ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD may have symptoms that resemble anxiety or depression. This is why a thorough evaluation by a health care professional or mental health professional is necessary.
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms since childhood. You might also be required to complete questionnaires or complete interviews with teachers and other professionals who are familiar with you.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to handle everyday tasks such as planning and managing one's time. People with undiagnosed ADHD are often unable to perform at their best at work, struggle with staying on top of their studies and find that their relationships suffer because they tend to miss important dates or arrive late to events. They can also have trouble keeping track of conversations or seem to be distracted by a glazed-over look.
The diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the evaluation of the symptoms. They should have been present for at minimum six months and caused difficulties in multiple areas of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may not be aware of the problem however, their frustrations in daily life may prompt them to seek help. They could be behind in their work due to missing important deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures and meetings. Friendships could be damaged if they fail to adhere to their plans or don't pay attention to their partners. Family life could be affected if they're unable to complete household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a qualified professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or learning disabilities tests as needed. Based on the individual's specific issues, these tests can give valuable information about the how ADHD affects the individual and help determine whether or not comorbid conditions exist. Anxiety can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD and depression is frequently related to ADHD.
It is essential to select an expert who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Professionals who are certified include doctors, clinical psychologists or clinical social professionals. You can find a specialist by asking friends or colleagues for recommendations, however you should also do some research and verify that the expert is licensed and certified within your state. You can also check the background of a specialist and request references from previous patients or clients. These steps will help you locate a professional who can evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. When a diagnosis is made, it can be a huge relief for many adults. They can stop worrying about their shortcomings being due to laziness and a lack in intelligence, and instead focus on how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult for adults to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms of ADHD can be attributed other factors such as stress or medical issues. Sexe, gender or race may play a part in the diagnosis of a person. For example women and those of color might be diagnosed with the disorder less often than whites and males. As a result, some adults who are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD aren't getting the help they need until much later in life.
A mental health professional confirms an ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough evaluation of the person's history of symptoms and behavior. They will ask about the symptoms, and talk to people who are familiar with the person's symptoms. For instance, they may ask the person's parents, spouses or coworkers about how the symptoms impact their lives. The person will be asked to complete questionnaires and may undergo several tests, which could include the psychological assessment and an interview.
To be diagnosed, the patient has to prove that they have had several of the symptoms here for at least 12 months and that they are currently creating impairment in two 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. The doctor must also prove that the symptoms started before the age of 12.
During the evaluation an examiner will go over the person's medical history and family history, as well as anxiety and mood disorders, any other mental health issues and substance abuse and other physical conditions. It's not uncommon for these issues to be a part of ADHD.
It's important to find an expert in mental health who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to offer their knowledge and experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to divulge this information, you should avoid working with them.
Treatment
The decision to treat ADHD in adults is up to each person. Although a diagnosis can be overwhelming however, there are a variety of options available to adults who want to improve their functioning and manage their symptoms.
The majority of health professionals will use a thorough evaluation procedure to determine the severity of an individual's condition. This includes a description of the symptoms either by the individual or his closest family members, friends members, and teachers; the completion of scales and questionnaires; an extensive medical and psychiatric history; and sometimes a referral to a physician for a physical examination.
A doctor will consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which was published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that individuals show at least five indicators of hyperactivity or inattention, or inattention. The symptoms must also have been present before the age of 12. The evaluation will look at how the symptoms affect the person's life. Examples of impairment could include losing a job due to problems in the workplace, excessive conflict and distress in relationships or not paying bills on time or falling into financial trouble and not making enough academic progress in school.
A complete evaluation could include as well as the clinical interview tests for psychological testing that assess executive function, working memory, (abilities like planning and decision making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning abilities. These tests can be 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 a good example. It teaches a person how to manage his own behavior, and how to increase confidence in himself. It also teaches the patient how to deal with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people suffering from ADHD opt to take part in a clinical trial which is a research study designed to test the effectiveness of new methods to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions. Patients should speak to their health care provider about the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many people who are given an ADHD diagnosis have lived with the disorder for years. It doesn't matter if it's a problem with their job or relationships, the everyday stress of living with ADHD can finally make someone realize that they need professional assistance. If you're an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, a therapist that specializes in the disorder may be able to assist you. A psychiatrist or neurologist may also prescribe medication. If you don't know where to find these professionals, contact your primary care physician or the organization CHADD.
During the initial assessment the mental health professional will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. The therapist will also look over your medical records to determine whether emotional or physical problems may have contributed to your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your significant other in the event that it is appropriate. Both spouses or partners should participate in the assessment. This will allow them to better be aware of each other's ADHD symptoms, and how they affect their relationship.
The therapist will evaluate the symptoms you present with the diagnostic criteria laid out by the American Psychiatric Assocation's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). They'll then determine what degree of ADHD you have mild, moderate or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions and your home.
After assessing your health issues, your health care provider may suggest different treatment options. This could include changes to your lifestyle, medication and therapy. Your doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral treatments, which could boost your self-esteem and help you overcome negative thought patterns. They may also refer to neurofeedback or brain training which are non-pharmacological treatment strategies which increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Amwell, an online telehealth service, will connect you to a provider who is specialized in ADHD for evaluations and medications. Amwell collaborates with over 40insurance companies. It typically requires a co-pay or covers your deductible for out-of-pocket visits. Thriveworks is another option which provides online counseling and also manage your medication.