ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD can experience symptoms similar to anxiety or depression. This is why it is essential to undergo an in-depth evaluation by a mental health professional or health care provider.
Your doctor will ask you about your experiences from childhood. You may be asked to fill out questionnaires or take part in interviews with teachers and other professionals who are familiar with you.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to keep up with daily tasks, including managing your schedule and planning ahead. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle at work, struggle to keep up with schools, and to notice that their relationships suffer because they tend to overlook important dates or show up late to events. They may also have trouble keeping track of conversations or appear distracted by an emaciated look.
The symptoms are evaluated to determine if ADHD is present. They must have resisted for at least six months, and caused problems in more than one area of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD might not be aware of the problem however, their frustrations in daily life may prompt them to seek assistance. They might begin to fall behind at work because they fail to meet deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Their friendships may suffer because they blow off plans or fail to listen to their partners and their family lives can be fraught because of their inability to follow through on household chores.
In addition to a thorough interview, a trained professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or learning disabilities tests depending on the need. These tests can help in determining the extent to which ADHD affects an individual, and also if comorbid conditions are present. Anxiety can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD and depression is frequently linked to ADHD.
It is important to select an expert who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Qualified professionals can include clinical psychologists, physicians or clinical social professionals. It is possible to find an expert through recommendations from colleagues or friends, but it is also wise to conduct some research to make sure the expert you choose is certified and licensed in your state. You can also research the background of the expert and request references from previous patients or clients. These steps can help you find the best person to assess your child or yourself for ADHD. Once a diagnosis is made it can be a massive relief for many adults. They can stop worrying that their failures result from laziness or a lack of knowledge and instead concentrate on figuring out how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to obtain a diagnosis for ADHD. Many symptoms can be attributed to other causes, such as stress or an illness. Additionally, sex, gender, and race all play a role in the likelihood that a person receives an accurate diagnosis. Women and people of color, for example, may be less likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than men and whites. In the end, many adults who are 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 interview the patient about their symptoms, and will also talk to people who are familiar with them. For instance, they could ask the person's parents, spouse, coworkers, and friends about how the symptoms affect their lives. The patient will be asked to complete questionnaires and may undergo a series of tests, which could include a psychological evaluation and an interview.
To be diagnosed, a person must show that at least five signs have been present for a minimum of 12 months, and that the symptoms are causing problems 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 professional must also establish that the symptoms began before the age of 12 years old.
During the assessment the examiner will look over the patient's medical history including family history, anxiety and mood disorders, other mental health conditions and substance abuse and other physical conditions. In fact, it isn't uncommon for some of these conditions to be overlapping with ADHD.
It's important to find a mental health professional who has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. Most professionals with experience will be willing to discuss their experience and training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to share this information, it's best not to work with them.
Treatment
The choice to treat ADHD in adults is up to each individual. Although being diagnosed with ADHD may seem daunting at first however, there are plenty of options for adults to treat their symptoms and improve functioning.
Most health care providers will employ a thorough evaluation procedure to determine the severity of the condition of an individual. This includes a thorough description of symptoms by the patient or his relatives, friends, and teachers. It could also include the completion of questionnaires as well as scales.
A doctor will apply diagnostic guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) which requires an individual to demonstrate at least five signs of inattention, hyperactivity or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must also have been present prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will focus on how the symptoms affect the person's daily life. Examples of impairment are losing a job due issues at work, a lot of conflict in relationships, financial issues or not paying bills in time.
A comprehensive assessment could include along with the clinical interview tests for psychological testing that assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities, as well as reasoning abilities. These tests are conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD treatment.
Behavioral therapy is a great option in managing symptoms for certain people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches the person how to develop strategies to manage his own behavior and increase confidence in himself. It can also help the patient learn to deal with the root causes that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD opt to take part in a clinical trial which is a type of research study that aims to test new methods to prevent and treat diseases and conditions. Talk to iampsychiatry.com about any risks and benefits associated with participating in a trial.
Counseling
Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis have been suffering from the condition for decades. The strain of living with ADHD isn't just an issue with their job or relationship issues, can eventually cause one to realize that they require professional assistance. If you're an adult with ADHD, a therapist specializing in the disorder could help you. A neurologist or psychiatrist may also prescribe medication. If you're unsure how to locate these health care professionals, ask your primary care physician or the organization CHADD for recommendations.
In the initial assessment, the mental health professional will interview you about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. The therapist might also look over your medical history to determine whether emotional or physical issues may be the cause of your ADHD. The therapist will speak with you, and if appropriate your significant other. It is crucial that both partners or spouses take part in the test to get more understanding of their respective ADHD symptoms and their effects on their relationship.
The therapist will evaluate your symptoms using the diagnostic criteria set 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 degree of ADHD you are suffering from moderate, mild or severe. They'll also discuss the impact of your ADHD on your social interactions, work and at home.
After assessing your health issues, the health care professional will suggest treatment options. This could include therapy, lifestyle changes and medication. Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help you change negative thoughts patterns and improve self-esteem. They may also refer to neurofeedback or brain training which are non-pharmacological treatment strategies that increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Amwell, an online telehealth service, will connect you to a provider who is trained in ADHD for evaluations and medications. Amwell is a telehealth provider that works with more than 40 insurance companies. They typically require a copay or meet your deductible if you pay out of pocket. Another option is Thriveworks, which offers online therapy and can also offer medication management.