ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD can have symptoms that resemble depression or anxiety. This is why a thorough assessment by a health care provider or mental health professional is essential.
Your doctor will inquire about your health issues from childhood. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires or complete interviews with teachers and other professionals who know you.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to accomplish daily tasks, such as planning and managing one's time. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to have a difficult time at work, to be unable to keep up in school, and to discover that their relationships suffer because they tend to forget important events or show up late to events. They can also have trouble staying focused in conversations or seem to be distracted by a glazed-over look.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on an examination of the symptoms. They must have resisted for at least six months and caused issues in more than one area of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may not be aware of their condition however, their frustrations in daily life could prompt them to seek help. They might be unable to keep up with their work because they fail to meet important deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships could be damaged if they fail to follow through on plans or fail to listen to their partners. Family life may be affected if they're incapable of completing household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a professional can conduct psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests depending on the need. Based on the individual's specific issues, these tests may provide helpful information about how ADHD impacts the person and can determine whether or not comorbid conditions exist. For instance, anxiety may cause similar symptoms as ADHD and depression frequently is a result of ADHD.
It is important to choose an expert who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. undiagnosed adhd in adults who are certified include physicians, clinical psychologists or clinical social professionals. You can locate an expert by asking colleagues or friends for recommendations, however you should also do some research and make sure that the specialist is licensed and certified within the state you reside in. You can also look up the background of the expert and ask for references of previous patients or clients. These steps will help you find someone who can evaluate your child or you for ADHD. When a diagnosis is made, it can be a great relief for many adults. They no longer have to worry about whether their problems are due to insanity or lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on figuring out how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It isn't easy for adults to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Many of the symptoms of ADHD could be attributed to other factors, such as stress or medical conditions. In addition gender, sex and race can all play a role in whether or not the patient receives a correct diagnosis. For example women and those of color are likely to be diagnosed with the disorder more often than whites and men. Some adults suffering from ADHD symptoms are not diagnosed until later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm an ADHD diagnosis through a comprehensive examination of the patient's history of symptoms and behavior. They will inquire with the person about their symptoms, and they will also speak with people who know them well. They might ask the spouse parents, friends or relatives of the person how the symptoms have affected their lives. The person will be asked to complete questionnaires and will be subject to an array of tests, which could include a psychological evaluation and an interview.
To be diagnosed, the person will need to show that they have been suffering from the same symptoms for at least 12 months and are currently causing impairment in two areas of their life like 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. The specialist must also establish that the symptoms first manifested before the age of 12.
During the assessment the examiner will take a look at the person's personal and family history as well as their medical history, their mood and anxiety disorders, any other mental health issues, and their use of substances and other physical conditions. In fact, it isn't common for any of these other conditions to co-exist with ADHD.
It is essential to find a mental health professional who has experience working with adults with ADHD. Most professionals are willing to offer their knowledge and experience in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to share this information, it's probably not the best idea to work with them.
Treatment
As opposed to a child, the decision of whether or not to treat ADHD as an adult is entirely up to the individual. While receiving a diagnosis may feel daunting at first, there are a number of options for adults to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning.
The majority of health professionals will utilize a thorough assessment process to determine the health of a person. This will include a detailed description of symptoms by the patient, his friends, family members and teachers. It may also involve the completion of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will follow the diagnostic guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) that requires an individual to show at least five indicators of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity. The symptoms must also be present prior to age 12. The assessment will look at how the symptoms impact the person's daily activities. Examples of impairment include losing work due to problems at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial problems or not paying bills in time.
In addition to a medical interview, a complete assessment may include psychological tests to assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities like decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities and reasoning. A psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD and its treatment can conduct these tests and provide an extensive evaluation.
For certain individuals the use of behavioral therapy could be beneficial in managing their symptoms. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches the person to develop strategies to manage his own behavior and improve confidence in himself. It can also teach the patient how to deal with the root of issues that make his symptoms worse.
Certain people with ADHD opt to take part in a clinical trial, which is a study designed to test the effectiveness of new methods to prevent and treat diseases and conditions. Talk to your healthcare physician about any dangers and benefits that come with taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many people diagnosed with ADHD have been living with the disorder for a number of years. The strain of living with ADHD, whether it's frustration at work or issues with relationships, could eventually lead people to realize they require professional help. If you are an adult with ADHD or ADD, a therapist that specializes in the disorder can help you. A neurologist or psychiatrist may also prescribe medication. If you're unsure how to locate these health specialists, consult your primary physician or the CHADD organization CHADD for suggestions.
In the initial assessment the mental health professional will inquire with you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The therapist will also review your medical records to determine whether emotional or physical problems may be contributing to your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your significant other If applicable. Each spouse or partner are required to participate in the test. This will allow them to better know each one's ADHD symptoms and how they impact their relationship.
The therapist will analyze the symptoms you are experiencing using the diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). They will then determine what level of ADHD you are suffering from moderate, mild or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions, and your home.
After assessing your symptoms the health care professional may suggest different treatment options. These could include therapy, lifestyle changes and medications. Your doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral treatment, which can increase your self-esteem as well as help you change negative thought patterns. They can also refer to brain training or neurofeedback which are non-pharmacological treatment methods that improve concentration and decrease impulses.
Amwell Telehealth, an online service, can connect you to a healthcare professional who is specialized in ADHD for assessment and treatment. Amwell is a telehealth provider which works with more than 40 insurance companies. They usually require a copay, or they can meet your deductible when you pay out from your the pocket. Another alternative is Thriveworks, which offers online therapy, and can provide medication management.