ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD might experience symptoms that are similar to those experienced by people suffering from anxiety or depression. This is why a thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is required.
Your doctor will ask you about your childhood symptoms. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or conduct interviews with teachers and other professionals who know you.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to manage daily tasks, such as managing time and planning. People with undiagnosed ADHD are often unable to perform at their best at work, have difficulty keeping up in school and find that their relationships suffer because they tend to forget important dates or show up late to events. They might also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or seem to be distracted by eyes that are glazed over.
The diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the examination of the symptoms. They must have resisted for at minimum six months and caused problems in multiple areas of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may not be aware that they have a problem but everyday frustrations can prompt them to seek assistance. They might be unable to keep up with their work because they miss important deadlines or cannot concentrate during meetings and lectures. Friendships may be damaged if they fail to adhere to their plans or don't listen to their partners. Family life may be affected if they are not able to finish household chores.
In addition to conducting a thorough interview, a qualified professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or learning disabilities testing when needed. Based on the individual's specific problems, these tests can provide helpful information about ways that ADHD affects the person and can determine whether or not there are comorbidities. Anxiety can cause symptoms similar to ADHD and depression is often related to ADHD.
It is essential to select a specialist who has experience treating adults with ADHD. Psychologists, physicians or clinical social workers are qualified professionals. You can find the right specialist by asking your colleagues or friends for recommendations, however you should conduct some research and make sure that the expert is certified and licensed within the state you reside in. You can also look up the specialist's professional background and request references from past patients or clients. These steps will allow you to locate a professional who can evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. If a diagnosis is confirmed, it can be a great relief for many adults. They can stop worrying that their failings are due to laziness or lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on figuring out how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult for adults to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Many of the symptoms could be due to other causes, such as stress or a medical condition. Additionally gender, diagnose adhd and race all play a role in whether or not someone receives a proper diagnosis. For example, women and people of color might be diagnosed with the disorder less frequently than whites and men. This means that some adults struggling with the symptoms of ADHD do not receive the assistance they need until much later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm an ADHD diagnosis through a thorough assessment which examines the individual's behavior and the history of symptoms over time. They will inquire about the symptoms and speak to people who know about the person's symptoms. They may ask spouses parents, friends or relatives of the patient how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient is expected to complete questionnaires and may undergo several tests, including the psychological assessment and an interview.
For a diagnosis, the patient must demonstrate that at least five signs have been present for a minimum of 12 months, and that these symptoms are causing impairments in two areas of life such as 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 specialist must also establish that the symptoms first manifested before the age of 12 years old.
During the assessment an examiner will go over the person's medical history and family history, as well as mood and anxiety disorders, any other mental health issues, addiction and physical conditions. It's not uncommon for these disorders to coexist with ADHD.
It is essential to find an expert in mental health who has worked with adults with ADHD. Most professionals with experience will be willing to discuss their education and experience in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is hesitant to share this information, it's probably not the best idea to work with them.
Treatment
The choice to treat ADHD in adults is up to each individual. Although receiving a diagnosis can be intimidating at first, there are a number of options for adults to manage their symptoms and improve functioning.
Most health care providers use a comprehensive evaluation process to evaluate a patient's health. This may include a description of the symptoms by the patient himself or by his close friends, family members and teachers; completing of questionnaires and scales, complete medical and mental history; and sometimes a referral to a physician to conduct a physical examination.
A doctor will apply diagnostic guidelines developed 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 inattention, hyperactivity or the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms must have also existed prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will examine how the symptoms impact the individual's daily life. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of issues in the workplace, excessive conflict and distress in relationships, not paying bills on time, falling into financial trouble and not making adequate academic progress in school.
In addition to a medical interview, a comprehensive assessment may include psychological tests to assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities like decision-making and planning) spatial and visual abilities and reasoning. These tests are conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in ADHD treatment.
Behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing symptoms for some people. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an example. It teaches a person how to manage his own behavior and how to improve confidence in himself. It can also help the patient learn to deal with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Certain people with ADHD choose to participate in a clinical study, which is a study that aims to test new methods to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions. Talk to your healthcare doctor about the risks and benefits associated with taking part in a trial.
Counseling
Many people diagnosed with ADHD have lived with the condition for many years. Whether it's frustration with their job or relationship problems or stress from living with ADHD can finally make someone realize that they need professional assistance. If you're an adult with ADHD, a therapist specializing in the disorder could help you. A neurologist or psychiatrist can prescribe medication. If you're not sure how to locate these health professionals, ask your primary care physician or the organization CHADD for suggestions.
During the initial evaluation, the mental health professional will interview you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The therapist might also look over your medical history to determine if physical or emotional issues could be the cause of your ADHD. The therapist will speak with you, and if appropriate your significant other. Each spouse or partner should participate in the assessment. This will allow them to better understand each the other's ADHD symptoms and how they impact their relationship.
The therapist will evaluate 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 the level of ADHD you are suffering from moderate, mild or severe. They'll also discuss the impact of your ADHD on your work, social interactions and at home.
After evaluating your symptoms, the health care professional may suggest various treatment options. These could include changes to your lifestyle, medication, and therapy. Your doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral treatments, which could improve your self-esteem and help you change negative thought patterns. They may also refer you for neurofeedback or brain training which are non-pharmacological treatments to improve concentration and decrease the risk of impulsivity.
Online telehealth services such as Amwell can connect you to an expert in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell works with over 40+ insurance companies and typically requires a co-pay or exceeds your deductible for out of pocket visits. Thriveworks is another option that offers online counseling and also manage your medication.