ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD might have symptoms that resemble depression or anxiety. This is why a thorough assessment by a health care professional or mental health professional is required.
Your specialist will ask about your symptoms since childhood. You may also be required to complete questionnaires or take part in interviews with teachers and other professionals who are familiar with you.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to manage daily tasks like planning and managing one's time. People with undiagnosed ADHD may have difficulty at work, have trouble maintaining their school schedules and may find that their relationships suffer because they tend to miss important dates or arrive late to events. They may also have difficulty paying attention to conversations or appear distracted with eyes that are glazed over.
The symptoms are assessed to determine whether ADHD is present. They must have been present for at least 6 months and cause problems in multiple areas of their lives. Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD might not be aware that they have a problem but their daily struggles can cause them to seek help. They could begin to fall behind at work because they fail to meet deadlines or fail to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships can suffer when they sabotage plans or fail to listen to their partners, and their family life is often a mess due to their inability to stay on track on household chores.
A licensed professional can test for psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. Depending on the person's specific problems, these tests can provide helpful information about ways that ADHD impacts the person and determine whether or not co-occurring conditions exist. For instance, anxiety may cause similar symptoms as ADHD and depression frequently occurs with ADHD.
It is essential to select an expert who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Psychologists, physicians, or clinical social workers are certified professionals. It is possible to locate the right specialist by asking friends or colleagues, however it is recommended to do some research and ensure that the specialist you choose is certified and licensed in your state. You can also check the professional background of a specialist and ask for references from former patients or clients. These steps can aid you in finding the most suitable person to assess your child or yourself for ADHD. When a diagnosis is made, it can be a great relief for many adults. They can stop worrying that their failures are due to laziness or a lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on learning how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Many of the symptoms can be attributed to other factors like stress or an illness. Genre, gender, and even race can play a part in the diagnosis of a person. Women and people of color, for example, may be diagnosed less often with the disorder than men and whites. As a result, some adults struggling with the symptoms of ADHD do not receive the assistance they need until much later in their lives.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis through a comprehensive examination of the patient's history of symptoms and behavior. They will ask the person about their symptoms, and they will also talk to people who know them well. For instance, they could ask the person's parents, spouse or coworkers about the way that the symptoms impact their lives. The person will be asked to fill out questionnaires and may be subjected to an array of tests, including the psychological assessment and an interview.
For a diagnosis to be granted, one must prove that at least five of the symptoms have been present for at least 12 months, and that these symptoms are causing problems in two areas of life such as 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. It is also essential for the professional to establish that these symptoms existed before the age of 12.
During the assessment the examiner will take a examine the person's family and personal history and medical history, their anxiety and mood disorders, any other mental health issues, and their use of drugs and other physical ailments. It is not uncommon for these disorders to be a part of ADHD.
It's important to find a mental health professional who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD. Most professionals are willing to provide their expertise and knowledge in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to share this information, it's best not to work with them.
Treatment
The decision to treat ADHD for adults is up to each individual. Although receiving a diagnosis can be intimidating at first but there are a variety of options for adults to treat their symptoms and improve functioning.
Most health care providers use an extensive undiagnosed adhd adults evaluation procedure to assess a patient's condition. This will include a detailed description of the symptoms by the patient or his relatives, friends, and teachers. It may also involve the submission of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) released by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that an individual demonstrate at least five signs of hyperactivity or inattention, or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must also have been present before the age of 12. The evaluation will look at how the symptoms affect the person's life. Examples of impairment are losing work due to issues at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial difficulties or not making payments on time.
In addition to a medical interview, a complete evaluation will typically include psychological tests to measure working memory, executive functioning (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual abilities and reasoning. These tests can be conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in ADHD treatment.
For some people who are suffering from behavioral issues, therapy may help in reducing their symptoms. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches the person to develop strategies for managing his own behavior as well as improve confidence in himself. It can also help the person learn to manage the underlying problems that make his symptoms worse.
Certain people with ADHD choose to participate in a clinical trial which is a research study designed to test new methods to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions. Talk to your health care provider about any risks and benefits associated with taking part in a trial.
Counseling
Many people diagnosed with ADHD have been living with the disorder for a long time. If it's discontent with their job or relationship issues, the everyday stress of living with ADHD could finally cause someone to realize that they require professional help. If you're an adult with ADHD, a therapist specializing in the disorder could help you. A neurologist or psychiatrist may prescribe medication. If you're not sure how to locate these health specialists, consult your primary care physician or contact the CHADD organization CHADD for suggestions.
During the initial evaluation an expert in mental health may ask you questions regarding your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The therapist will also go over your medical history to determine if physical or emotional issues could have contributed to the development of your ADHD. The therapist will interview you, and if appropriate, your significant other. Both partners or spouses are required to participate in the test. This will allow them to better know each the other's ADHD symptoms, and how they affect their relationship.
The therapist will review your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They'll then determine what 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 evaluating your symptoms, the health professional will suggest different treatment options. These can include therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. Your physician might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapies, which can help you overcome negative thinking patterns and improve self-esteem. They can also refer to neurofeedback or brain training that are non-pharmacological treatment techniques that improve concentration and decrease impulses.
Amwell is an online telehealth service, can connect you with a doctor who specializes in ADHD for assessment and treatment. Amwell works with over 40insurance companies and typically requires a copay or covers your deductible for out-of-pocket visits. Another option is Thriveworks which provides online therapy and can also offer medication management.