ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD might have symptoms similar to those experienced by people suffering from depression or anxiety. This is why it's important to have a thorough evaluation by an expert in mental health or health care professional.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms from your early years. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or interviews with professionals and teachers who know you.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to keep up with daily tasks, such as managing one's time and planning ahead. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to have a difficult time at work, to be unable to keep up in schools, and to notice that their relationships suffer because they tend to miss important events or show up late to events. They may also have trouble staying focused on conversations or appear distracted with eyes that are glazed over.
The diagnosis of ADHD is based on an evaluation of the symptoms. They must have resisted for at least six months, and caused problems in more than one area of their lives. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD might not be aware that they have a problem but everyday frustrations can prompt them to seek out help. They may start to fall behind at work because they fail to meet deadlines or are unable to concentrate during meetings or lectures. Friendships can suffer when they sabotage plans or fail to listen to their companions and their family lives may be a struggle due to their inability to stay on track on household chores.
In addition to a thorough interview, a trained professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or testing for learning disabilities depending on the need. Based on the individual's particular problems, these tests can provide valuable information on the ways in which ADHD affects the person and determine whether or not there are comorbidities. Anxiety can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD and depression is often associated with ADHD.
It is crucial to select an expert who has experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. The qualified professionals include doctors, clinical psychologists or clinical social workers. It is possible to find the right specialist by asking friends or colleagues, but it is also wise to do some research to make sure the expert you select is licensed and certified in your state. You can also look up the professional background of a specialist and ask for references from previous patients or clients. These steps will aid you in finding the most suitable person to test you or your child for ADHD. If a diagnosis is confirmed it can be a great relief to many adults. They can stop worrying that their failures result from laziness or lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on learning how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis for ADHD. Many of the symptoms of ADHD could be attributed to other factors, such as stress or medical issues. Gender, sexes and race may influence a person's diagnosis. For example women and people of color may be diagnosed with the disorder more often than men and whites. This means that some adults struggling with the symptoms of ADHD do not receive the assistance they need until much later in their lives.
A mental health professional can confirm an ADHD diagnosis by conducting a comprehensive evaluation that looks at the person's behavior and history of symptoms over time. They will ask about the symptoms, and consult with people who are familiar with the symptoms. They might ask the spouse or parents of the person how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient is expected to fill out questionnaires and may be subjected to a series of tests, which could include a psychological evaluation and an interview.
For a diagnosis to be granted, the patient must demonstrate that at least five signs have been present for a minimum of 12 months, and that the symptoms are causing impairments 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. It's also important for the doctor to determine that these symptoms were present prior age 12.
During the assessment the examiner will look at the person's personal and family history, their medical history, their mood and anxiety disorders, other mental health conditions, and their use of drugs and other physical ailments. In reality, it's not unusual for these other conditions to co-exist with ADHD.
It is crucial to find a professional who has expertise in treating adults with ADHD. Most qualified professionals will be willing to share information about their education and experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to share this information you should stay clear of working with them.
Treatment
Unlike when someone is a child, the decision of whether or to treat ADHD as an adult is entirely up to the person. While a diagnosis can be a bit 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 care professionals will employ a thorough evaluation process to determine the health of a person. This may include a detailed description of the symptoms by the patient, his friends, family members and teachers. It may also involve the submission of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will apply diagnostic guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) that requires an individual to demonstrate at least five symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity. The symptoms must have been present prior to age 12. The assessment will look at how the symptoms impact the person's daily activities. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of issues at work, excessive conflict and distress in relationships, not paying bills on time or being in financial trouble and not making enough academic progress in school.
A comprehensive assessment could include as well as the clinical interview, psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory, (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning abilities. These tests are conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD treatment.
For some people the use of behavioral therapy could help in reducing their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an example. It teaches a person how to control his own behavior, and how to increase confidence in himself. It also helps the individual learn how to cope with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD opt to take part in a clinical trial which is a research study that aims to test new ways to prevent and treat diseases and conditions. Talk to your health care provider about any risks and benefits associated with taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many people who are given an ADHD diagnosis have lived with the disorder for years. If it's discontent with their job or relationship problems or stress from living with ADHD can finally make someone realize that they require professional help. If you're an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD and a therapist who specializes in the disorder can help you. A psychiatrist or neurologist can prescribe medication. If you're not sure where to find these health care experts, ask your primary care physician or contact the CHADD organization CHADD for recommendations.
During an initial assessment, the mental health professional will inquire with you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The therapist will also go through your medical documents to determine if any physical or emotional issues may have contributed to your ADHD. The therapist will talk to you, and if appropriate your significant other. Both spouses or partners should participate in the assessment. This will help them better understand each one's ADHD symptoms, and how they impact their relationship.
The therapist will analyze the symptoms you have presented by using the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Assocation's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). The therapist will determine whether you have moderate, mild, or severe ADHD. They'll also talk about the impact of your ADHD on your work, social interactions and your home life.
After assessing your symptoms, the health care professional will suggest treatment options. adhd diagnosed could include medication, lifestyle changes, and therapy. Your doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral treatment, which can boost your self-esteem and assist you in changing negative thinking patterns. They can also refer to brain training or neurofeedback which are non-pharmacological treatment methods which increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Amwell, an online telehealth service, can connect you with a doctor who is specialized in ADHD for evaluations and medications. Amwell is a telehealth service that has a partnership with more than 40 insurance companies. They typically require a copay or to meet your deductible if you pay out of pocket. Another option is Thriveworks, which offers online therapy and can also provide medication management.