How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be difficult. Some feel relief in understanding their struggles, while others feel grief that they missed out on opportunities in life because of the symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by examining a person's current mood and past medical and mental health conditions, and their childhood behavior and school experience. The test usually includes ADHD symptom checklists and the standardized scales of rating.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to specifics. These issues are often caused by other conditions such as depression or abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to getting control of symptoms that can cause havoc in personal and professional life.
ADHD symptoms typically start in the early years of childhood and continue throughout adulthood. To be eligible for an diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their daily life in more than one area (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. To meet this criteria, they must have lasted at least six months and cannot be caused by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
In addition to examining the person's symptoms and health issues, the doctor will also review their medical history and mental health history. The doctor will also interview the patient as well as, if possible, relatives to understand the perspective of childhood behaviors. The health care provider will also meet with the patient's teachers and review their current home and work environment.
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, a person must show six or fewer inattention symptoms that are severe 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 health care professional will usually identify a person suffering from ADHD by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This will include an in-depth interview with the person and their parents, and any caregivers or educators, as well answering questionnaires or scales. The health professional will also look over the individual's medical, psychiatric and family histories and may refer the individual to a physical exam in order to rule out any other causes for his or her symptoms. They will also examine 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 that you may have ADHD, you should consult a specialist doctor in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the impact on your life. They will want to know if have difficulty completing tasks, if you often lose things, or forget where you left your keys. They may also ask a question about whether or not these issues create stress at work, home or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This will help them rule out other conditions that can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders and anxiety or a thyroid issue.
It's likely that your health care provider will question family members as well as other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also talk about your behavior in various situations, like at work, school or with your religious or scout leaders. You may be asked to complete a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available online, but they should not be used to replace an in-person visit with your doctor.
Adults must meet an upper threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms within the course of six months. You will also need to be able demonstrate a significant impact on your work, school and at home.
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 examine the way your brain functions and may help determine if you suffer from co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger at missed opportunities to relief she had a concrete reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or local support group for a referral to a health specialist who conducts ADHD assessments for adults. You can also contact your insurance provider to determine the providers that are listed.
Treatment
Medication is often the first option for a lot of patients suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to increase or balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which regulate behavior and attention. They can help people who have ADHD concentrate and remain well-organized. They can also control their impulses, make more rational decisions enhance communication, and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior.
There are also non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants that work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for some people with ADHD. The type of medication which works best for an individual will change as time passes. It is important to discuss with the health professional who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A medical expert with expertise in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This includes an interview, the filling out of scales, questionnaires and a review of family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral for a medical examination may be added to rule out a possible medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
The assessment will likely to take some time, particularly if the person is an adult who has been struggling to manage symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their workplace or school and other records like old reports. The healthcare professional could ask for permission to speak with close family members or friends to gain an understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.
For adults, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. People often feel a mix of emotions, ranging from relief to finally having an answer to their struggles, to sadness at the lost opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis, she was able to make changes in her life and move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is a crucial step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. However, finding the right therapist may be a challenge. There are adhd diagnostic to find a specialist in the area. Ask your regular doctor to refer you to. They may have a list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look on the internet. There are many websites that list doctors, with information on their specialties as well as areas of focus. Another option is to ask for a recommendation from friends or family members. You can also reach out to your local mental health center, or an ADHD support group to receive suggestions.
It is crucial to be honest when you visit an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD. It is crucial to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and on other people. It's also important to discuss your medical history, including your past history. This allows the therapist to determine if you have any conditions like depression or anxiety that can exhibit similar symptoms.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and employ standardized scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist may also solicit other caregivers to provide their feedback like religious leaders, teachers or scouts and scout leaders to get a true picture of the behavior of an individual in various situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be overwhelmed and irritated by their issues and be reluctant to talk about them. This can affect the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who is experienced in working with adults suffering from ADHD is usually able to help them overcome these barriers.
It is also important to realize that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the counselor will immediately prescribe medication. While certain people suffering from ADHD may require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that is extremely efficient. These treatments can be utilized in conjunction with medication or they can be utilized as a stand-alone treatment.