How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy to accept. Some people feel relieved at finally being able to recognize their challenges, while others are sad that they have missed out on life opportunities because of the symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A mental health professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the mood of a person, their present and past mental and physical ailments, as well as their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The evaluation includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People with ADHD are unable to complete tasks that require concentration or focus on detail. These issues are often caused by other underlying issues such as depression or abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards getting control of the symptoms that wreak chaos in your professional and personal life.
The symptoms of ADHD typically appear in the early years of childhood and persist into adulthood. For a person to receive an diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their life in at least two areas (home school, work and home) and cause significant impairment. For symptoms to be considered to meet this criteria, they must have lasted at least six months and cannot be explained by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
In addition to looking into the patient's symptoms as well as their health history, the healthcare professional will review their medical history and mental health history. He or she will interview the patient as well as, if possible, family members to get perspective on childhood behavior. The health professional will also speak to the patient's teachers and review their current work and home settings.
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 type of ADHD, an individual must show six or fewer inattention symptoms 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 assessment is typically enough for a healthcare professional to determine if someone has ADHD. This will include an in-depth interview with the individual as well as his or her parents, and any other caregivers or teachers, in addition to answering questionnaires or scales. The health care provider may also examine the person's medical, psychiatric and family background and refer the patient for a physical examination to determine the cause of symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleeping habits as well as their diet, work and home environment to determine any stressors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a doctor who is an expert in the field. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will be looking to find out if you are having trouble completing tasks, if you often lose items, or forget where you left your keys. They might ask whether or not these problems result in stress at work, home or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over the medical history and physical examination. This will help them identify other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like sleep disorders, depression and anxiety or a thyroid issue.
It's likely your health care provider will question family members, friends and other caregivers about your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different situations, such as at school, work or with scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also request that you fill out an assessment or self-test to determine the severity of your symptoms. They are available online, but they should not be used to replace an in-person visit with your doctor.
Adults must meet a lower threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms within the span of six months. You must also be able to demonstrate a significant impact in 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 can determine if there are mental disorders that coexist such as anxiety or depression.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can create a variety of emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger at missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete reason for her troubles. Ask your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a health professional who performs ADHD assessments for adults. You can also contact your insurance company to determine which doctors are included.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD medication is the first choice for treatment. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine work by increasing or balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people with ADHD focus better and stay focused manage their impulses, make more rational decisions, improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behaviors.
There are also nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants that are slower than stimulants but can still be effective for some people with ADHD. The type of medication that works best for a person's needs may change over time, which is why it is essential to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional conducting the evaluation.
A health professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the patient in addition to the answering questionnaires and completing scales for the individual, and a review of family history and mood disorders as well as medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A appointment to a medical exam may also be included to rule out any medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take some time. This is especially the case if you are an adult who has struggled to manage symptoms for several years. The evaluation should be thorough and therefore, the patient should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at work or school. The healthcare professional could ask for permission to speak with family members and close friends to get an understanding of the person's previous behavior and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on their lives. adhd diagnosing is normal for people to experience a mixture of emotions, from relief at finally having a concrete explanation for their issues to sadness over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed and was able to begin making changes in her life and move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is a crucial step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. However, finding the right therapist may be a challenge. There are a variety of ways to find a therapist in the area. Ask your doctor to refer you. He or she may have an extensive list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look on the internet. There are many websites that offer directories of doctors that include details on their areas of expertise and specialization. Asking family members or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also reach out to your local mental health center, or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is essential to be honest when you visit an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD. It is important to discuss the ways that ADHD affects your life and on others. It is also essential to discuss your medical history. This will help the therapist rule out conditions such as anxiety or depression that may exhibit similar symptoms.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and use standardized scales to measure the severity of the symptoms. The therapist might also ask other caregivers to provide their feedback for example, teachers, religious leaders or scout and scout leaders in order to get an accurate picture of the behavior of the individual in various situations.
Adults with ADHD may feel embarrassed and frustrated by their symptoms and are reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can affect the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
It is important to realize that having a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD require medication however, there are a variety of treatments that are successful, including behavioral therapy. These treatments can be utilized with medication or as standalone treatments.