How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some feel relief at finally realizing their struggles, whereas others are sad that they missed out on opportunities in life because of symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A health care professional or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD by analyzing a person's current mood as well as their past and current mental and medical health issues and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The test includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD are unable to complete tasks that require concentration or attention to detail. These issues are often caused by other conditions like depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step to control symptoms that cause havoc at a personal as well as professional level is to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis.
The signs of ADHD typically begin in the early years of childhood and persist throughout adulthood. For a person to receive a diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their daily life in two or more areas (home school, work and home) and cause significant impairment. To meet these criteria the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders like 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, their family members, in order to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health care provider will also speak to the patient's teachers and review their current work and home environments.
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 examination is usually enough for a health care professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This includes a thorough interview with the individual, his or her family members, caregivers and teachers, in addition to taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health professional may also examine the person's medical, psychiatric and family history and refer the person to a physical exam in order to determine the cause of symptoms. He or she will examine the person's sleep habits, diet, workplace and home environments to identify stressors that may be contributing 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 disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will be looking to find out if you have difficulty completing tasks, if you often lose things, or if you forget where you left your keys. They may also ask a question about whether or not these issues create stress at home, work, or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and physical examination. This information will aid your doctor in determining other conditions which may mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD, such a sleep disorders, depression anxiety, thyroid issues or depression.
It's likely your health care professional will interview family members, friends and other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also inquire about your behavior in different settings, such as at work, school or with your religious or scout leaders. You might be asked to take a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available on the internet, but they should not be used as a substitute for a face-to-face appointment with your doctor.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD is based on the threshold of symptoms lower than kids -- five out of nine symptoms in an entire six-month period. You'll also have to make a significant impact on 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 usually look at the way your brain functions and may help determine if you have co-existing mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can result in a range of complex emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or support group to recommend you to a health professional who can perform ADHD tests on adults. You can also contact 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 brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people who suffer from ADHD concentrate and remain well-organized. They also help control their impulses and make more rational decisions improve communication, and decrease impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant drugs, like atomoxetine, or some antidepressants are slower to work than stimulants. However, they can still be effective in treating some patients with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for a particular person can change over time, so it is crucial to discuss all possible options with your medical professional who conducts the assessment.
A health care professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the patient, answers to questionnaires and scales by the person as well as an examination of family history of mood disorders, as well as medical conditions, like sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral to medical examinations could be added to determine if there is a medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take some time. This is especially true when you are an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms over a long time. The evaluation should be thorough which is why the person should bring old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations from work or school. The healthcare professional can ask for permission to speak with close family members or acquaintances to gain a better understanding of the person's previous behavior and experiences.
For adults, getting an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. It is common for people to experience various emotions, ranging from relief at finally having a concrete explanation for their struggles to grief over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. Matlen however, states that after receiving a diagnosis she was able to make a change in her life, which included her career and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is an important step for many people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist is not always easy. Fortunately, there are many ways to locate a specialist in your area. Request your physician to recommend you. adhd in adults diagnosis or she may have a list with specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also look online. There are numerous websites which list doctors, as well as details about their specialties and areas of expertise. Asking your family or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also contact your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is crucial to be honest when visiting a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. It is crucial to discuss the ways that ADHD affects your life and on other people. It is also essential to discuss your past and current medical background. This will help the therapist identify any illnesses such as anxiety or depression that may have similar symptoms.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also seek input from other caregivers, such as teachers or religious or scout leaders to get a clear image of the individual's behavior in different situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be dissatisfied and embarrassed by their symptoms and are reluctant to discuss them. This can compromise the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults with ADHD can assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to know that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the counselor will automatically prescribe medication. While certain individuals suffering from ADHD might require medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that is extremely effective. These methods of treatment can be utilized in conjunction with medication, or used as standalone treatments.