ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD might suffer from symptoms similar to those experienced by people suffering from depression or anxiety. This is why it's important to have an in-depth evaluation by a mental health professional or health care professional.
Your doctor will inquire about your health issues since your childhood. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires or interview with teachers and professionals who know you.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to manage daily tasks like scheduling and managing time. People who aren't diagnosed with ADHD are often unable to perform at their best at work, struggle with staying on top of their studies and find that their relationships suffer because they tend to forget important dates or arrive late to events. They might also have difficulty staying focused in conversations or seem to be distracted by an eerie look.
The symptoms are assessed to determine whether ADHD is present. They must have resisted for at minimum six months and caused difficulties in multiple areas of their lives. Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may not be aware that they have a problem however, everyday stress can cause them to seek out help. They may start to slip behind in their work because they miss deadlines or are unable to concentrate during meetings or lectures. Friendships may be affected if they don't follow through with plans or fail to listen to their friends. Family life can be affected if they're unable to complete household chores.
In addition to a thorough interview, a qualified professional can conduct neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests depending on the need. Based on the individual's particular issues, these tests may give valuable information about the ways in which ADHD affects the person and determine whether or not there are comorbidities. For example, anxiety can cause similar symptoms to ADHD and depression frequently occurs with ADHD.
It is crucial to choose a specialist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Professionals who are certified include clinical psychologists, physicians or clinical social professionals. You can locate an expert by asking colleagues or friends for recommendations, however you should conduct some research and make sure that the expert is certified and licensed within your state. You can also research the specialist's professional background and request references of past patients or clients. These steps can assist you in finding the right person to test you or your child for ADHD. If a diagnosis is confirmed it can be a massive relief for many adults. They can stop worrying that their failures result from laziness or a lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on figuring out how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms could be due to other causes such as stress or a medical condition. Gender, sexes or race may play a part in the diagnosis of a patient. For instance women and people of color might be diagnosed with the disorder more often than whites and males. Certain adults who exhibit ADHD symptoms are not diagnosed until later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis by conducting a comprehensive evaluation that examines the person's behavior and their history of symptoms over time. They will interview the patient about their symptoms, and will also speak to those who are familiar with their condition. They may ask their spouse, parents or friends of the patient how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient is required to complete questionnaires, and could be subjected to several tests, including a psychological assessment and an interview.
To be eligible for a diagnosis, the person will need to prove that they have had several of the symptoms for at least 12 months, and that they are currently experiencing impairment in two different areas of their lives like work, school or in relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. The doctor must also prove that the symptoms started before the age of 12 years old.
During the evaluation the examiner will look at the person's family and personal background as well as their medical history as well as their anxiety and mood disorders, other mental health issues, as well as their substance use and physical conditions. In fact, it isn't uncommon for some of these other conditions to co-exist with ADHD.
It is essential to find an expert in mental health that has worked with adults suffering from ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to offer their knowledge and experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to provide this information, it's best not to work with them.
Treatment
The choice to treat ADHD in adults is up to each individual. While the diagnosis can be overwhelming, there are many options for adults who wish to improve their performance and manage their symptoms.
The majority of health professionals use an extensive evaluation procedure to assess a patient's condition. This may include a detailed description of the symptoms by the patient or his family, friends and teachers. It may also involve the completion of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) released by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that an individual demonstrate at least five signs of hyperactivity or inattention, or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must also have been present before the age of 12. The assessment will look at how the symptoms impact the person's daily life. Examples of impairment could include losing a job due problems in the workplace or excessive conflict and stress in relationships, not paying bills on time, being in financial trouble and not making adequate academic progress in school.
In addition to a clinical interview, a thorough assessment will often include psychological tests to measure executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities and reasoning. These tests can be administered by a psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in ADHD treatment.
For some people who are suffering from behavioral issues, therapy may be beneficial in managing 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 here in himself. It also teaches the patient how to deal with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
A few people suffering from ADHD opt 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. Patients should speak to their health care provider about the risks and benefits of taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD have been suffering from the disorder for a long time. If it's discontent with their job or relationship issues or the stress of living with ADHD can cause someone to realize they need professional help. If you're an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD and a therapist who specializes in the disorder could help you. A psychiatrist or neurologist can also prescribe medication. If you're not sure where to find these health experts, ask your primary physician or the CHADD. CHADD for suggestions.
In the initial assessment an expert in mental health might ask you questions about your symptoms and the impact they have on your daily life. The therapist might also look over your medical history to determine if physical or emotional problems could be the cause of your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your significant other in the event that it is appropriate. Each spouse or partner are required to participate in the test. This will allow them to better know each the other's ADHD symptoms, and how they impact their relationship.
The therapist will analyze the symptoms you are experiencing by using the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). They'll then determine what degree of ADHD you are suffering from mild, moderate or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions, and your home.
After assessing your symptoms, the health professional will suggest treatment options. This could include lifestyle changes, therapy and medications. Your doctor may suggest cognitive-behavioral treatment, which can boost your self-esteem and help you change negative thought patterns. They can also refer to brain training or neurofeedback which are non-pharmacological treatment methods that increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Amwell, an online telehealth service, can connect you to a healthcare professional who is trained in ADHD for assessment and treatment. Amwell is a telehealth provider which works with more than 40 insurance companies. They typically require a copay or to meet your deductible when you pay out from your the pocket. Thriveworks is another option, that offers online counseling, and can help you manage medication.