How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a challenge. Some feel relief at finally being able to recognize their challenges, while others are sad that they missed out on life opportunities because of the symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by looking at the mood of a person and past mental and medical health issues and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The test usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standard rating scales.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require mental energy over time or paying attention to the details. Most of the time, these issues are a result of other issues such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in tackling the symptoms that cause trouble at a personal as well as professional level is to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood and persist throughout adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at minimum two areas of a person's life (home, school, and at work). To meet the criteria, they must have lasted at least six month and cannot be caused by other mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
The health professional will also review the patient's medical and mental history. The doctor will speak to the person, and if possible their family members, in order to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health care provider may also review the patient's current working and home environments, and speak with their teachers.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. In general, to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD, an individual must show at least six inattention-related symptoms that are serious enough to interfere with their life functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional will usually identify a person suffering from ADHD by conducting an extensive psychiatric assessment. This includes a thorough interview with the patient, his or her family members, caregivers and teachers, as well as taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care professional will also review the person's medical, psychiatric and family histories and may refer the patient for a physical exam to rule out any other causes for his or her symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleeping patterns, diet, and work and home environments to assess stressors which may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think you may have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a specialist doctor in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll likely be interested in knowing how often you have difficulty completing tasks and how often you misplace items or forget where you have put your keys, and if these problems create stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This information will allow them to determine if there are other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders and anxiety, or a thyroid problem.
It's likely that your health care professional will interview family members, friends and other caregivers about your behavior. They'll also discuss your behavior in various environments, such as at school and work or with your scout or religious leaders. You may be asked to take a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available online however, they shouldn't be used in lieu of a face-toface interview with your physician.
Adults have to meet an lower threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms over the span of six months. You'll also have to make a significant impact on your school, work and family 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 examine the way your brain functions, and determine if there are any mental disorders that coexist, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may cause complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from sadness over missed opportunities to relief that she finally found a clear explanation for her troubles. Ask adult adhd diagnoses or local support group to refer you to a health professional who can conduct ADHD tests on adults. You can also inquire with your insurance provider to find out which providers are included on its list.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD treatment is the first choice for treatment. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine work by increasing or balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and behavior. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better and remain organized and in control of their impulses. They can also help them make more rational decisions, improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behaviors.
There are also non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants that work more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for patients with ADHD. The type of medication which is most effective for a particular person can change over time. It is essential to discuss with the healthcare professional who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A health professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment which includes an interview with the individual in addition to the answering questionnaires and completing scales by the individual as well as a review of family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral for a medical examination may be included as well to determine if there is a medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
The test is likely to take some time, especially in the case of an adult who has been struggling to cope with symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which means that the individual should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their workplace or school and other documents like old report cards. The healthcare professional can request permission to talk with close family members or friends to gain a more complete picture of the person's past experiences and behavior.
For adults, receiving diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is common for people to feel a mixture of emotions, from relief at finally having a concrete explanation for their problems to sadness over the loss of opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that after receiving a diagnosis she was able make changes in her life, including in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD need help from a therapist is an essential step. Finding the right therapist could be difficult. Luckily, there are several methods to locate a therapist in your area. Start by asking your regular doctor for the referral. He or she might have a list of specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also look on the internet. There are many websites which list doctors, as well as information on their specialties as well as areas of interest. Another option is to ask for a recommendation from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health clinic, or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
If you visit an experienced therapist in treating ADHD, it is important to be as transparent as possible. It is important to discuss how ADHD symptoms impact your life as well as the lives of other people. It is also essential to discuss your medical history, including your past history. adult adhd diagnoses will help the counselor rule out any other conditions that could have similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and use standardized scales to measure the severity of the symptoms. The therapist may also seek out other caregivers for their opinions like religious leaders, teachers or scouts and scout leaders to obtain a true picture of the behavior of a person in different situations.
Adults with ADHD may feel overwhelmed and irritated by their problems and may be reluctant to talk about the issues. This can affect the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience in working with adults with ADHD is generally able to assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to understand that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean the counselor will automatically prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD require medication, there are a number of other treatments that are effective, including the use of behavioral therapy. These treatment methods can be utilized in conjunction with medication, or as standalone treatments.