How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult. Some people feel relieved that they finally understand their struggles while others experience sorrow because they missed out on opportunities in life because of symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD based on the person's mood, present and past mental and medical conditions, as well as their childhood behavior and experiences at school. The test usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standard scales of rating.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to specifics. These problems are usually caused by other conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Making sure you are diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to gaining control over symptoms that can cause chaos in your professional and personal life.
The symptoms of ADHD generally begin in childhood and last throughout adulthood. For a person to receive a diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their daily life in two or more areas (home school, work and home) and cause significant impairment. To be able to meet these requirements, symptoms must have lasted for at least six months. They cannot be explained better by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders and dissociative disorders.
In addition to looking into the person's symptoms, the health care provider will also review their medical history and mental health history. He or she will interview the patient and, if possible, relatives to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health professional may also review the patient's current workplace and home environment and speak with their teachers.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. In general, to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD an individual must exhibit six or more inattention symptoms that are serious 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 health care professional can usually identify a person suffering from ADHD by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This will include an extensive interview with the individual as well as their family members, caregivers and teachers, in addition to completing scales and questionnaires. The health professional may also review the person’s medical, psychiatric or family history and refer the individual to a physical exam in order to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. They will also examine the individual's sleep patterns as well as their diet, work and home environment to assess any stressors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD is important to visit a health care specialist who is specialized in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will want to know if you are having trouble completing tasks, if it is common to lose things, or if you forget where you left your keys. They might also ask a question about whether or not these problems cause you stress at work, home or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over the medical history and physical examination. This information will aid your doctor in determining other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like sleep disorders, depression anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.
It's likely that your healthcare professional will ask family members or other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also inquire about how you behave in different environments, such as at school and work or with your religious or scout leaders. You may be asked to take an assessment of your own to determine the severity of your symptoms. They are available online, but they should not be used in lieu of the face-to-face consultation with your doctor.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet an upper threshold of symptoms than kids -- five out of nine symptoms in the course of six months. Additionally, you must be able demonstrate a 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 works and aid in determining if you suffer from co-existing mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may cause complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger at missed opportunities to relief she could pinpoint a cause for her issues. Ask your doctor or local support group to refer you to a health professional who can conduct ADHD tests on adults. You can also check with your insurance provider to find out which providers are included on its list.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD medication is the first treatment option. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine work by increasing or balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people with ADHD focus better and stay focused, control their impulses and make more rational decisions improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine, or some antidepressants perform slower than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating some people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a particular person can change over time, which is why it is crucial to discuss all options with the healthcare professional who conducts the evaluation.
A health specialist with expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the individual as well as the answers to questionnaires and scales by the individual and an examination of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, like sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A appointment to a medical exam can also be recommended to rule out any medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take some time. This is especially the case if you are an adult who has had to struggle to manage symptoms for many years. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which implies that the person should bring copies of performance evaluations from their workplace or school and other records like old report cards. The healthcare professional may request permission to speak with family members and close friends to gain more information about the person's previous behavior and experiences.
For adults, getting an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. People often feel a mix of emotions, from relief to finally having an explanation for their problems, to a sense of grief over the missed opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that following the diagnosis, she was able to make a change in her life, which included her career and her relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is a crucial step for many people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist isn't always straightforward. There are many ways to find a specialist in the area. Request your physician to refer you to. He or she may have a list with specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also look online. There are many websites that provide directories of doctors and include details on their areas of expertise and areas of expertise. Asking your family or friends for recommendations is another option. adult adhd diagnoses can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
If you are seeing an experienced therapist in treating ADHD, it is important to be as honest as you can. This includes discussing how ADHD symptoms impact your life and the impact they have on others. It's also important to discuss your past and current medical history. This allows the therapist to identify any illnesses such as anxiety or depression that could have similar symptoms.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and employ standard scales to assess the severity of the symptoms. The therapist may also solicit other caregivers for their opinions like religious leaders, teachers or scout and scout leaders in order to get an accurate picture of behavior of the individual in different situations.
Adults with ADHD might feel embarrassed and frustrated by their problems and may are reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can affect the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD is generally able to assist them to overcome these obstacles.
It is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While certain individuals with ADHD may require medication, behavioral therapy is another option that can be extremely effective. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.