How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some feel relief in being able to recognize their challenges, while others feel grief for having missed out on life opportunities because of the symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by examining a person's current mood and past medical and mental health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experiences. The assessment includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental energy over time or paying attention to the details. These problems are usually caused by other underlying conditions such as depression or abuse disorders. Making sure you are diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in getting control of symptoms that can cause chaos in your professional and personal life.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in the early years of childhood and continue throughout adulthood. For a person to receive a diagnosis of the disorder, their symptoms must interfere with their lives in two or more areas (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. For symptoms to be considered to meet the criteria to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six month and cannot be caused by mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
The health care professional will also look over the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will interview the patient and, if possible, relatives to get perspective on childhood behavior. The health care provider may review the patient's present working and home environments, and speak with their teachers.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. In general, in order to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, an individual must exhibit six or more inattention symptoms that are serious enough to hinder their life functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional is usually able to identify a person suffering from ADHD through an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This will include an extensive interview with the individual, his or her parents, and any caregivers or educators, as well taking questionnaires or scales. The health care professional will also examine the person's medical, psychiatric or family history and refer the person 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, the home and work environments to identify stressors that may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist doctor in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will want to know if are having trouble completing tasks, if you often lose things, or if you are unable to remember 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 your medical history and physical examination. This information will help them identify other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders and anxiety or thyroid issues.
It's likely your healthcare professional will ask family members as well as other caregivers regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different situations like at school, work or with scout or religious leaders. You may be asked to take self-tests to identify your symptoms. You can find these on the internet, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face interview with your doctor.
Adults have to meet a lower threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms in a six-month time period. You'll also need to have a significant impact on your work, school and family 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 will determine if you are any mental disorders that coexist, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may cause complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from sadness over missed opportunities to relief that she found a clear explanation for her issues. Ask your doctor or local support group for a referral to a health care specialist who conducts ADHD assessments for adults. You can also check with your insurance company to learn which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD treatment is the first choice for treatment. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behavior. They can help those who suffer from ADHD focus and stay well-organized. They also help control their impulses, make more rational decisions, improve communication, and lessen the risk of impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants which work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for some people with ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a person may vary over time, which is why it is crucial to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional who conducts the evaluation.
adhd diagnosed with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This may include an interview, the completion of scales, questionnaires and a review of the family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions including sleep disorders, as well as other physical ailments. A referral to medical examinations could be added to rule out a possible medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
The test is likely to take some time, particularly if the person is an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as is possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of performance assessments from their school or job and other documents like old reports. 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 behaviours.
For adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is normal for people to experience an array of emotions, from relief finally having a concrete explanation for their problems to sadness over lost opportunities and relationships that were damaged 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 in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD need help from a therapist is a crucial step. Finding the right therapist may be challenging. There are a variety of ways to find a therapist in the area. Start by asking your doctor for a referral. He or she may have a list with specialists who are skilled in treating ADHD. You can also try looking for them online. There are a variety of websites that list doctors, including information about their specialties and areas of focus. Asking your family or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also call your local mental health center or ADHD support group for suggestions.
If you are seeing a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as transparent as you can. This involves discussing how ADHD symptoms impact your life and the impact they have on other people. It is important to discuss your medical background. This helps the counselor rule out any other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and use standardized scales to measure the severity of the symptoms. The therapist could also ask other caregivers to provide their feedback, such as religious leaders, teachers or scouts and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of behavior of an individual in various situations.
Adults with ADHD may feel embarrassed and frustrated by their symptoms and be reluctant to talk about them. This can impact the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD can help them overcome these obstacles.
It is also important to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will automatically prescribe medication. While some individuals who suffer from ADHD do need to take medication, there are a number of other treatment options that can be effective, including treatment for behavioral issues. These treatments can be used in conjunction with medication or as separate treatments.