ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD might have symptoms similar to those of depression or anxiety. This is why a thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is necessary.
Your doctor will inquire about your experiences since your early years. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or interview with teachers and professionals who know you.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to manage daily tasks, such as planning and managing one's time. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to have a difficult time at work, struggle to keep up with school, and to discover that their relationships suffer because they tend to overlook important dates or show up late to events. They may also have trouble paying attention to conversations or appear distracted by eyes that are glazed over.
The diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the assessment of the symptoms. They should have been present for at least six months and caused difficulties in multiple areas of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD might not be aware of their problem however, their frustrations in daily life may prompt them to seek out help. They may fall behind in their work because they fail to meet important deadlines or cannot concentrate during lectures and meetings. Friendships could suffer as they blow off plans or fail to listen to their partners, and their family life is often a mess due to their inability to follow through on household chores.
In addition to conducting a thorough interview, a trained professional can conduct psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities depending on the need. Depending on the person's specific issues, these tests can give valuable information about the ways that ADHD affects the person and help determine if comorbid conditions exist. For instance, anxiety may cause similar symptoms to ADHD and depression is a common occurrence that occurs in people with ADHD.
It is important to select an expert who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Psychologists, physicians or clinical social workers are qualified professionals. You can locate a specialist by asking friends or colleagues for recommendations, however you should do some research and verify that the expert is licensed and certified within the state you reside in. You can also check out the professional background of the doctor and ask for references of past patients or clients. These steps will help you find someone who can evaluate your child or you for ADHD. Many adults feel relieved after receiving the diagnosis. They can stop worrying about their shortcomings being because of laziness or an inability to think and instead concentrate on how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting a diagnosis for ADHD. Many symptoms of ADHD can be attributed other factors, such as stress or medical illnesses. Genre, gender, and even race can be a factor in a person's diagnosis. Women and people of color, for example, may be less likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than males and whites. This means that some adults who are 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 comprehensive evaluation that looks at the person's behavior and history of symptoms over time. They will ask about the symptoms and also speak to people who are familiar with the person's symptoms. They may ask spouses or parents of the patient how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient will be asked to fill out questionnaires and will be subject to a series of tests, which could include the psychological assessment and an interview.
To be eligible for a diagnosis, the person will need to prove that they have had several of the symptoms for at least 12 months, and that they are currently experiencing impairment in two different areas of their 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. It's also crucial for the professional to establish that these symptoms were present prior the age of 12.
During the assessment, an examiner will review the patient's medical background including family history, anxiety and mood disorders, any other mental health issues and substance abuse and other physical ailments. In fact, it isn't unusual for these conditions to be overlapping with ADHD.
It's important to find a mental health professional who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to discuss their experience and training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to share this information, it's not a good idea to work with them.
Treatment
In contrast to when a person is a child, the choice of whether or not to treat ADHD as an adult is up to the person. Although a diagnosis can be a bit overwhelming, there are many options available to adults who wish to improve their functioning and manage their symptoms.
The majority of health care professionals will utilize a thorough assessment process to assess the condition of an individual. This may include a description of the symptoms by the individual or his closest family members, friends members, and teachers; the completion of scales and questionnaires; a full medical and psychiatric history; and sometimes a referral to a physician to conduct a physical examination.
A doctor will refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that a person exhibit at least five indicators of hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must also have been present prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will look at how the symptoms affect the life of the individual. Examples of impairment include losing work due to problems at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial issues, or not paying bills on time.
A complete assessment may include along with the clinical interview psychological tests that test executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capacities, and reasoning skills. These tests can be administered by a psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in ADHD treatment.
Behavioral therapy can be helpful in managing symptoms for some people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains the person to develop strategies to control his own behavior as well as improve his self-esteem. It can also instruct the person how to deal with underlying problems which make his symptoms worse.
A few people suffering from ADHD opt to participate in a clinical study which is a research study designed to test new ways to identify and treat or prevent diseases. Discuss with your health care doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in a trial.
Counseling
Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the condition for decades. The strain of living with ADHD isn't just a frustration with their job or relationship issues, can finally cause one to realize that they require professional assistance. If you are an adult with ADHD, a therapist specializing in the disorder could help you. A neurologist or psychiatrist can also prescribe medication. If you don't know where to look for these professionals, consult your primary care physician or the organization CHADD.
During an initial assessment the mental health professional will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The therapist might also look over your medical history to determine whether physical or emotional issues could be the cause of your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your significant other If applicable. It is essential that both partners or spouses take part in the test to gain an understanding of their respective ADHD symptoms and the impact they have on their relationship.
The therapist will assess your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The therapist will determine if you have moderate, mild, or severe ADHD. They'll also discuss the impact of your ADHD on your social interactions, work and home life.
After assessing your health issues, the health professional will suggest a treatment plan. These can include therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. Your doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral treatment, which can increase your self-esteem as well as help you overcome negative thought patterns. adhd diagnosis in adults can also refer to neurofeedback or brain training which are non-pharmacological treatment strategies that increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Amwell Telehealth, an online service, can connect you with a doctor who specializes in ADHD for assessment and treatment. Amwell is a telehealth service that has a partnership with more than 40 insurance companies. They typically require a copay, or they can meet your deductible when you pay out from your pocket. Thriveworks is another option, which offers online counseling and can also manage your medication.