How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be difficult. Some people feel relieved at finally being able to recognize their challenges, while others are sad that they have missed out on opportunities in life because of symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A mental health specialist or health care professional can diagnose ADHD in a person's mood, their past and current medical and mental conditions and their childhood behaviour and school experiences. The evaluation includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require mental focus or focus on detail. These problems are usually caused by other underlying conditions such as depression or abuse disorders. The first step in controlling symptoms that cause havoc on a personal and professional level is to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis.
The symptoms of ADHD typically appear in childhood and continue throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two aspects of a person's life (home, school and work). To be eligible, symptoms must have lasted for at least six months and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders like mood disorders, anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders 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. They will also talk to the patient, and if possible their family members, to gain an understanding of childhood behavior. The health care provider may also review the patient's current work and home environments and speak with their teachers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In general, in order to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD, an individual must exhibit six or more inattention symptoms that are severe enough to affect 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 evaluation is typically enough for a healthcare professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This may include a lengthy interview with the person, his or her family members and any caregivers or teachers, as well as answering questionnaires and scales. The health care provider will also go over the person's psychiatric, medical and family history and might refer the person for a physical examination to rule out possible reasons for their symptoms. He or she will examine the person's sleeping patterns, diet, and the home and work environments to identify stressors that may be contributing their symptoms.
adhd diagnosed
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it's important to consult a medical provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will be looking to find out if you are struggling to complete tasks, if you often lose things, or forget where you left your keys. They may ask whether or not these problems 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 identify other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or a thyroid issue.
Your health professional could interview caregivers, family members and friends about your behavior. They'll also inquire about your behavior in different settings, such as at work, school or with your religious or scout leaders. Your doctor may also ask you to fill out a self-test or rating scale to determine the severity of your symptoms. They are available online, but they should not be used to replace the face-to-face consultation with your physician.
Adults must have an lower threshold than children to be formally diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms over the course of six months. You'll also need to have an 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 usually look at the way your brain works and may help determine if you have coexisting mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she finally found a clear explanation for her troubles. Consult your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a medical specialist who conducts ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also call your insurance provider to find out which doctors are included.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD medication is the first treatment option. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine function by increasing or balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate behavior and attention. They can help those with ADHD focus better and stay focused manage their impulses, make more reasonable decisions improve communication and relationships, and decrease impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants that work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a person may vary over time, so it is important to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional who conducts the assessment.
A health specialist with expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the individual in addition to the answers to questionnaires and scales by the person as well as a review of family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take some time. This is especially true in the case of an adult who has had to struggle to deal with symptoms for many years. The assessment should be thorough which is why the person should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance assessments at school or at work. The healthcare professional can request permission to speak to close family members or friends to gain a more complete understanding of the individual's past experiences and behaviors.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. People typically experience a variety of emotions, ranging from relief to finally have an answer to their struggles, to sadness at the lost opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed she was able to begin making changes in her life and move forward 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 doctor for a referral. He or she may have an extensive list of specialists who are acquainted with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also check on the internet. There are numerous websites that list doctors, with information on their specialties as well as areas of interest. Another option is to seek a recommendation from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
It is crucial to be honest when you visit a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect your life and the impact they have on others. It's also important to discuss your medical background. This allows the therapist to rule out conditions such as depression or anxiety that can be similar to anxiety or depression.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and use standard scales to assess the severity of the symptoms. The therapist may also seek input from other caregivers such as teachers or religious and scout leaders, to get an accurate assessment of the person's behavior in various situations.
Adults with ADHD may feel dissatisfied and embarrassed by their problems and may be reluctant to talk about the issues. This can affect the quality of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
It is also important to know that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean the counselor will automatically prescribe medication. While certain people who suffer from ADHD might require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that is extremely effective. These treatments can be utilized with medication or as standalone treatments.