How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult. Some people feel relief that they can finally comprehend their struggles while others experience sorrow for having missed out on opportunities in their lives because of symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the person's mood and past medical and mental health conditions and their behavior during childhood and school experience. adhd diagnosed includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require concentration or focus on detail. Often, these issues also result from other underlying issues such as depression or addiction disorders. The first step to control symptoms that cause havoc on both a personal and professional scale is to get a valid ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in the early years of childhood and continue into adulthood. To be eligible for a diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their life in at least two areas (home, school and work) 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 better explained by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
The health care provider will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. They will also talk to the patient and, if possible, relatives to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health care provider will also meet with the patient's teachers and go over their current work and home environment.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with the inattentive version of ADHD, one must show six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to interfere in their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric assessment is usually enough for a health professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This will include an extensive interview with the individual and their family members, caregivers and teachers, in addition to taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care provider will also look over the individual's psychiatric, medical and family history. They might refer the person to a physical exam in order to rule out other causes for his or her symptoms. He or she will examine the person's sleep patterns, diet, the home and work environments to determine if stressors could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a doctor who is an expert in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the effects on your life. They'll want to know if have difficulty completing tasks, if it is common to lose items, or are unable to remember where you left your keys. They may also ask a question about whether or not these problems create stress at home, work, or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical examination. This information will allow them to identify other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as sleep disorders, depression and anxiety, or a thyroid problem.
It's likely your health care provider will question family members or other caregivers regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in various situations, such as at school, work or with scouts or religious leaders. Your doctor may also request you to complete self-tests or a rating scale to assess your symptoms. They are available online, but should not be used to replace a face-toface interview with your physician.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet the threshold of symptoms lower than kids - five out of nine symptoms in a six-month period. You will also need to be able to show significant impact in your work, school, 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 test how your brain functions, and will determine if you are mental disorders that coexist such as depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can trigger complicated emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete explanation for her issues. Ask your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health care professional who can conduct ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also check with your insurance provider to find out which providers are on its list.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD, medication is the first choice for treatment. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine work by increasing or balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people with ADHD focus and stay organized. They can also manage their impulses, make more rational decisions, improve communication, and lessen the impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or certain antidepressants, are slower to work than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating certain people with ADHD. The type of medication that works best for an individual can change over time. It is crucial to discuss with the healthcare professional conducting the evaluation all options.
A health specialist with expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the individual in addition to the completion of questionnaires and scales by the person as well as an examination of the family history and mood disorders as well as medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical examination may be added to rule out a possible medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take a while. This is especially the case if you are an adult who has had to struggle to cope with symptoms over many years. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as is possible, which means that the person should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their job or school and other information like old report cards. The healthcare professional may ask permission to talk with close friends or relatives to gain a more complete picture of the individual's previous experiences and behavior.
For adults, getting an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. Many people experience a range of emotions, from relief to finally having an explanation for their struggles, to grief at the loss of opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. Matlen however, states that after being diagnosed, she was able to make a change in her life, including her career and her relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD need help from a therapist is a crucial step. Finding the right therapist could be difficult. Fortunately, there are many methods to locate a therapist in your area. Begin by asking your doctor for an appointment. They may have a list with specialists who have experience treating ADHD. You can also look for them online. There are numerous websites that list doctors, including information about their specialties and areas of interest. Asking family members or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also reach out to your local mental health center, or an ADHD support group to receive suggestions.
If you are seeing a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD and other disorders, it is essential to be as transparent as you can. This involves discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life, as well as the impact they have on other people. It is also essential to discuss your medical history, including your past history. This will help the counselor rule out any other conditions that may be causing similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and utilize standardized scales to gauge the severity of the symptoms. The therapist could also seek out other caregivers for their input like teachers, religious leaders, or scout and scout leaders in order to get a true picture of the behavior of the individual in various situations.
Adults with ADHD frequently feel angry and embarrassed by their symptoms, and they might be reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can limit the quality of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults who have ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is also important to realize that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapist will immediately prescribe medication. While some people who suffer from ADHD require medication however, there are a variety of treatment options that can be effective, including behavioral therapy. These treatment methods can be used alongside medication or as an alternative treatment.