ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD might have symptoms similar to symptoms of anxiety or depression. This is why it's crucial to have a thorough assessment by an expert in mental health or health care professional.
Your specialist will ask about your experiences since your childhood. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires or complete interviews with teachers and other professionals who know you.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to manage daily tasks such as scheduling and managing time. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle at work, be unable to keep up in school, and to discover that their relationships suffer because they tend to overlook important events or arrive late to events. They may also have trouble staying focused on conversations or appear distracted with eyes that are glazed over.
The diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the examination of the symptoms. They must have been present for at least six month and cause problems in multiple areas of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may not realize that they have a problem however, everyday stress can cause them to seek assistance. They may start to lose time at work because they miss deadlines or are unable to concentrate during meetings or lectures. Friendships can suffer when they sabotage plans or are unable to listen to their partners and their family lives is often a mess due to their inability to stay on track on household chores.
A certified professional can also conduct testing for psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. Based on the individual's particular issues, these tests can provide valuable information on the how ADHD affects the person and determine if co-occurring conditions exist. For instance, anxiety can cause similar symptoms to ADHD, and depression often occurs in people with ADHD.
It is important to select a specialist who has prior experience treating adults with ADHD. Qualified professionals can include physicians, clinical psychologists or clinical social specialists. You can find an expert by asking friends or colleagues for recommendations, but you should do some research and make sure that the specialist is certified and licensed within your state. You can also research the professional background of a specialist and request references from past patients or clients. These steps will allow you to find someone who can evaluate your child or you for ADHD. Many adults feel relieved when they are given an assessment. They no longer have to worry about their shortcomings being due to laziness and a lack in intelligence, and instead focus on addressing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Many of the symptoms of ADHD can be attributed other factors, such as stress or medical issues. Additionally, sex, gender, and race all affect the likelihood that someone receives a proper diagnosis. For example, women and people of color might be diagnosed with the disorder more often than men and whites. As a result, some adults who are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD don't receive the help they need until much later in life.
A mental health professional confirms the ADHD diagnosis through a thorough examination of the patient's history of symptoms and behavior. They will ask the person about their symptoms, and they will also talk to people who are familiar with them. They might ask the spouse parents, friends or relatives of the person to explain how the symptoms have affected their lives. The person will complete questionnaires, and may be tested with several tests, which include a psychological assessment, as well as an interview.
To be eligible for a diagnosis the patient will have to show that they have suffered from a variety of symptoms for at least 12 months and that they are currently experiencing impairment in two different areas of their lives 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. It's also important for the professional to establish that these symptoms were present prior to the age of 12.
During the assessment, an examiner will review the patient's medical background, family history, anxiety and mood disorders, other mental health conditions and addiction and physical ailments. In actual fact, it's not uncommon for some of these other conditions to co-exist with ADHD.
It is crucial to find a professional with experience in treating adults with ADHD. Most professionals with experience will be willing to discuss their education and experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is hesitant to provide this information, it's not a good idea to work with them.
Treatment
In contrast to when a person is a child, the choice of whether or to treat ADHD as an adult is solely up to the individual. Although a diagnosis can be overwhelming however, there are a variety of options available to adults who want to improve their performance and manage their symptoms.
Most health care professionals employ an extensive evaluation procedure to evaluate a patient's health. This will include a description of the symptoms provided by the person himself or by his close family, friends members and teachers; completing of questionnaires and scales, an extensive medical and psychiatric history; and, sometimes, the referral to a doctor for a physical examination.
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 inattention, hyperactivity or the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms must have been present prior to age 12. The evaluation will focus on how the symptoms impact the individual's daily life. Examples of impairment are losing a job because of issues in the workplace or excessive conflict and stress in relationships and not paying bills on time, falling into financial trouble and not making satisfactory academic progress at school.
In addition to a medical interview, a comprehensive assessment will often include psychological tests to assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities and reasoning. These tests can be conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD treatment.
For some individuals, behavioral therapy can help in reducing their symptoms. 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 instruct the patient how to deal with the root of issues that make his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD opt to participate in a clinical trial, which is a research study designed to test new ways to identify the presence of diseases, or to prevent or treat them. People should talk to their doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in an clinical trial.
Counseling
Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the disorder for years. The stress of living with ADHD, whether it's frustration at work or relationship issues, may eventually cause one to realize that they require professional help. If you are an adult diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, a therapist that specializes in the disorder could help you. A neurologist or psychiatrist can also prescribe medication. If you don't know where to look for these professionals, contact your primary care doctor or the organization CHADD.
During the initial evaluation the mental health professional will inquire with you about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The therapist will also review your medical documents to determine if any physical or emotional issues may be contributing to your ADHD. The therapist will talk to you as well as, if necessary, your significant other. It is essential that both spouses or partners participate in the assessment to gain an understanding of each other's ADHD symptoms and their impact on their relationship.
The therapist will assess your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria defined by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will then determine the level of ADHD you are suffering from moderate, mild or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, social interactions and your home.
After assessing your symptoms the health professional will suggest different treatment options. These could include changes to your lifestyle, medication, and therapy. Your doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, click here which can improve your self-esteem and assist you in changing negative thinking patterns. They can also refer to brain training or neurofeedback which are non-pharmacological treatment methods which increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Amwell is an online telehealth service, will connect you to a provider who is trained in ADHD for evaluations and medications. Amwell collaborates with over 40insurance companies and generally requires a co-pay or covers your deductible for out-of-pocket visits. Another alternative is Thriveworks which provides online therapy and can offer medication management.