How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy to accept. Some feel relief at finally being able to recognize their challenges, while others feel grief for having missed out on life opportunities because of symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A mental health specialist or health care professional can diagnose ADHD in the person's mood, present and past mental and medical conditions as well as their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The test includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to details. These problems are usually caused by other conditions like depression or substance abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in getting control of symptoms that cause destruction in both professional and personal life.
The symptoms of ADHD typically begin in childhood and last into adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two areas of a person's daily life (home school, home and at work). To meet these criteria, symptoms must have lasted for at least six months and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
In addition to examining the patient's symptoms, the health care provider will review their medical history and mental health history. The doctor will speak with the person and, if they are able, their family members, in order to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health professional may also review the patient's current workplace and home environment and discuss the patient's schooling with them.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, a person must have six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to interfere in their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health professional is usually able to identify a person suffering from ADHD through an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This includes a thorough interview with the individual and their family members and any caregivers or teachers, as well as taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care professional will also look over the individual's medical, psychiatric and family history. They may refer the patient for a physical exam to rule out possible causes of his or her symptoms. The doctor will also examine the individual's sleep patterns, diet, and work and home environments to identify stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a doctor who is an expert in the field. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. They will likely be interested in how many times you have difficulty completing tasks and how often you misplace items or forget to put away your keys, and whether these problems create stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical examination. This information can help your doctor rule out other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.
It's likely that your health care professional will interview family members as well as other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also discuss how you behave in different situations, like at work and school, or with your scout or religious leaders. Click Webpage may also request that you fill out a self-test or rating scale to assess your symptoms. These are available on the internet, but they shouldn't be used in lieu for a face-to-face appointment with your doctor.
Adults must meet an upper threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD that is five out of nine symptoms within a six-month time period. You'll also need to have a significant impact on your school, work and family 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 examine the way your brain functions and will determine if you are coexisting mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from sadness over missed opportunities to relief that she finally found a clear reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or local support group for a referral to a health specialist who conducts ADHD assessments on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out the providers that are listed.
Treatment
The first option for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to increase or balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behavior. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better and stay focused, control their impulses and make more rational choices, improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behaviors.
There are also nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants that work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for some people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication that works best for an individual will change as time passes. It is important to discuss with the healthcare professional in the process of evaluating all options.
A health care professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the patient in addition to the completion of questionnaires and scales by the person, and an examination of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, such as sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral for an examination by a doctor could be added to rule out a possible medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take a while. This is particularly true when you are an adult who has struggled to manage symptoms for many years. The evaluation should be thorough, so the individual should bring their old reports and copies of their performance evaluations at school or at work. The healthcare professional can request permission to speak with close family members or friends to gain an understanding of the person's previous behavior and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on their lives. People often feel a mix of emotions, from relief to finally having an explanation for their struggles, to sadness at the lost opportunities and relationships caused by untreated ADHD. Matlen however, states that after receiving a diagnosis she was able make changes in her life, including in her career and her relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is an important step for people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist isn't always easy. Luckily, there are several ways to locate a specialist in your area. Ask your doctor to recommend you. They might have an extensive list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also try looking on the internet. There are numerous websites that list doctors, including information about their specialties and areas of interest. Another alternative is to request a recommendation from friends or family members. You can also reach out to your local mental health center, or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
If you visit an experienced therapist in treating ADHD, it is important to be as truthful as you can. This involves discussing how ADHD symptoms impact your life and the effect they have on others. It is essential to discuss your past and present medical background. This will help the therapist rule out other conditions that could have similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a psychotherapist is likely to conduct interviews and employ standardized 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 in order to get an accurate picture of the behavior of a person in various situations.
Adults with ADHD may feel dissatisfied and embarrassed by their symptoms and are reluctant to discuss them. This can impact the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is important to realize that having a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While some people suffering from ADHD might require medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that is extremely efficient. These treatments can be utilized in conjunction with medication or as separate treatments.