How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some people feel relief that they have finally come to terms with their difficulties and others feel grief 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 based on a person's mood, their past and current mental and physical ailments, as well as their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The test usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to specifics. These problems are usually caused by other conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in getting control of symptoms that wreak destruction in both professional and personal life.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood and last throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two areas of a person's daily life (home, school, and work). To meet this criteria they must last for at least six months and cannot be explained by other mental disorders like mood disorders, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
In addition to looking into the person's symptoms, the health care provider will review their medical history and mental health history. He or she will talk with the person, and if possible their family members, in order to gain a perspective on the behavior of children. The health care professional might also review the patient's current work and home environments and talk with their teachers.
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 type of ADHD, an individual must have six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to affect their daily 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 determine if a person has ADHD by conducting an extensive psychiatric assessment. This may include a lengthy interview with the person and their family and any caregivers or teachers, as well as answering questionnaires and scales. The health professional may also review the person’s medical, psychiatric and family background and refer the patient to a physical exam to determine the cause of symptoms. They will also take a look at the person's sleeping habits eating habits, diet and work home environment to determine any stressors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD, you should consult a specialist doctor in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will be looking to find out if you are struggling to complete tasks, if you frequently lose things, or if you forget where you left your keys. They might ask whether or not these problems result in stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and physical examination. This information will aid your doctor in determining other conditions which may mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health professional could interview family members, caregivers and friends about your conduct. They will also discuss your behavior in various situations like at work, school or with scouts or religious leaders. You might be asked to take self-tests to identify your symptoms. These are available online however, they shouldn't be used to replace an in-person visit with your doctor.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet an upper threshold of symptoms than children -- five out of nine symptoms in the course of six months. You will also need to be able to show significant impact on your work, school 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 look at how your brain functions, and will determine if you are mental disorders that coexist such as depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can trigger complicated emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief she could pinpoint a cause for her troubles. Ask your doctor or local support group for a referral to a health care professional who can conduct ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also check with your insurance company to learn which providers are on its list.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD medication is the first choice for treatment. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behaviors. They can help people 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 nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants which work more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for some people with ADHD. The type of medication that works best for a particular person can change over time, so it is crucial to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional who conducts the test.
adhd diagnostic with expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment which includes an interview with the patient in addition to the answering questionnaires and completing scales by the person and an examination of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, such as sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take some time. This is especially the case when you are an adult who has had to struggle to deal with symptoms for a long time. The assessment should be thorough, so the individual should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations from school or at work. The healthcare professional may request permission to talk with family members or friends to gain an understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. People often feel a mix of emotions, from relief to finally have an answer to their struggles, to grief over the missed opportunities and relationships resulting from 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 with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD need assistance from a therapist is an essential step. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. Fortunately, there are many ways to locate a specialist in your area. Begin by asking your doctor for an appointment. They may have a list of specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also look online. There are numerous websites that list doctors, including details about their specialties and areas of expertise. Asking family members or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also call your local mental health center or ADHD support group to get recommendations.
It is crucial to be honest when visiting an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD. It is important to discuss the ways that ADHD affects your life as well as the lives of other people. It is essential to discuss your medical background. This will help the counselor rule out any other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms, for example anxiety or depression.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and utilize standardized scales to gauge the severity of the symptoms. The therapist may solicit input from other caregivers, such as teachers or religious and scout leaders, to obtain a complete image of the individual's behavior in various environments.
Adults with ADHD may feel embarrassed and frustrated by their problems and may be reluctant to talk about the issues. This can impact the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults with ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
It is also important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapy provider will immediately prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD might require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be extremely efficient. These treatments can be utilized in conjunction with medication or as separate treatments.