How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some people feel relief knowing that they finally understand their struggles while others experience sorrow because they missed out on opportunities due to symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by examining the person's mood as well as their past and current medical and mental health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experiences. The test usually includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to specifics. Most of the time, these issues stem from other underlying problems such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Making sure you are diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that can cause destruction in both professional and personal life.
adult diagnosis of adhd begin in childhood and persist throughout adulthood. For a person to receive a diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their life in at least two areas (home school, work and home) and cause significant impairment. To meet the criteria they must last for at least six month and cannot be caused by mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
In addition to examining the patient's symptoms, the health care provider will review their medical history and mental health history. adhd diagnosis adult will also talk to the person, and if possible their family members, to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health professional will also speak to the patient's teachers and go over their current work and home settings.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive version of ADHD, a person must exhibit six or less inattention symptoms that are severe enough to hinder their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric examination is usually enough for a health professional to determine if someone has ADHD. This may include a lengthy interview with the individual as well as their family members, caregivers and teachers, in addition to completing scales and questionnaires. The health care provider will also review the person's medical, psychiatric and family histories and may refer the patient to a physical exam in order to rule out possible causes for his or her symptoms. He or she will also examine the person's sleep habits eating habits, diet and work home environment to determine any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may be suffering from ADHD it is recommended that you consult a doctor who is an expert in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will be looking to find out if you have difficulty completing tasks, if you often lose items, or are unable to remember where you left your keys. They might also ask a question about whether or not these problems create stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over the medical history and physical exam. This information will aid your doctor in determining other conditions which may mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD, such a depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.
It's likely your healthcare professional will ask family members or other caregivers regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in various settings such as at school, work or with scouts or religious leaders. Your doctor might also request that you fill out self-tests or a rating scale to assess your symptoms. They are available on the internet, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face interview with your physician.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet a lower threshold of symptoms than for kids -- five out of nine signs over a six-month period. You must also be able demonstrate a significant impact on your school, work as well as your home life.
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 examine the way 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 problems. Ask your doctor or support group to send you to a medical professional who is able to conduct ADHD tests on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out which doctors are included.
Treatment
The medication is often the first option for many people with ADHD. Drugs like amphetamine or methylphenidate boost or regulate levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and behaviors. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better and stay focused, control their impulses and make more reasonable decisions, improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behavior.
There are also non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants that are slower than stimulants but can still be effective for some people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication which is best for a person may change as time passes. It is essential to discuss with the medical professional who is in the process of evaluating all options.
A medical professional with expertise in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This includes an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires and a review of family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions like sleep disorders, as well as other physical illnesses. A appointment to a medical exam may also be included to rule out any medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take some time. This is especially true in the case of an adult who has had to struggle to manage symptoms for a long time. The assessment should be thorough and therefore, the patient should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at school or at work. The healthcare professional might ask permission to speak with relatives or close friends to get a full understanding of the individual's past experiences and behavior.
For adults, diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is common for people to experience a mixture of emotions, from relief finally getting a reason for their issues to sadness over the loss of opportunities and relationships that were damaged by untreated ADHD. Matlen, however, says that following the diagnosis, she was able make changes in her life, including her career and relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is a crucial step for people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. Fortunately, there are many ways to locate a specialist in your area. Start by asking your doctor for the referral. He or she may have a list of specialists who have experience treating ADHD. You can also search on the internet. There are many websites that offer directories of doctors and include details about their areas of focus and specialty. Another option is to ask for a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also call your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
It is important to be honest when visiting the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. This involves discussing how ADHD symptoms affect your life and the effect they have on other people. It's also important to discuss your past and current medical background. This will help the therapist determine if you have any conditions like anxiety or depression that may have similar symptoms.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a therapist will likely conduct interviews and use standard rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist may also ask for input from other caregivers, such as teachers or religious and scout leaders, to obtain a complete image of the individual's behavior in different situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be dissatisfied and embarrassed by their issues and be reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can compromise the accuracy of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults who have ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
It is important to realize that the diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will prescribe medication. While some individuals who suffer from ADHD require medication, there are a number of treatments that are successful, including behavioral therapy. These treatments can be used alongside medication or as an alternative treatment.