How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some people feel relieved at finally understanding their struggles, while others are sad for having missed out on life opportunities due to symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A health professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by analyzing the person's mood, past and present mental and medical health issues as well as their childhood behavior and school experiences. The evaluation includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require concentration or focus on detail. These problems are usually caused by other conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in getting control of the symptoms that wreak destruction in both professional and personal life.
The symptoms of ADHD generally begin in the early years of childhood and persist into adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two aspects of a person's life (home school, home, and work). For symptoms to meet this requirement they must last for at least six months and cannot be explained by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
In addition to looking into the person's symptoms as well as their health history, the healthcare professional will review their medical history and mental health history. He or she will talk with the person and, if possible, their family members, to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health professional may also look at the patient's current workplace and home environment and discuss the patient's schooling with them.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, one must exhibit six or less symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to interfere in their daily activities. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric evaluation is usually enough for a healthcare professional to identify someone with ADHD. This may include a lengthy interview with the individual, his or her family members and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to answering questionnaires and scales. The health care provider may examine the patient's medical, psychiatric or family background and refer the patient to a physical exam in order to rule out any other causes of symptoms. They will also look at the person's sleep habits eating habits, diet and work home environment to determine any stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD, it's important to visit a health care provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They'll likely want to know how often you have difficulties finishing tasks or losing items or forget where you put your keys, and whether these problems cause stress at work, home, or in relationships. adult adhd diagnosis will also go over your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid issues or depression.
It's likely that your health care provider will question family members or other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also discuss your behavior in various settings, such as at work, school or with your religious or scout leaders. Your doctor may also ask you to fill out self-tests or a rating scale to assess your symptoms. These are available online, but they should not be used to replace a face-toface interview with your doctor.
Adults must have an lower threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms within the span of six months. You must also be able demonstrate a significant impact on your school, work, 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 determine if there are coexisting mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can result in a range of complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger at missed opportunities to relief that she had a reason for her issues. Ask your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a health care professional who can conduct ADHD assessments for adults. You can also call your insurance company to determine the providers that are listed.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD, medication is the first choice for treatment. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine function by increasing or balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate behavior and attention. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better and stay organized and in control of their impulses. They can also help them make more reasonable decisions improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behavior.
There are also non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants that are slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication which is most effective for a particular person will change as time passes. It is crucial to discuss with the healthcare professional in the process of evaluating all options.
A medical specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This will include an interview, the filling out of scales, questionnaires and a review family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral for an examination by a doctor could be included to rule out a possible medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take a while. This is especially the case if you are an adult who has had to struggle to deal with symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as thorough as is possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their workplace or school and other information such as old report cards. The healthcare professional might ask permission to speak to close friends or relatives to gain a more complete picture of the individual's previous experiences and behaviours.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is normal for people to experience various emotions, from relief at finding a clear explanation for their struggles to grief over lost opportunities and relationships that were damaged by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed, she was able to begin making changes in her life and progress with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is an important step for many people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist could be difficult. There are many ways to find a specialist in the area. Begin by asking your physician for the referral. They may have an extensive list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also check for them online. There are a variety of websites that offer directories of doctors and include details on their areas of expertise and specialty. Another option is to ask for recommendations from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health clinic, or an ADHD support group to receive suggestions.
If you are seeing a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as truthful as possible. This includes discussing how ADHD symptoms impact your life, as well as the impact they have on other people. It is also essential to discuss your past and current medical background. This helps the doctor rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and use standard scales to assess the severity of the symptoms. The therapist might also seek out other caregivers for their input for example, teachers, religious leaders or scout and scout leaders to obtain a true picture of the behavior of a person in different situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD might feel dissatisfied and embarrassed by their symptoms and be reluctant to discuss the issues. This can affect the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist who is experienced in working with adults suffering from ADHD is usually able to assist them to overcome these obstacles.
It is important to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While certain individuals with ADHD may need to take medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that can be very efficient. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.