ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD may experience symptoms that are similar to those of depression or anxiety. This is why it's essential to undergo an in-depth evaluation by an expert in mental health or health care professional.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms from your early years. You may also be required to complete questionnaires or take part in interviews with teachers and other professionals who are familiar with you.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to manage everyday tasks, like managing one's time and planning ahead. People with undiagnosed ADHD are often unable to perform at their best at work, have trouble maintaining their school schedules and find that their relationships suffer as they tend to miss important dates or turn up late to events. They may also have difficulty staying focused on conversations or appear distracted with a glazed over look.
The diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the assessment of the symptoms. They must have resisted for at least six months and caused issues in multiple areas of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may not be aware of the problem however, the frustrations they experience in everyday life may prompt them to seek help. They could begin to fall behind at work due to missing deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships could be damaged if they fail to follow through on plans or don't listen to their partners. Family life may be affected if they are unable to complete household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a trained professional can conduct neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities as needed. These tests can be helpful in determining the extent to which ADHD affects a person and also if comorbid conditions are present. For instance, anxiety may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, and depression often occurs in people with ADHD.
It is essential to select a specialist with experience treating adults with ADHD. Clinical psychologists, physicians or clinical social workers are certified professionals. It is possible to locate a specialist through recommendations from friends or colleagues, however it is advisable to conduct some research to ensure that the specialist you select is licensed and certified in your state. You can also check the background of the specialist and ask for references from past patients or clients. These steps will help you locate a professional who can evaluate your child or you for ADHD. Many adults can feel relieved once they receive an assessment. They can no longer worry about their failings because of laziness or a lack in intelligence and instead concentrate on addressing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting a diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms of ADHD can be attributed other factors like stress or medical illnesses. Additionally gender, sex, and race can all affect whether or not the patient receives a correct diagnosis. For example, women and people of color might be diagnosed with the disorder less often than whites and males. This means that some adults who are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD do not receive the assistance they need until much later in their lives.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis through a comprehensive examination of the patient's history of symptoms and behavior. They will ask about the symptoms, and speak to people who know about the symptoms. They may ask spouses, parents or friends of the patient how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient is required to fill out questionnaires, and may be subjected to an array of tests, including a psychological assessment as well as an interview.
For a diagnosis, the patient must demonstrate that at least five of the symptoms have been present for a minimum of 12 months, and that the symptoms are causing problems in two areas of life such as school, work or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. The specialist must also establish that the symptoms first manifested before the age of 12.
During the examination an examiner will go over the person's medical background, family history, anxiety and mood disorders, any other mental health issues, alcohol abuse, as well as other physical ailments. It is not uncommon for these conditions to overlap with ADHD.
It is crucial to find a professional with experience in treating adults with ADHD. Most professionals are willing to share their expertise and training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to divulge this information, you should not work with them.
Treatment
In contrast to when a person is a child, the choice of whether or to treat ADHD as an adult is entirely up to the person. While the diagnosis can be overwhelming but there are a myriad of options for adults who want to improve their functioning and manage their symptoms.
The majority of health professionals use an extensive evaluation procedure to determine the condition of a patient. This includes a thorough description of the symptoms by the patient or his family, friends and teachers. It may also involve the completion of questionnaires as well as scales.
A doctor will consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that an individual demonstrate at least five signs of hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must have been present prior to the age of 12. The assessment will focus on how the symptoms affect the life of the individual. Examples of impairment include losing work due to issues at work, a lot of conflict in relationships, financial issues or not paying bills in time.
A complete assessment may include along with the clinical interview, psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capacities, and reasoning skills. These tests are conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in ADHD treatment.
Behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing symptoms for some people. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one example. It teaches someone how to manage his own behavior and how to improve confidence in himself. It can also help the individual learn how to deal with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD opt to participate in a clinical study which is a type of research that aims to test new methods to detect the presence of diseases, or to prevent or treat them. Talk to your healthcare doctor about the dangers and benefits that come with taking part in a trial.
Counseling
Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the condition for decades. The stress of living with ADHD, whether it's an issue with their job or relationship issues, can finally cause people to realize they require professional assistance. If you are an adult diagnosed with ADHD and a therapist who specializes in the disorder may be able to assist you. A neurologist or psychiatrist can prescribe medication. If you're not sure where to find these specialists, you can contact your primary care physician or the organization CHADD.
During the initial evaluation an expert in mental health may ask you questions regarding your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The therapist may also review your medical background to determine if physical or emotional problems could have contributed to the development of your ADHD. The therapist will interview you as well as, if necessary, your significant other. It is crucial that both spouses or partners take part in the test to get an understanding of the other's ADHD symptoms and their effects on their relationship.
The therapist will analyze the symptoms you are experiencing by using the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Assocation's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). The therapist will determine if you suffer from moderate, mild, or severe ADHD. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, social interactions, and even your home.
After assessing your symptoms the health professional will suggest various treatment options. This could include medications, lifestyle changes and therapy. Your physician may get more info suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy to assist you in changing negative thought patterns and improve self-esteem. They can also recommend you for neurofeedback or brain training, which are non-pharmacological treatments that improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity.
Online telehealth services such as Amwell can connect you to specialists in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell is a telehealth company that works with more than 40 insurance companies. They usually require a copay, or they can meet your deductible when you pay out through your the pocket. Thriveworks is a different option, that offers online counseling, and can help you manage medication.