ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD can experience symptoms similar to depression or anxiety. This is why it's essential to undergo a thorough examination by a mental health professional or health care provider.
Your specialist will ask about your health issues from your early years. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or interviews with teachers and professionals who know you.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to manage daily tasks, including managing your schedule and planning ahead. People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are often unable to perform at their best at work, have trouble maintaining their school schedules and may find that their relationships suffer because they tend to miss important dates or turn up late to events. They may also have difficulty paying attention to conversations or appear distracted by a glazed over look.
The symptoms are assessed to determine whether ADHD is present. They have to be present for at least 6 months and have caused problems in various areas of their life. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may not realize that they have a problem however, everyday stress can cause them to seek out help. They could be behind in their work because they miss important deadlines or fail to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships could suffer as they blow off plans or fail to listen to their friends, and their family life may be a struggle due to their inability to keep up on household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a trained professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or testing for learning disabilities as needed. Based on the individual's particular issues, these tests can give valuable information about the ways in which ADHD impacts the person and determine if comorbid conditions exist. Anxiety can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD and depression is often linked to ADHD.
It is crucial to choose an expert who has prior experience treating adults with ADHD. Psychologists, physicians, or clinical social workers are qualified professionals. It is possible to locate an expert through recommendations from friends or colleagues, however it is advisable to do some research to make sure the expert you select is licensed and certified in your state. You can also look up the background of the specialist and request references from previous patients or clients. These steps will help you find someone who can evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. When a diagnosis is made it can be a great relief to many adults. They no longer have to worry about whether their problems are due to insanity or a lack of knowledge and instead focus on figuring out how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms can be attributed to other factors such as stress or a medical condition. Additionally gender, sex and race can all affect the likelihood that a person receives an accurate diagnosis. Women and people of color, for example, may be diagnosed less frequently with the disorder than men and whites. Certain adults who exhibit ADHD symptoms are diagnosed later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm an ADHD diagnosis through a thorough assessment which examines the individual's behavior and history of symptoms over time. They will inquire with the person about their symptoms, and they will also speak to those who are familiar with their condition. They may ask their spouse parents, friends or relatives of the person how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient is expected to fill out questionnaires and may undergo an array of tests, which could include a psychological evaluation and an interview.
To be eligible for a diagnosis the patient will have to prove that they have suffered from a variety of symptoms for at least 12 months, and that they are currently experiencing impairment in two different areas of their life like 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 doctor must also prove that the symptoms started before the age of 12 years old.
During the evaluation, the examiner will look into the person's personal and family background as well as their medical history as well as their anxiety and mood disorders, any other mental health issues, and their use of drugs and other physical conditions. It's not uncommon for these disorders to coexist with ADHD.
It's important to find a mental health professional who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD. Most professionals with experience will be willing to discuss their training and expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to divulge this information, it's probably not the best idea to work with them.
Treatment
In contrast to when a person is a child, the choice of whether or not to treat ADHD as an adult is up to the person. While a diagnosis can be a bit overwhelming, there are many options available to adults who wish to improve their performance and manage their symptoms.
The majority of health professionals will use a thorough evaluation process to assess the health of a person. This will include a detailed description of the symptoms by the patient or his relatives, friends, and teachers. It may also include the submission of questionnaires and 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 symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must have also been present prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will examine how the symptoms affect the person's life. Examples of impairment are losing a job because of issues in the workplace as well as excessive conflict and discontent in relationships, not paying bills on time or falling into financial trouble and not making satisfactory academic progress in school.
A comprehensive assessment could include, in addition to the interview with a psychologist tests for psychological testing that assess executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capacities, and reasoning skills. A psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD and its treatment can administer these tests and provide an extensive evaluation.
Behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing symptoms for some people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains the person to develop strategies to manage his own behavior and increase confidence in himself. It can also help the individual learn how to manage the root causes that cause his symptoms worse.
A few people suffering from ADHD decide to participate in a clinical study which is a research project designed website to test new methods to identify, prevent or treat diseases. It is recommended that people speak with their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD have lived with the condition for many years. Whether it's frustration with their job or relationships, the everyday stress of living with ADHD can cause someone to realize they need professional help. If you're an adult with ADHD or ADD, a therapist that specializes in the disorder may be able to assist you. A psychiatrist or neurologist can prescribe medication. If you're not sure of where to find these professionals, consult your primary care doctor or the organization CHADD.
During an initial assessment the mental health professional will inquire with you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The therapist will also go through your medical records to determine whether emotional or physical problems may be contributing to your ADHD. The therapist will speak with you, and if appropriate, your spouse. Both partners or spouses are required to take part in the assessment. This will help them better be aware of each other's ADHD symptoms and how they impact their relationship.
The therapist will assess the symptoms you are experiencing using the diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). They will then determine the degree of ADHD you are suffering from moderate, mild or severe. They'll also talk about the impact of your ADHD on your work, social interactions and at home.
After assessing your health issues, the health care professional will recommend treatment options. These could include medications, lifestyle changes and therapy. Your physician may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapies, which can assist you in changing negative thought patterns and improve self-esteem. They may also recommend you for neurofeedback or brain training, which are non-pharmacological treatments that improve concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity.
Amwell, an online telehealth service, will connect you with a doctor who is trained in ADHD for assessments and medication. Amwell has a relationship with more than 40insurance companies. It typically requires a co-pay or covers your deductible for out-of-pocket visits. Another alternative is Thriveworks, which offers online therapy and can also provide medication management.