How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some people feel relief that they can finally comprehend their struggles and others feel sorrow for having missed out on opportunities in their lives because of symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A health care provider or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD by looking at the person's mood as well as their past and current medical and mental health conditions and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scales of rating.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require concentration or attention to detail. Often, these issues also result from other underlying issues like depression or addiction disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in getting control of symptoms that cause chaos in your professional and personal life.
The symptoms of ADHD typically begin in childhood and last into adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at least two areas of one's life (home, school, and at work). For symptoms to meet the criteria they must last for at least six months and cannot be caused by other mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
The health care professional will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. They will also talk with the person, and if possible their family members, in order to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health care professional might review the patient's present work and home environments and talk with their teachers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, a person must have six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to hinder their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional is usually able to determine if a person has ADHD through an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This involves an in-depth interview with the individual, his or her parents, as well as any caregivers or teachers, in addition to taking questionnaires or scales. The health professional will also review the person's psychiatric, medical and family history and may refer the individual for a physical examination to rule out possible reasons for their symptoms. He or she will also look at the person's sleep habits, diet and work and home environment to assess any stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may be suffering from ADHD, you should consult a specialist doctor in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will likely be interested in knowing how many times you have difficulty completing tasks, how often you lose items or forget where you put your keys, and whether these issues create stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical examination. This information will help your doctor rule out other conditions that could mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD like sleep disorders, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health professional could interview family members, caregivers and friends regarding your behavior. They'll also inquire about your behavior in various environments, such as at school and work or with your religious or scout leaders. You might be asked to complete self-tests to identify your symptoms. These are available online, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face appointment with your doctor.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD requires that you meet the threshold of symptoms lower than kids - five out of nine signs over an entire six-month period. Additionally, you must be able to show significant impact in 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 aid in determining if you suffer from coexisting mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may cause complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief that she had a reason for her troubles. Ask your doctor or support group to recommend you to a health professional who can perform ADHD assessments on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD medication is the first treatment option. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine increase or balance levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behaviors. They can help some people with ADHD focus better and stay focused manage their impulses, make more rational decisions, improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behaviors.
There are also nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants which work slower than stimulants but can still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a person's needs may change over time, which is why it is important to discuss all options with the medical professional who conducts the test.
A health expert with expertise in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This includes an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires and a review family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders, as well as other physical ailments. A appointment to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out any medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
The test will likely take a while, especially when the patient is an adult who has been struggling to cope with symptoms for a long period of time. The assessment should be thorough, so the individual should bring their old reports and copies of their performance assessments at work or school. The healthcare professional can request permission to speak to close friends or relatives to obtain a complete picture of the person's past experiences and behaviours.
For adults, an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is common for people to feel a mixture of emotions, ranging from relief at finally getting a reason for their struggles to grief over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis she was able to start making changes in her life and progress in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD need assistance from a therapist is an essential step. Finding the right therapist may be difficult. Fortunately, there are many ways to locate a specialist in your area. Begin by asking your doctor for an appointment. He or she may have an extensive list of specialists who are acquainted with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also try looking on the internet. There are many websites that offer directories of doctors, and provide details on their areas of expertise and specialization. Asking friends or family for suggestions is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or ADHD support group to get suggestions.
adults diagnosed with adhd is essential to be honest when visiting an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD. It is important to discuss how ADHD affects your life and on other people. It's important to talk about your past and present medical history. This will help your doctor rule out other conditions that might have similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
In adults diagnosed with adhd to observing the individual's behavior, the therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist may also ask other caregivers for their opinions like religious leaders, teachers, or scout and scout leaders to obtain an accurate picture of behavior of a person in different situations.
Adults with ADHD often feel depressed and embarrassed by their issues and may be unwilling to talk about their issues. This can impact the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD can assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to know that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the counselor will immediately prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD may need to take medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that can be very efficient. These treatment methods can be utilized alongside medication or used as standalone treatments.