How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult. Some people feel relief knowing that they finally understand their struggles while others experience sadness because they missed out on opportunities in life because of symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A mental health professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the person's mood, previous and current mental and physical ailments and their childhood behavior and experiences at school. The evaluation includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require mental effort or attention to detail. These problems are usually caused by other underlying conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in controlling issues that can cause chaos on a personal and professional level is to get a proper ADHD diagnosis.
Symptoms of ADHD typically appear in the early years of childhood and persist throughout adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at least two aspects of a person's daily life (home, school, and at work). For symptoms to meet the criteria, they must have lasted at least six month and cannot be caused by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
In addition to looking into the person's symptoms as well as their health history, the healthcare professional will review their medical history and mental health history. They will also talk to the patient and, if possible, relatives to get perspective on the child's behavior. The health care provider may also review the patient's current workplace and home environment and speak with their teachers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition released by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, one 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 health care professional can usually identify a person suffering from ADHD through an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This includes an in-depth interview with the individual and their parents, as well as any caregivers or teachers, as well as answering questionnaires or scales. The health care provider may also examine the person's medical, psychiatric or family history and refer the individual to a physical exam to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. He or she will examine the individual's sleep patterns, diet, and work and home environments to determine if stressors could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a doctor who is an expert in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the effects on your life. They'll likely want to know how often you experience difficulty completing tasks, how often you lose things or forget where you have put your keys, and if these issues cause stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and physical examination. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD, such a depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.
Your health care provider may interview caregivers, family members and friends about your conduct. They'll also discuss your behavior in different situations, like at work, school or with your scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also request that you fill out a self-test or rating scale to assess your symptoms. These are available online, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-toface consultation with your physician.
Adults have to meet a lower threshold than children to be formally diagnosed with ADHD that is five out of nine symptoms within the span of six months. Additionally, you'll need to have an impact on your school, work 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 usually examine the way your brain functions and can help determine if you have coexisting mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief she could pinpoint a cause for her issues. Ask your doctor or support group to send you to a medical professional who is able to conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also call your insurance company to determine which providers are listed.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD, medication is the first choice for treatment. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost or regulate levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people with ADHD focus better and stay organized and in control of their impulses. They can also help them make more rational decisions improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behaviors.
There are also getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants which work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for patients with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for an individual can change over time. It is essential to discuss with the healthcare professional in the process of evaluating all options.
A health specialist with expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the person in addition to the completion of questionnaires and scales for the individual and an examination of the family history of mood disorders, as well as medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical examination could also be a possibility to rule out medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take some time. This is especially true when you are an adult who has had to struggle to cope with symptoms over a long time. The evaluation should be thorough which is why the person should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations from work or school. The healthcare professional can ask for permission to speak with family members or acquaintances to gain an understanding of the individual's past behaviors and experiences.
For adults, diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience. Many people experience a range of emotions, from relief at finally having a concrete reason for their problems, to a sense of grief at the lost opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. Matlen however, states that after being diagnosed, she was able make changes in her life, which included her work and relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are aware that seeking help from a therapist is a crucial step. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. There are a variety of ways to locate a specialist in the area. Ask your regular doctor to refer you. He or she may have a list of specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also look on the internet. There are getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult of websites that provide directories of doctors, and provide information on their areas of focus and specialty. Asking family members or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also call your local mental health center or an ADHD support group for suggestions.
It is essential to be honest when you visit a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. This includes discussing how ADHD symptoms affect your life, as well as the impact they have on other people. It is also essential to discuss your past and current medical history. This allows the therapist to identify any illnesses such as anxiety or depression that could exhibit similar symptoms.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and employ standard scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also seek out other caregivers to provide their feedback, such as teachers, religious leaders or scouts and scout leaders to obtain a true picture of the behavior of the individual in different situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their issues and may be reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can impact the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults with ADHD can assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to understand that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that the counselor will immediately prescribe medication. While some individuals who suffer from ADHD do need to take medication but there are plenty of treatments that are effective, including behavioral therapy. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.