ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD can have symptoms that resemble anxiety or depression. This is why it's crucial to have a thorough examination by an expert in mental health or health care professional.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms since your early years. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires or interview with teachers and professionals who know you.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of daily tasks, such as managing one's time and planning ahead. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle at work, to be unable to keep up in schools, and to notice that their relationships suffer as they tend to miss important events or show up late to events. They might also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or appear distracted by a glazed-over look.
The symptoms are assessed to determine whether ADHD is present. They should have been present for at least 6 months and have caused problems in various areas of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may not be aware that they are suffering from a disorder, however, everyday stress can cause them to seek out help. They could begin to slip behind in their work because they miss deadlines or are unable to concentrate during meetings or lectures. Friendships could be affected if they don't follow through on plans or fail to listen to partners. Family life may be affected if they're not able to finish household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a qualified professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or testing for learning disabilities when needed. Depending on the person's specific issues, these tests may give valuable information about the how ADHD affects the individual and help determine if comorbid conditions exist. Anxiety can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD and depression is frequently associated with ADHD.
It is essential to select a specialist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. Professionals who are certified include doctors, clinical psychologists or clinical social professionals. It is possible to find an expert through recommendations from friends or colleagues, but it is also wise to conduct some research to ensure that the specialist you select is licensed and certified in your state. You can also research the professional background of the specialist and request references from previous patients or clients. These steps will help you find someone who can evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. Once a diagnosis is made, it can be a massive relief for many adults. They can no longer worry about their shortcomings being because of laziness or a lack in intelligence instead, and concentrate on how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting a diagnosis for ADHD. Many of the symptoms could be due to other causes, such as stress or a medical condition. Additionally gender, sex, and race all affect whether or not a person receives an accurate diagnosis. For instance, women and people of color might be diagnosed with the disorder less frequently than men and whites. This means that some adults who are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD aren't getting the help they require until later in life.
A mental health professional confirms an ADHD diagnosis through a thorough evaluation of the person's history of symptoms and behavior. adult diagnosis adhd will interview the patient about their symptoms, and they will also speak with people who are familiar with their condition. They may ask spouses parents, friends or relatives of the person how the symptoms have affected their lives. The person will be asked to complete questionnaires and may be subjected to an array of tests, which could include a psychological evaluation and an interview.
For a diagnosis to be granted, a person must show that at least five symptoms have been present for at least 12 months, and that these symptoms have caused impairments in two areas of life like school, work or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. The professional must also establish that the symptoms first manifested before the age of 12.
During the assessment an examiner will go over the patient's medical background including family history, mood and anxiety disorders, any other mental health issues and alcohol abuse, as well as other physical conditions. In reality, it's not uncommon for some of these conditions to be overlapping with ADHD.
It is important to locate a mental health professional who has worked with adults with ADHD. Most qualified professionals will be willing to discuss their experience and training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to share this information, you should stay clear of working with them.
Treatment
In contrast to when a person is a child, the decision of whether or not to treat ADHD as an adult is solely up to the person. While the diagnosis can be a bit overwhelming but there are a myriad of options for adults who wish to improve their functioning and manage their symptoms.
Most health care professionals employ a comprehensive evaluation process to determine the condition of a patient. This includes a thorough description of the symptoms by the patient, his family, friends and teachers. It could also include the completion of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will use the diagnostic guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which requires that a patient show at least five symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, or the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms must have also been present before the age of 12. The evaluation will examine how the symptoms affect the person's life. Examples of impairment could include losing a job due to issues at work as well as excessive conflict and discontent in relationships, not paying bills on time or falling into financial trouble and not making enough academic progress in school.
A complete evaluation could include, in addition to the interview with a psychologist, psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capacities, and reasoning skills. A psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD and treatment for it can administer these tests and provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Behavioral therapy can be helpful in managing symptoms for certain people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains the person how to develop strategies to manage his own behavior and improve his self-esteem. It can also teach the patient how to deal with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD decide to take part in a clinical trial, which is a type of research that aims to test new methods to identify and treat or prevent diseases. Talk to your healthcare provider about any potential risks and benefits of participating in a trial.
Counseling
Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis have lived with the condition for a long time. The strain of living with ADHD or a frustration with their job or issues with relationships, could finally cause one to realize that they require professional help. If you're an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD, a therapist specializing in the disorder can help you. A neurologist or psychiatrist may also prescribe medication. If you're not sure where to find these professionals, contact your primary care doctor or the organization CHADD.
During the initial evaluation, the mental health professional will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The therapist might also look over your medical history to determine if physical or emotional issues could have contributed to the onset of your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your significant other in the event that it is appropriate. It is essential that both spouses or partners participate in the assessment to get a better understanding of their respective ADHD symptoms and their effects on their relationship.
The therapist will assess your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will then determine what degree of ADHD you are suffering from: mild, moderate or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, social interactions, and even your home.
After assessing your health issues, your health care provider may suggest different treatment options. These include changes to your lifestyle, medication, and therapy. Your physician might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help you overcome negative thinking patterns and improve self-esteem. They can also recommend neurofeedback or brain training, which are non-pharmacological treatments that increase concentration and reduce impulsivity.
Online telehealth providers like Amwell can connect you to a provider who specializes in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell has a relationship with more than 40+ insurance companies and generally requires a co-pay or exceeds your deductible for out of pocket visits. Another alternative is Thriveworks, which offers online therapy and can offer medication management.