How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some people feel relief that they can finally comprehend their struggles while others experience sorrow for having missed out on opportunities in life due to symptoms that went untreated so long.
A mental health professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD in the person's mood, present and past medical and mental conditions, as well as their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The test includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require concentration or attention to detail. Most of the time, these issues result from other underlying issues like depression or substance use disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in gaining control over symptoms that can cause havoc in personal and professional life.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in the early years of childhood and continue into adulthood. For a person to receive a diagnosis of the disorder, their symptoms must interfere with their life in two or more areas (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. To meet these criteria the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months and are not better explained by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders and dissociative disorders.
In addition to examining the patient's symptoms and health issues, the doctor will review their medical history and mental health history. They will also talk to the patient and when possible, family members to understand the perspective of childhood behavior. The health care provider will also speak to the patient's teachers and review their current work and home environments.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. In general, to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, an individual must have at least six inattention-related symptoms that are serious enough to interfere with their life functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional can usually identify a person with ADHD through an extensive psychiatric assessment. This will include an extensive interview with the individual as well as their family members and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health professional will also look over the individual's medical, psychiatric and family history. They may refer the individual for a physical examination to rule out other reasons for their symptoms. They will also take a look at the individual's sleep patterns as well as their diet, work and home environment to assess any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a doctor who is an expert in the field. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the impact on your life. They'll be interested in how many times you have difficulty completing tasks or losing things or forget where you put your keys, and if these problems create stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and physical exam. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD, such a depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid issues or depression.
It's likely that your health care provider will question family members as well as other caregivers about your behavior. They'll also inquire about your behavior in various settings, such as at school and work or with your scout or religious leaders. You might be asked to take a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available online, however, they shouldn't be used to replace an in-person visit with your physician.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet a lower threshold of symptoms than for kids - five out of nine symptoms over the course of six months. You must also be able to show significant impact in your work, school and at home.
If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend neuropsychological or psychological testing to determine if you have the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD. These tests look at how your brain functions, and will determine if you are coexisting mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief she had a concrete reason for her troubles. Ask your doctor or local support group to send you to a medical professional who is able to conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also inquire with your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD medication is the first option for treatment. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to increase or balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and behavior. They can help those with ADHD concentrate and remain well-organized. They can also control their impulses and make more rational choices enhance communication, and lessen the risk of impulsive behavior.
There are also non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants which work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a person may vary over time, so it is important to discuss all possible options with your healthcare professional conducting the evaluation.
A health care professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the patient in addition to the answering questionnaires and completing scales by the individual as well as a review of family history and mood disorders as well as medical conditions, such as sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical exam can also be recommended to rule out medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take a while. This is especially the case if you are an adult who has had to struggle to deal with symptoms for many years. The evaluation should be thorough and therefore, the patient should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at work or school. The healthcare professional may request permission to talk with close family members or friends to gain more information about the person's past behavior and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. It is normal for people to experience various emotions, from relief finding a clear explanation for their issues to sadness over the loss of opportunities and relationships that were damaged by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed she was able to begin making changes in her life and continue to move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find that getting assistance from a therapist can be a crucial step. Finding the right therapist may be challenging. Fortunately, there are many methods to locate a therapist in your area. Begin by asking your regular doctor for a referral. They may have an extensive list of specialists who are acquainted with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look for them online. There are numerous websites that offer directories of doctors, and provide details on their areas of focus and specialization. Asking friends or family for recommendations is another option. You can also reach out to your local mental health clinic, or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
It is crucial to be honest when visiting the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. It is essential to discuss the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life as well as the lives of others. It is essential to discuss your past and present medical background. This helps the therapist to identify any illnesses such as anxiety or depression that could have similar symptoms.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and use standard scales to assess the severity of the symptoms. The therapist could solicit input from other caregivers such as teachers or Scout and religious leaders, to get a clear picture of the person's behavior in various environments.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently feel angry and embarrassed by their issues and are reluctant to discuss them. This can impact the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD can generally assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD do need to take medication however, there are a variety of other treatment options that are efficient, such as the use of behavioral therapy. adhd diagnoses can be used alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.