How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some people feel relieved at finally being able to recognize their challenges, while others are sad that they have missed opportunities to live their lives because of the symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A mental health specialist or health care professional can diagnose ADHD in a person's mood, their previous and current medical and mental conditions as well as their childhood behavior and experiences at school. The test usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized scales of rating.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to details. Most of the time, these issues are a result of other issues like depression or substance use disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can cause chaos in your professional and personal life.
Symptoms of ADHD typically begin in childhood and last throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of one's life (home school, home, and work). For symptoms to meet this criteria, they must have lasted at least six months and cannot be explained by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder, 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 also interview the person and when possible, family members to understand the perspective of childhood behaviors. The health care provider will also speak to the patient's teachers and review their current work and home environment.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. In general, to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD an individual must exhibit at least six inattention-related symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with their life. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional can usually identify a person suffering from ADHD through an extensive psychiatric assessment. This includes a thorough interview with the person as well as his or her parents, and any other caregivers or educators, as well taking questionnaires or scales. The health professional will also look over the individual's psychiatric, medical and family history. They may refer the individual to a physical exam in order to rule out other causes of his or her symptoms. The doctor will also take a look at the individual's sleep patterns eating habits, diet and work home environment to determine any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, it's important to consult a medical provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll likely be interested in knowing how often you experience difficulty completing tasks, how often you lose things or forget to put away your keys, and if these problems cause stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and physical exam. This information will help your doctor rule out other conditions which may mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid problems.
It's likely that your healthcare professional will ask family members or other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also inquire about your behavior in various settings, such as at work and school, or with your religious or scout leaders. You might be asked to take self-tests to identify your symptoms. They are available online, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-toface consultation with your doctor.
Adults must meet a lower threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD that is five out of nine symptoms in a six-month time period. Additionally, you'll need to have a significant impact on your work, school and personal 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 typically look at the ways your brain functions and can help determine if you have coexisting mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may create a variety of emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete reason for her troubles. Consult your doctor or local support group to recommend you to a health professional who can perform ADHD evaluations on adults. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD treatment is the first choice for treatment. Drugs like amphetamine or methylphenidate increase or balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people who have ADHD concentrate and remain well-organized. They also help control their impulses, make more rational decisions, improve communication, and reduce impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants which work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for patients with ADHD. The type of medication that is most effective for a particular person can change over time, which is why it is important to discuss all options with the healthcare professional conducting the test.
A health professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment which includes an interview with the patient in addition to the answers to questionnaires and scales by the individual and an examination of the family history and mood disorders as well as medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical examination could also be a possibility to rule out any medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take a while. This is especially true when you are an adult who has had to struggle to manage symptoms for many years. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which implies that the person should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their school or job and other records like old reports. The healthcare professional could request permission to talk with family members and close friends to gain a better understanding of the individual's past behaviors and experiences.
For adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. People often feel a mix of emotions, from relief to finally having an answer to their struggles, to grief at the lost opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis and was able to begin making changes in her life and move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is an important step for people with ADHD. Finding diagnose adhd is not always straightforward. There are a variety of ways to find a therapist in the area. Start by asking your regular doctor for the referral. He or she may have a list of specialists who are skilled in treating ADHD. You can also look online. There are a variety of websites that provide directories of doctors that include details on their areas of expertise and specialization. Another alternative is to request recommendations from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
If you are seeing an experienced therapist in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as truthful as you can. It is essential to discuss the ways that ADHD symptoms impact your life and the lives of other people. It's also important to talk about your medical background. This will help the doctor rule out other conditions that may be causing similar symptoms, for example depression or anxiety.
In addition to observing an person's behavior, a psychotherapist is likely to conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist could also ask other caregivers for their input like teachers, religious leaders or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of the behavior of an individual in various situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their symptoms, and they might be reluctant to discuss them. This can impact the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist who is experienced in working with adults suffering from ADHD can generally help them overcome these barriers.
It is important to realize that the diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While some individuals who suffer from ADHD require medication, there are a number of other treatment options that are effective, including the use of behavioral therapy. These treatments can be utilized with medication or as standalone treatments.