How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some people feel relieved that they can finally comprehend their struggles while others experience grief because they missed out on opportunities in life due to symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A health care provider or mental health professional can determine ADHD by examining the person's mood and past mental and physical health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experiences. The evaluation includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to specifics. These problems are usually caused by other conditions like depression or substance abuse disorders. Making sure you are diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in getting control of the symptoms that wreak chaos in your professional and personal life.
The signs of ADHD generally begin in the early years of childhood and persist throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two areas of a person's life (home, school, and at work). For symptoms to be considered to meet this requirement to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six month and cannot be explained by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
The health care provider will also look over the patient's medical and mental history. They will also talk with the person and, if they are able, their family members, to gain a perspective on the behavior of children. The health care provider will also speak to the patient's teacher and review their current home and work environments.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with the inattentive version of ADHD, one must show six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to affect their daily activities. 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 care professional to identify someone with ADHD. This will include an extensive interview with the individual and their parents, and any caregivers or teachers, as well as answering questionnaires or scales. The health care professional will also examine the person's medical, psychiatric, and family history and refer the person for a physical examination to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. They will also examine the person's sleep habits eating habits, diet and work the home environment to identify any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD, you should consult a doctor who is an expert in the field. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the impact on your daily life. They'll want to know how often you experience trouble finishing tasks, how often you lose items or forget where you put your keys, and if these issues cause stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and physical exam. This information can help your doctor rule out other conditions which may mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD, such a depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid issues or depression.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers, and friends about your behavior. They'll also inquire about your behavior in different environments, such as at work and school, or with your religious or scout leaders. You might be asked to take a self-test to determine your symptoms. They are available online, but should not be used in lieu of a face-toface interview with your doctor.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD is based on the threshold of symptoms lower than children -- five out of nine signs over the course of six months. Additionally, you'll need to have an impact on your school, work and personal 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 works, and will determine if you are mental disorders that coexist such as anxiety or depression.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete reason for her problems. Consult your doctor or local support group to send you to a medical professional who can conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also inquire with your insurance company to learn which providers are listed on their 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 referred to as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behaviors. They can help some people with ADHD concentrate better and stay focused, control their impulses and make more rational choices, improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behaviors.
There are also non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants which work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a particular person may change as time passes. It is important to discuss with the healthcare professional in the process of evaluating all options.
A health care professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the person as well as the completion of questionnaires and scales by the individual as well as a review of family history and mood disorders as well as medical conditions, such as sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical exam can also be recommended to rule out any medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take some time. adult diagnosis of adhd is especially true if you are an adult who has had to struggle to manage symptoms for a long time. The assessment should be thorough, so the individual should bring their old reports and copies of their performance evaluations from school or at work. The healthcare professional could request permission to speak with family members or friends to gain an understanding of the person's previous behavior and experiences.
For adults, receiving diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is common for people to experience various emotions, ranging from relief at finally having a concrete explanation for their problems to sadness over the loss of opportunities and relationships that were damaged by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed she was able to make changes in her life and continue to move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD need assistance from a therapist can be an essential step. However, finding the right therapist may be challenging. There are many ways to find a therapist in the area. Request your physician to recommend you. They may have an extensive list of specialists who are acquainted with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also search online. There are a variety of websites that offer directories of doctors and include details about their areas of focus and specialization. Asking your family or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also contact your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
If you visit an experienced therapist in treating ADHD, it is important to be as honest as you can. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life and the effect they have on other people. It is essential to discuss your past and present medical background. This helps the doctor rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, for example anxiety or depression.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and employ standardized scales to measure the severity of the symptoms. The therapist may solicit input from other caregivers, like teachers or religious and scout leaders, to get an accurate assessment of the person's behavior in different settings.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel overwhelmed and irritated by their problems and may are reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can impact the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD is usually able to assist them to overcome these obstacles.
It is also important to know that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapist will immediately prescribe medication. While some people who suffer from ADHD do need to take medication however, there are a variety of treatments that are effective, including behavioral therapy. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or they can be utilized as an alternative treatment.