How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be difficult. Some people feel relieved at finally understanding their struggles, while others are sad for having missed opportunities to live their lives due to symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD based on a person's mood, their past and current medical and mental conditions and their childhood behaviour and school experiences. The assessment usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized scales of rating.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental energy over time or paying attention to specifics. These issues are often caused by other conditions like depression or substance abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards getting control of the symptoms that wreak havoc in personal and professional life.
ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood and last throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two aspects of a person's life (home school, home and at work). For symptoms to be considered to meet this criteria they must last for at least six month and cannot be explained by other mental disorders like mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
In addition to looking into the patient's symptoms and health issues, the doctor will review their medical history and mental health history. The doctor will also interview the patient and, if possible, relatives to understand the perspective of the child's behavior. The health care provider will also talk to the patient's teacher and review their current work and home settings.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive version of ADHD, a person must show six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are serious 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 healthcare professional to identify someone with ADHD. This includes a thorough interview with the patient, his or her family members and any caregivers or teachers, as well as taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care professional will also look over the individual's medical, psychiatric and family histories and may refer the patient for a physical examination to rule out possible causes of his or her symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleeping patterns, diet, the home and work environments to assess stressors which may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a doctor who is an expert in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the impact on your life. They will want to know if you are having trouble completing tasks, if you often lose things, or if you forget where you put your keys. They may also ask a question about whether or not these problems result in stress at work, at home or in relationships. how to diagnose adhd will also look over the medical history and physical examination. This information will aid your doctor in determining other conditions which may mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD like sleep disorders, depression anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers, and friends regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different settings such as at school, work or with scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also request you to complete self-tests or a rating scale to evaluate your symptoms. These are available online, however, they shouldn't be used to replace the face-to-face consultation with your doctor.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is based on an upper threshold of symptoms than for kids - five out of nine symptoms in an entire six-month period. You must also be able to show 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 usually look at the ways your brain functions and may aid in determining if you suffer from coexisting mental disorders 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 she had a reason for her troubles. Ask your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health care professional who can conduct ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also contact your insurance provider to determine which providers are listed.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD treatment is the first choice for treatment. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine increase or balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and behaviors. They can help people with ADHD focus better and remain organized manage their impulses, make more rational decisions, improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants, perform slower than stimulants. However they are effective in treating certain patients with ADHD. The type of medication that works best for a particular person can change over time, which is why it is essential to discuss all possibilities with the medical professional who conducts the evaluation.
A health care specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This will include an interview, the filling out of scales, questionnaires, and a review of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions including sleep disorders, and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical examination may also be included to rule out any medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation is likely to take some time, especially in the case of an adult who has struggled to cope with 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 might ask permission to speak to relatives or close friends to get a full picture of the individual's previous experiences and behavior.
For adults, getting an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. People often feel a mix of emotions, from relief to finally have a concrete reason for their struggles, to grief over the missed opportunities and relationships caused by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis she was able to begin making changes in her life and move forward with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD need help from a therapist is an essential step. However, finding the right therapist may be difficult. There are a variety of methods to locate a therapist in your area. Start by asking your physician for an appointment. He or she might have a list of specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also try looking on the internet. There are many websites which list doctors, as well as details about their specialties and areas of interest. Another alternative is to request a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center, or an ADHD support group to receive suggestions.
If you are seeing a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as truthful as you can. It is important to discuss how ADHD symptoms impact your life and on other people. It is essential to discuss your past and present medical history. This will help the therapist rule out other conditions that could have similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to observing an person's behavior, a therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standardized rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist could also ask other caregivers for their opinions like teachers, religious leaders, or scout and scout leaders to obtain an accurate picture of the behavior of a person in various situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel frustrated and ashamed of their condition and are unwilling to talk about their issues. This can limit the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults who have ADHD can assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is important to know that the diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapist will prescribe medication. While some individuals with ADHD do need to take medication however, there are a variety of treatment options that can be efficient, such as treatment for behavioral issues. These methods of treatment can be used in conjunction with medication, or as a stand-alone treatment.