified and licensed in your state. You can also research the specialist's professional background and request references from previous clients or patients. These steps will allow you to locate a professional who can evaluate your child or you for ADHD. Many adults feel relieved when they are given an assessment. They can stop worrying about whether their problems are due to laziness or lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on learning how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD. Many of the symptoms could be due to other causes like stress or a medical condition. Sexe, gender or race may influence the diagnosis of a patient. People of color and women can, for instance, be diagnosed less frequently with the disorder than men and whites. Some adults with ADHD symptoms are not diagnosed until later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough evaluation that looks at the person's behavior and history of symptoms over time. They will inquire about the symptoms and talk to people who know about the symptoms. They may ask spouses parents, friends or relatives of the person to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient is expected to fill out questionnaires and may be subjected to an array of tests, which could include an evaluation of their psychological condition and an interview.
For a diagnosis to be granted, a person must show that at least five symptoms have been present for a minimum of 12 months, and that the symptoms have caused impairments in two areas of 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. The professional must also establish that the symptoms started before the age of 12.
During the assessment, the examiner will look into the person's family and personal history and medical history as well as their anxiety and mood disorders, any other mental health issues, as well as their substance use and other physical conditions. In actual fact, it's not uncommon for some of these conditions to be overlapping with ADHD.
It's important to find a mental health professional who has experience working with adults with ADHD. Many professionals are willing share their expertise and training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to provide this information, it's probably not the best idea to work with them.
Treatment
Unlike when someone is a child, the decision whether or not to tackle ADHD as an adult is entirely up to the individual. While diagnosed with adhd can be daunting but there are a myriad of options for adults who want to improve their functioning and manage their symptoms.
The majority of health professionals use a comprehensive evaluation process to determine the condition of a patient. This will include a detailed description of the symptoms provided by the patient or his relatives, friends, and teachers. It could also include the completion of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that individuals show at least five signs of hyperactivity or inattention, or inattention. The symptoms must have also existed prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will focus on how the symptoms affect the person's daily activities. Examples of impairment are losing a job due issues in the workplace or excessive conflict and stress in relationships or not paying bills on time, being in financial trouble and not making adequate academic progress at school.
In addition to a clinical interview, a thorough assessment may include psychological tests to assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities like planning and decision-making), visual and spatial skills and reasoning abilities. These tests can be conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in ADHD treatment.
Behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing symptoms for certain people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches the person how to develop strategies for managing his own behavior and improve his self-esteem. It also helps the patient learn to manage the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD decide to participate in a clinical study which is a type of research designed to test new methods to identify the presence of diseases, or to prevent or treat them. Talk to your healthcare provider about any potential risks and benefits of taking part in a trial.
Counseling
Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the disorder for years. The stress of living with ADHD or a frustration with their job or relationship issues, may eventually cause one to realize that they require professional help. If you are an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD and a therapist who specializes in the disorder may be able to assist you. A neurologist or psychiatrist can prescribe medication. If you're not sure where to locate these health experts, ask your primary care physician or the organization CHADD for recommendations.
During the initial evaluation an expert in mental health might ask you questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The therapist will also look over your medical records to determine whether physical or emotional issues may contribute to your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your significant other, if applicable. Each spouse or partner are required to take part in the assessment. This will allow them to better be aware of each the other's ADHD symptoms and how they impact their relationship.
The therapist will evaluate your symptoms using the diagnostic criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will then determine the level of ADHD you are suffering from moderate, mild or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions and your home.
After assessing your health issues, the health professional will suggest a treatment plan. These could include therapy, lifestyle changes and medications. Your doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can improve your self-esteem and help you overcome negative thought patterns. They can also recommend neurofeedback or brain training, which are non-pharmacological treatments that increase concentration and decrease the impulsivity.
Amwell is an online telehealth service, will connect you with a doctor who specializes in ADHD for assessments and medication. Amwell is a telehealth company that has a partnership with more than 40 insurance companies. They usually require a copay, or they can meet your deductible when you pay out of the pocket. Thriveworks is another option which offers online counseling and can also manage your medication.