How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some feel relief at finally being able to recognize their challenges, while others feel remorse that they have missed opportunities to live their lives due to symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health care provider or mental health professional can determine ADHD by looking at the person's mood as well as their past and current mental and physical health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experiences. The evaluation includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to the details. Most of the time, these issues stem from other underlying problems like depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in controlling the symptoms that cause trouble at a personal as well as professional level is to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis.
The signs of ADHD typically appear in childhood and last into adulthood. To be eligible for an diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their life in at least two areas (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. For symptoms to meet this criteria they must last for at least six month and cannot be caused by other mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
The health care provider will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. They will also talk to the person and in the event that it is possible, family members to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health care provider may review the patient's present working and home environments, and discuss the patient's schooling with them.
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 form of ADHD, a person must exhibit six or less 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 assessment is typically enough for a health professional to identify someone with ADHD. This includes an in-depth interview with the individual as well as his or her parents, and any caregivers or educators, as well answering questionnaires or scales. The health professional will also look over the individual's medical, psychiatric and family history. They might refer the person for a physical examination to rule out any other reasons for their symptoms. He or she will examine the person's sleeping habits, diet, workplace and home environments to assess stressors which could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD is important to consult a medical provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the effects on your life. They'll want to know if are having trouble completing tasks, if it is common to lose things, or forget where you left your keys. They might also inquire about whether or not these problems result in stress at work, home or in relationships. Your doctor will also review the medical history and physical exam. This information will aid your doctor in determining other conditions which may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such a sleep disorders, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems.
It's likely that your health care provider will question family members or other caregivers about your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different settings such as at work, school or with religious or scout leaders. You may be asked to complete self-tests to identify your symptoms. You can find these online, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face appointment with your physician.
Adults have to meet a lower threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms in the course of six months. You will also need to be able to show significant impact on your work, school, and 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 functions and can determine if there are coexisting mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can trigger complex emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she had a solid reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or support group to send you to a medical professional who can perform ADHD assessments on adults. You can also contact your insurance provider to determine which providers are listed.
Treatment
The medication is often the first choice for people suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are used to increase or balancing neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that regulate behavior and attention. They can help some people with ADHD concentrate and remain well-organized. They can also control their impulses, make more rational decisions enhance communication, and lessen impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant drugs, like atomoxetine, or some antidepressants are slower to work than stimulants. However they are effective in treating some patients with ADHD. The type of medication that is most effective for a particular person can change over time, so it is important to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional who conducts the evaluation.
A health care professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the patient in addition to the answering questionnaires and completing scales by the person and an examination of family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, like sleep disorders and physical ailments. A referral for an examination by a doctor could be added to rule out a possible medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take some time. This is especially the case if you are an adult who has had to struggle to manage symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be comprehensive, so the individual should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance assessments at work or school. The healthcare professional may ask permission to speak with relatives or close friends to get a full picture of the individual's previous experiences and behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on their lives. It is common for people to feel a mixture of emotions, from relief finally getting a reason for their issues to sadness over the loss of opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis and was able to make changes in her life and continue to move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is a crucial step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist can be challenging. Luckily, there are several ways to locate a specialist in your area. Start by asking your physician for a referral. They might have a list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also search on the internet. There are diagnosis of adhd of websites that have directories of doctors, and provide details about their areas of expertise and areas of expertise. Another alternative is to request recommendations from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center, or an ADHD support group to receive recommendations.
When you see a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as transparent as you can. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life, as well as the impact they have on others. It is important to discuss your medical history, both past and present. history. This will help the therapist rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, for example anxiety or depression.
In addition to observing the individual's behavior, the psychotherapist is likely to conduct interviews and use standard rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist may also seek out other caregivers for their input for example, teachers, religious leaders, or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of behavior of a person in various situations.
Adults with ADHD may feel embarrassed and frustrated by their issues and be reluctant to talk about the issues. This can impact the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults who have ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is crucial to understand that having a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapist will prescribe medications. While some people suffering from ADHD may require medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that can be extremely efficient. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.