How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be difficult. Some people feel relieved at finally understanding their struggles, while others are sad that they missed out on opportunities in life due to symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A health care professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by looking at the mood of a person and past mental and medical health issues as well as their childhood behavior and school experiences. The assessment usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized scales of rating.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require mental focus or concentration. Most of the time, these issues result from other underlying issues such as depression or addiction disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in getting control of symptoms that wreak chaos in your professional and personal life.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood and last throughout adulthood. To be diagnosis adhd for a diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their life in at least two areas (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. For symptoms to meet this criteria, they must have lasted at least six month and cannot be caused by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
The health care professional will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. They will also talk to the patient and, if possible, their family members, to gain an understanding of childhood behavior. The health professional will also talk to the patient's teachers and review their current work and home environments.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. In general, in order to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD, an individual must have six or more inattention symptoms that are severe enough to hinder 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 is usually able to determine if a person has ADHD by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This will include an extensive interview with the individual, his or her family members and any caregivers or teachers, as well as taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care professional will also review the person’s medical, psychiatric and family history and refer the individual to a physical exam in order to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. They will also look at the person's sleeping habits, diet and work and home environment to assess any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD, it's important to visit a health care specialist who is specialized in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will likely want to know how often you have trouble finishing tasks, how often you lose items or forget where you have put your keys, and if these issues cause stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also review the medical history and physical exam. This information will allow them to rule out other conditions that can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD, such as sleep disorders, depression and anxiety or thyroid issues.
Your health care provider may interview caregivers, family members and friends regarding your behavior. They'll also talk about your behavior in various settings, such as at work and school, or with your religious or scout leaders. You may be asked to complete a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available online but they should not be used in lieu of the face-to-face consultation with your physician.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet a lower threshold of symptoms than for kids -- five out of nine symptoms in the course of six months. You must also be able to show significant impact in 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 works, and determine if there are any mental disorders that coexist, such as anxiety or depression.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can cause complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger at missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete reason for her troubles. Consult your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a health professional who can conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out the providers that are listed.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD treatment is the first choice for treatment. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behavior. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better and stay focused, control their impulses and make more reasonable decisions improve communication and relationships and decrease impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or certain antidepressants, are slower to work than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating some people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication that is most effective for a particular person will change over time. It is crucial to discuss with the healthcare professional who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A health specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This may include an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires and a review family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions like sleep disorders, and other physical illnesses. A appointment to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
The assessment will likely take a while, especially if the person is an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms for a long time. The assessment should be thorough which is why the person should bring old report cards and copies of their performance assessments at work or school. The healthcare professional can request permission to talk with family members and close friends to get an understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.
For adults, getting an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. People typically experience a variety of emotions, from relief to finally having an answer to their struggles, to grief over the missed opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that after being diagnosed, she was able make changes in her life, which included her work and relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is an important step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. Fortunately, there are many methods to locate a therapist in your area. Request your physician to refer you. They may have a list of specialists who are acquainted with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also try looking for them online. There are many websites which list doctors, as well as information on their specialties as well as areas of focus. Asking your family or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also contact your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is essential to be honest when visiting an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD. This involves discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect your life and the impact they have on others. It's also important to discuss your past and current medical history. This helps the therapist to determine if you have any conditions like anxiety or depression that may exhibit similar symptoms.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a therapy therapist may conduct interviews and employ standardized rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist could also ask for feedback from other caregivers, like teachers or religious or scout leaders to get an accurate image of the individual's behavior in different environments.
Adults with ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their symptoms and may be reluctant to discuss them. This can limit the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is also important to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapy provider will automatically prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD require medication, there are a number of treatments that are efficient, such as the use of behavioral therapy. These treatment methods can be used alongside medication or as a stand-alone treatment.