How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some people feel relief that they finally understand their struggles and others feel sorrow for having missed out on opportunities because of symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A mental health specialist or health care professional can diagnose ADHD in the person's mood, previous and current mental and medical conditions, as well as their childhood behaviour and school experiences. The assessment usually includes ADHD symptom checklists and standard scales of rating.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to details. These problems are usually caused by other underlying conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards getting control of the symptoms that wreak havoc in personal and professional life.
The symptoms of ADHD typically appear in childhood and last into adulthood. To be eligible for a diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their daily life in at least two areas (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. To meet these criteria symptoms must be present for at least six months. They are not better explained by other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, dissociative disorders or personality disorders.
In addition to examining the person's symptoms and health issues, the doctor will also review their medical history and mental health history. He or she will talk with the person and, if they are able, their family members, in order to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health professional will also talk to the patient's teacher and review their current work and home environments.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive version of ADHD, an individual must show six or fewer inattention symptoms that are severe enough to hinder their daily activities. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional is usually able to identify a person suffering from ADHD through an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This involves an in-depth interview with the person and their parents, as well as any caregivers or teachers, in addition to completing scales or questionnaires. The health care professional will also look over the individual's psychiatric, medical and family histories and might refer the person to a physical exam in order to rule out possible reasons for their symptoms. They will also examine the person's sleep habits, diet and work and the home environment to identify any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD is important to visit a health care specialist who is trained in the disorder. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the impact on your life. They'll be interested in knowing how often you have trouble finishing tasks or losing items or forget to put away your keys, and if these problems cause stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and physical examination. This information will allow them to identify other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or a thyroid issue.
Your health care professional may interview caregivers, family members and friends regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different settings such as at school, work or with scouts or religious leaders. You may be asked to complete self-tests to identify your symptoms. You can find these online, but they shouldn't be used in lieu for a face-to-face appointment with your doctor.
Adults must have an upper threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms over a six-month time period. You will also need to be able to demonstrate a significant impact in your work, school and at home.
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 usually examine the way your brain functions and may help determine if you suffer from co-existing mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
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 found a clear reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or support group to send you to a medical professional who is able to conduct ADHD evaluations on adults. You can also check with your insurance company to find out which providers are included on its list.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD, medication is the first option for treatment. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to increase or balancing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate behavior and attention. They can help some people who have ADHD focus and stay well-organized. They also help control their impulses, make more rational decisions, improve communication, and reduce impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants that work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for some patients with ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a particular person can change over time. It is important to discuss with the health professional in the process of evaluating all options.
A medical specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This may include an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires and a review of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
adhd diagnosis in adult is likely that the test will take some time. This is especially true in the case of an adult who has had to struggle to cope with symptoms over many years. The evaluation should be comprehensive which is why the person should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at work or school. The healthcare professional might ask permission to speak with close friends or relatives to obtain a complete picture of the person's past experiences and behaviors.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. People typically experience a variety of emotions, ranging from relief to finally having a concrete reason for their struggles, to grief at the lost opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. Matlen, however, says that after receiving a diagnosis she was able to make a change in her life, which included her career and her relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is an important step for many people with ADHD. However, finding the right therapist can be challenging. Fortunately, there are many ways to locate a specialist in your area. Start by asking your physician for the referral. They might have an extensive list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also try looking on the internet. There are numerous websites which list doctors, as well as information on their specialties as well as areas of focus. Another alternative is to request recommendations from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
When you see an experienced therapist in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as truthful as possible. This includes discussing how ADHD symptoms impact your life and the impact they have on other people. It is important to discuss your past and present medical background. This will help the counselor rule out any other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms, for example anxiety or depression.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and employ standardized scales to measure the severity of the symptoms. The therapist may also seek input from other caregivers, such as teachers or Scout and religious leaders, to get an accurate assessment of the person's behavior in various situations.
Adults with ADHD frequently feel angry and embarrassed by their issues, and they might be unwilling to talk about their issues. This can affect the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults with ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is also important to realize that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the counselor will immediately prescribe medication. While some people who suffer from ADHD might require medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that can be very efficient. These methods of treatment can be utilized alongside medication or as a stand-alone treatment.