ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD may have symptoms similar to those of depression or anxiety. This is why it's essential to undergo a thorough examination by an expert in mental health or health care provider.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms from childhood. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires or interviews with professionals and teachers who know you.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to manage daily tasks like managing time and planning. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to have a difficult time at work, to struggle to keep up with school, and to find that their relationships suffer because they tend to forget important events or arrive late to events. They may also have difficulty paying attention in conversations or seem to be distracted by an eerie look.
The symptoms are evaluated 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 might not be aware of their condition however, the frustrations they experience in everyday life could prompt them to seek help. They might begin to lose time at work because they fail to meet deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships can suffer when they don't follow through with plans or are unable to listen to their partners and their families may be a struggle due to their inability to stay on track on household chores.
A certified professional can also conduct tests for learning disabilities, psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. Based on the individual's specific issues, these tests can give valuable information about the ways in which ADHD affects the individual and determine whether or not comorbid conditions exist. For example, anxiety can cause similar symptoms to ADHD and depression frequently is a result of ADHD.
It is essential to select a specialist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Psychologists, physicians or clinical social workers are qualified professionals. You can locate an expert by asking friends or colleagues for recommendations, however you should also do some research and verify that the specialist is licensed and certified within your state. You can also check the professional background of a specialist and ask for references from former patients or clients. These steps can assist you in finding the right person to test your child or you for ADHD. Many adults can feel relieved after receiving a diagnosis. They no longer have to worry about their failings due to inattention and lack of intelligence, and instead focus on addressing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Many of the symptoms can be attributed to other factors, such as stress or an illness. Additionally gender, sex and race can all affect the likelihood that a person receives an accurate diagnosis. For instance women and people of color may be diagnosed with the disorder less often than men and whites. In the end, many people who struggle with the symptoms of ADHD do not receive the assistance they require until later in their lives.
A mental health professional can confirm an ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough evaluation that looks at the person's behavior and the history of symptoms over time. They will inquire about the symptoms and also talk to people who know about the person's symptoms. They might ask the spouse parents, friends or relatives of the person how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient will be asked to complete questionnaires, and could be subjected to an array of tests, including a psychological assessment as well as an interview.
To be diagnosed 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 creating impairment in two areas of their life such as school, work or in 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 first manifested before the age of 12.
During the assessment the examiner will look over the patient's medical background, family history, mood and anxiety disorders, other mental health issues and addiction and physical ailments. In fact, it isn't common for any of these other conditions to co-exist with ADHD.
It is important to locate a mental health professional who has worked with adults with ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to provide their expertise and knowledge in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to provide this information, it's not a good idea to work with them.
Treatment
Unlike when someone is a child, the choice of whether or to treat ADHD as an adult is entirely up to the individual. While receiving a diagnosis may be intimidating initially however, there are plenty of options available to adults to manage their symptoms and improve functioning.
Most health care providers will employ a thorough evaluation procedure to determine the severity of the health of a person. This will include a description of the symptoms by the person himself or by his closest family members, friends members and teachers; completion of questionnaires and scales, a full medical and psychiatric history; and occasionally the referral to a doctor for a physical examination.
A doctor will consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that a person exhibit at least five symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must also have existed prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will focus on how the symptoms impact the person's daily life. Examples of impairment include losing a job due issues at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial difficulties or not making payments on-time.
A complete evaluation 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 capabilities, as well as reasoning abilities. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD and its treatment can administer these tests and provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Behavioral therapy can be helpful in managing symptoms for certain people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches the patient strategies for managing his own behavior and increase his self-esteem. It also helps the individual learn how to cope with the underlying problems that make his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD opt to take part in a clinical trial which is a study that aims to test new ways to prevent and treat diseases and conditions. Talk to your health care doctor about the dangers and benefits that come with taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many people diagnosed with ADHD have been suffering from the disorder for a long time. The strain of living with ADHD isn't just an issue with their job or relationship issues, can eventually cause people to realize they require professional help. If you're an adult and have been diagnosed with ADHD and need help, you can seek counseling through a therapist who is specialized in the disorder or through a neurologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure of where to look for these professionals, consult your primary care doctor or the organization CHADD.
In the initial assessment, a mental health professional might ask you questions regarding your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The therapist will also review your medical records to determine whether physical or emotional issues could have contributed to your ADHD. The therapist will talk to you and, if applicable your spouse. It is essential that both spouses or partners participate in the assessment to gain a better understanding of their respective ADHD symptoms and their impact on their relationship.
The therapist will analyze the symptoms you have presented with the diagnostic criteria laid out by the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders check here (5th edition). They will then determine the level of ADHD you are suffering from: mild, moderate or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, social interactions and your home.
After assessing your health issues, the health care professional may suggest different treatment options. This could include medication, lifestyle changes and therapy. Your physician might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can assist you in changing negative thought patterns and improve self-esteem. They may also recommend you for brain training or neurofeedback, which are non-pharmacological treatments that improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity.
Amwell, an online telehealth service, will connect you to a healthcare professional who is trained in ADHD for evaluations and medications. Amwell is a telehealth company which works with more than 40 insurance companies. They typically require a copay, or they can meet your deductible when you pay out through your the pocket. Another alternative is Thriveworks which provides online therapy and can also offer medication management.