ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD may suffer from symptoms that are similar to anxiety or depression. This is why it's important to have an extensive examination by a mental health professional or health care professional.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms from childhood. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires or have interviews with professionals and teachers who know you.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to handle everyday tasks, such as scheduling and managing time. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle at work, to have difficulty keeping up in school, and to find that their relationships suffer because they tend to overlook important events or show up late to events. They may also have difficulty paying attention to conversations or appear distracted by eyes that are glazed over.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on an assessment of the symptoms. They should have been present for at minimum six months and caused issues in more than one area of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may not be aware of the problem however, their frustrations in daily life can lead them to seek assistance. They could begin to fall behind at work because they fail to meet deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships may be affected if they don't follow through with plans or don't listen to their friends. Family life could be affected if they are not able to finish household chores.
A licensed professional can conduct tests for psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can be helpful in determining how ADHD affects an individual, and if any comorbidities are present. For example, anxiety can cause similar symptoms as ADHD, and depression often is a result of ADHD.
It is crucial to select a specialist with experience treating adults with ADHD. Psychologists, physicians, or clinical social workers are trained professionals. You can locate a specialist by asking friends or colleagues for recommendations, but you should also do some research and ensure that the specialist is licensed and certified within the state you reside in. You can also research the background of the specialist and ask for references from past patients or clients. These steps will assist you in finding the right person to evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. If a diagnosis is confirmed, it can be a massive relief for many adults. They no longer have to worry that their failures are due to insanity or lack of intelligence and instead focus on figuring out how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting a diagnosis for ADHD. Many symptoms could be due to other factors such as stress or a medical condition. Sexe, gender and race may play a part in the diagnosis of a person. For instance women and people of color might be diagnosed with the disorder more often than men and whites. This means that some adults struggling with the symptoms of ADHD don't receive the help they need until much later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm an ADHD diagnosis through a thorough assessment that examines the person's behavior and history of symptoms over time. They will inquire about the symptoms and consult with people who know about the symptoms. For instance, they could ask the person's spouse, parents or coworkers about how the symptoms affect their lives. The person will complete questionnaires, and could be subjected to an array of tests, including a psychological assessment as well as an interview.
For a diagnosis, a person must show that at least five of the symptoms have been present for at least 12 months, and that these symptoms are causing impairments in two areas of life, 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 that the specialist establish that these symptoms existed before age 12.
During the examination the examiner will look into the person's family and personal history, their medical history as well as their mood and anxiety disorders, any other mental health issues, and their use of substances and physical conditions. It's not uncommon for these disorders to overlap with ADHD.
It is crucial to find a professional with expertise in treating adults with ADHD. Most professionals with experience will be willing to discuss their education and experience in treating adults with ADHD. If try this refuses to share this information you should not work with them.
Treatment
Unlike when someone is a child, the decision of whether or not to tackle ADHD as an adult is up to the person. Although being diagnosed with ADHD may seem daunting initially, there are a number of options for adults to treat their symptoms and improve functioning.
Most health care providers will use a thorough evaluation process to determine the condition of an individual. This may include a description of the symptoms provided by the individual or his close family, friends members and teachers; completing of questionnaires and scales; a full medical and psychiatric history; and occasionally an appointment with a physician for a physical examination.
A doctor will use 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 symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. Symptoms must also have been present prior to age 12. The assessment will look at how the symptoms impact the individual's daily life. Examples of impairment are losing work due to issues at work, a lot of conflict in relationships, financial issues or not making payments on time.
In addition to a clinical interview, a complete evaluation will typically include psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functioning (abilities like decision-making and planning) as well as spatial and visual abilities and reasoning. These tests are conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in ADHD treatment.
For some people, behavioral therapy can help in reducing their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good example. It helps a person learn how to control his own behavior and how to improve confidence in himself. It can also help the patient learn to cope with the root causes that cause his symptoms worse.
A few people suffering from ADHD decide to participate in a clinical study, which is a research study designed to test new ways to identify the presence of diseases, or to prevent or treat them. Discuss with your health care doctor about the potential risks and benefits of participating in a trial.
Counseling
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have lived with the condition for many years. It doesn't matter if it's a problem with their job or relationship problems or stress from living with ADHD can cause someone to realize that they require professional help. If you're an adult diagnosed with ADHD and a therapist who specializes in the disorder can help you. A neurologist or psychiatrist can prescribe medication. If you're not sure how to find these health care specialists, consult your primary physician or the organization CHADD for suggestions.
During the initial evaluation, a mental health professional might ask you questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The therapist may also review your medical history to determine if emotional or physical issues may have contributed to the development of your ADHD. The therapist will interview you as well as, if necessary your significant other. It is crucial that both partners or spouses take part in the test to get a better understanding of each other's ADHD symptoms and their effects on their relationship.
The therapist will evaluate the symptoms you are experiencing with the diagnostic criteria laid out by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). They will then determine the degree of ADHD you have moderate, mild or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions, and your home.
After assessing your health issues, the health professional will suggest different treatment options. These could include changes to your lifestyle, medication, and therapy. Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapies, which can help you change negative thoughts patterns and boost self-esteem. They can also refer to brain training or neurofeedback which are non-pharmacological treatment strategies that increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Online telehealth services like Amwell can connect you with specialists in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell works with over 40+ insurance companies and typically requires a copay or meets your deductible for out-of-pocket visits. Thriveworks is a different option, which provides online counseling and can also manage medication.