How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult. Some people feel relief knowing that they can finally comprehend their struggles, while other people feel sorrow for having missed out on opportunities in life due to symptoms that went untreated so long.
A health professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by examining the mood of a person, past and present mental and medical health issues as well as their childhood behavior and school experience. The assessment includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental focus or concentration. Most of the time, these issues result from other underlying issues like depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in controlling issues that can cause chaos at a personal as well as professional level is to get a valid ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in the early years of childhood and continue into adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of a person's daily life (home, school and work). To be eligible the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and are not better explained by other mental disorders like mood disorders, anxiety disorders and dissociative disorders.
The health professional will also go over the patient's mental and medical history. The doctor will also interview the patient as well as in the event that it is possible, family members to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health care professional might review the patient's present working and home environments, and speak with their teachers.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with diagnosis for adhd of ADHD, one must show six or fewer inattention symptoms 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 thorough psychiatric examination is typically enough for a health professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This may include a lengthy interview with the patient, his or her family and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care professional will also examine the person's medical, psychiatric or family background and refer the patient to a physical exam to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. He or she will examine the individual's sleep patterns, diet, and workplace and home environments to determine if stressors may be causing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD it is essential to see a health care provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will likely be interested in how often you have difficulties finishing tasks and how often you misplace things or forget where you have put your keys, and if these issues create stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over the medical history and physical exam. This information will aid your doctor in determining other conditions which may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such a sleep disorders, depression anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers, and friends about your conduct. They will also discuss your behavior in different situations, such as at school, at work or with scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also ask you to fill out self-tests or a rating scale to assess your symptoms. These are available online, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face appointment with your physician.
Adults must meet a lower threshold than children to be formally diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms within a six-month time period. Additionally, you'll need to have an impact on your school, work and home 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 look at how your brain functions and can determine if there are coexisting mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may cause complex emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she had a solid explanation for her troubles. Ask your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health care specialist who conducts ADHD assessments on adults. You can also inquire with your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
Medication is often the first option for many patients suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine work by increasing or balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which regulate behavior and attention. They can help those who have ADHD focus and stay well-organized. They can also manage their impulses, make more rational decisions enhance communication, and reduce the impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant drugs, like atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are slower to work than stimulants. However they are effective in treating certain patients with ADHD. The type of medication which is best for a person may change as time passes. It is essential to discuss with the medical professional who is in the process of evaluating all options.
A health care expert with expertise in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This will include an interview, the completion of questionnaires, scales, and a review of family history, mood disorders and medical conditions like sleep disorders, and other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical examination may be included to rule out a possible medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take some time. This is especially true when you are an adult who has had to struggle to deal with symptoms for several years. The evaluation should be comprehensive which is why the person should bring old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at work or school. The healthcare professional can request permission to speak to close friends or relatives to get a full understanding of the individual's past experiences and behaviors.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. People typically experience a variety of emotions, ranging from relief at finally having a concrete reason for their problems, to a sense of grief over the missed opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that after being diagnosed, she was able make changes in her life, including in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find that getting assistance from a therapist can be a crucial step. Finding the right therapist isn't always straightforward. There are a variety of ways to locate a specialist in the area. Start by asking your regular doctor for a referral. He or she may have a list of specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also look for them online. There are numerous websites that have directories of doctors that include information on their areas of interest and specialty. Another alternative is to request a recommendation from friends or family members. You can also reach out to your local mental health clinic, or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
If you visit a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD and other disorders, it is essential to be as truthful as possible. This includes discussing how ADHD symptoms affect your life and the effect they have on others. It is important to discuss your past and present medical background. This helps the therapist rule out other conditions that might have similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
In addition to observing an person's behavior, a therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also ask other caregivers for their input like religious leaders, teachers or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of behavior of the individual in various situations.
Adults with ADHD might be dissatisfied and embarrassed by their issues and be reluctant to talk about the issues. This can compromise the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience in working with adults with ADHD is generally able to help them overcome these barriers.
It is important to know that a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD require medication but there are plenty of treatment options that can be efficient, such as treatment for behavioral issues. These treatments can be used in conjunction with medication or as separate treatments.