How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, being diagnosed of ADHD isn't easy to accept. Some feel relief in realizing their struggles, whereas others feel remorse that they missed opportunities to live their lives due to symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD based on a person's mood, their past and current mental and physical ailments and their childhood behavior and experiences at school. The test includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort or concentration. In many cases, these problems result from other underlying issues like depression or substance abuse disorders. Making sure you are diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in getting control of symptoms that cause destruction in both professional and personal life.
The symptoms of ADHD generally begin in childhood and last into adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two aspects of one's life (home school, home and work). To be able to meet these requirements, symptoms must have lasted for at minimum six months and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders and dissociative disorders.
The health care provider will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will interview the patient and in the event that it is possible, relatives to understand the perspective of childhood behaviors. diagnosis for adhd will also talk to the patient's teacher and review their current work and home environments.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. In general, to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD an individual must show at least six inattention-related symptoms that are severe enough to hinder their life. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric assessment is usually enough for a healthcare professional to determine if someone has ADHD. This will include an extensive interview with the person, his or her family members, caregivers and teachers, as well as completing scales and questionnaires. The health care provider may also examine the person's medical, psychiatric, and family history and refer the individual for a physical examination to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleeping patterns, diet, and workplace and home environments to determine if stressors may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD it is essential to see a health care specialist who is specialized in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll want to know if you are having trouble completing tasks, if you frequently lose things, or forget where you left your keys. They might also inquire about whether or not these issues result in stress at work, home or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions that could mimic 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 will also discuss your behavior in various situations, such as at school, at work or with scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also ask you to fill out self-tests or a rating scale to assess your symptoms. They are available online, but they should not be used to replace a face-toface interview with your physician.
Adults must have an lower threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms over a six-month time period. You must also be able to show significant impact in your school, work as well as your 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 look at how your brain works, and determine if there are any mental disorders that coexist, such as depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief that she could pinpoint a cause for her problems. Ask your doctor or local support group to send you to a medical professional who can perform ADHD tests on adults. You can also call your insurance provider to determine the providers that are listed.
Treatment
Medication is often the first option for a lot of people with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine work by increasing or balancing levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals which regulate behavior and attention. They can help those with ADHD concentrate and remain organized. They can also control their impulses and make more rational decisions enhance communication, and lessen the risk of impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, or some antidepressants are slower to work than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating certain people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that is best for a person may change as time passes. It is crucial to discuss with the medical professional who is who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A health specialist with expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the individual as well as the answering questionnaires and completing scales by the individual as well as an examination of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out any medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take a while. This is particularly true if you are an adult who has had to struggle to cope with symptoms over many years. The evaluation should be thorough and therefore, the patient should bring their old reports and copies of their performance evaluations from school or at work. The healthcare professional can ask for permission to speak with family members or friends to get an understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. It is common for people to feel an array of emotions, from relief 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 had a diagnosis she was able to begin making changes in her life and continue to move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are aware that seeking assistance from a therapist is a crucial step. However, finding the right therapist could be difficult. There are a variety of ways to find a specialist in your area. Start by asking your regular doctor for a referral. They might have a list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look online. There are a variety of websites that list doctors, with information about their specialties and areas of interest. Another alternative is to request a recommendation from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center or ADHD support group to get suggestions.
It is essential to be honest when you visit the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. It is essential to discuss the ways that ADHD affects your life and on other people. It's also important to discuss your medical history. This helps the therapist rule out other conditions that could have similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a therapist will likely conduct interviews and use standard rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist may also ask other caregivers for their opinions like religious leaders, teachers or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of behavior of a person in different situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD often feel depressed and embarrassed by their symptoms, and they might be reluctant to discuss them. This can impact the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults with ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is crucial to understand that having a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapist will prescribe medication. While certain individuals with ADHD might require medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that can be very efficient. These treatment methods can be used in conjunction with medication or they can be utilized as a stand-alone treatment.