ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD may have symptoms similar to those of depression or anxiety. This is why a thorough examination by a health care professional or mental health professional is required.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms from your childhood. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or have interviews with professionals and teachers who know you.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to manage daily tasks such as managing time and planning. People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD can struggle at work, have difficulty staying on top of their studies and find that their relationships suffer because they tend to forget important dates or turn up late to events. They may also have trouble staying focused on conversations or appear distracted with eyes that are glazed over.
The symptoms are assessed to determine whether ADHD is present. They should have been present for at least six months and caused difficulties in more than one area of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might not be aware that they have a problem however, everyday stress can cause them to seek assistance. They may start to lose time at work due to missing deadlines or are unable to concentrate during meetings or lectures. Friendships could be damaged if they fail to adhere to their plans or don't listen to partners. Family life may be affected if they're incapable of completing household chores.
A qualified professional can also conduct testing for learning disabilities, neuropsychological disorders, or psychological disorders. These tests can be useful in determining the extent to which ADHD affects a person and if any comorbidities are present. For instance, anxiety can cause similar symptoms to ADHD and depression is a common occurrence that is a result of ADHD.
It is important to choose an expert who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Psychologists, physicians, or clinical social workers are certified professionals. It is possible to find a specialist through recommendations from colleagues or friends, but it is also wise to do some research and ensure that the specialist you select is licensed and certified in your state. You can also check the background of a specialist and request references from past patients or clients. These steps will help you find someone who can evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. Many adults can feel relieved once they receive an assessment. They can stop worrying about whether their problems result from laziness or lack of intelligence and instead focus on learning how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to obtain an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Many of the symptoms of ADHD can be attributed other factors, such as stress or medical issues. Additionally gender, sex and race all play a role in the likelihood that someone receives a proper diagnosis. Women and people of color are, for instance, likely to be less likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than males and whites. In the end, many adults struggling with the symptoms of ADHD do not receive the assistance they require until later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough evaluation that looks at the person's behavior and their history of symptoms over time. They will ask about the symptoms and also talk to people who are familiar with them. They might ask the spouse parents, friends or relatives of the patient how the symptoms have affected their lives. The person will be asked to complete questionnaires and may undergo several tests, including an evaluation of their psychological condition and an interview.
To be eligible for a diagnosis the patient will have to prove that they have had several of the symptoms for at least 12 months and are currently experiencing impairment in two different areas of their lives, such as work, school, or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. It's also important for the professional to establish that these symptoms were present prior age 12.
During the evaluation the examiner will look over the patient's medical background and family history, as well as mood and anxiety disorders, other mental health conditions and addiction and physical ailments. In reality, it's not unusual for these other conditions to overlap with ADHD.
It's crucial to find a professional with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Most professionals are willing to share their expertise and training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to divulge this information, you should not work with them.
Treatment
As opposed to a child, the decision whether or not to tackle ADHD as an adult is solely up to the person. Although a diagnosis can be a bit overwhelming, there are many options for adults who want to improve their performance and manage their symptoms.
The majority of health professionals will use a thorough evaluation process to determine an individual's condition. This will include a detailed description of symptoms by the patient, his relatives, friends, and teachers. It may also include the submission of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which was published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that individuals show at least five signs of hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior. Symptoms must also have been present prior to age 12. The evaluation will look at how the symptoms impact the life of the individual. Examples of impairment include losing work due to issues at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial problems, or not paying bills in time.
In addition to a clinical interview, a complete assessment may consist of psychological tests to determine executive functioning, working memory, (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities and reasoning. A psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD and treatment for it can conduct these tests and provide an extensive evaluation.
Behavioral therapy is a great option in managing symptoms for certain people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps the person how to develop strategies for managing his own behavior as well as improve his self-esteem. It also teaches the patient how to deal with underlying problems which make his symptoms worse.
Certain people with ADHD choose to participate in a clinical trial, which is a research study that aims to test new methods to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. Discuss with your health care physician about any dangers and benefits that come with taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the disorder for years. The strain of living with ADHD or a frustration with their job or relationship issues, can eventually lead people to realize they require professional help. If you're an adult who's been diagnosed with ADHD and you're unable to get therapy from a therapist who specializes in the disorder or through a psychiatrist or neurologist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure how to find these health care specialists, consult your primary care physician or the organization CHADD for suggestions.
During an initial assessment, the mental health professional will interview you about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The therapist will also review your medical records to determine whether physical or emotional issues may contribute to your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your significant other, if applicable. Each spouse or partner should participate here in the assessment. This will help them better be aware of each one's ADHD symptoms and how they affect their relationship.
The therapist will assess the symptoms you present with the diagnostic criteria laid out by the American Psychiatric Assocation's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). They'll then determine what degree of ADHD you have mild, moderate or severe. They'll also discuss the effects of your ADHD on your work, social interactions and at home.
After assessing your symptoms, the health care professional will suggest treatment options. These could include therapy, lifestyle changes and medications. Your physician might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapies, which can assist you in changing negative thought patterns and boost self-esteem. They may also refer to neurofeedback or brain training which are non-pharmacological treatment methods which increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Amwell Telehealth, an online service, will connect you to a healthcare professional who is specialized in ADHD for assessments and medication. Amwell works with over 40+ insurance companies and typically requires a co-pay or exceeds your deductible for out of pocket visits. Thriveworks is another option which offers online counseling and can also manage medication.