How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult. Some feel relief in understanding their struggles, while others feel remorse for having missed out on life opportunities because of the symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health care provider or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD by looking at the mood of a person and past mental and medical health issues and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to the details. These issues are often caused by other underlying conditions such as depression or abuse disorders. The first step in tackling issues that can cause chaos on a personal and professional level is to get a proper ADHD diagnosis.
The symptoms of ADHD typically appear in childhood and continue into adulthood. In order for a person to be granted a diagnosis of the disorder, their symptoms must interfere with their lives in two or more areas (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. To be eligible symptoms must be present for at least six months and are not better explained by other mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
The health professional will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. The doctor will speak with the person, and if possible their family members, to gain an understanding of childhood behavior. The health care professional might review the patient's present working and home environments, and speak with their teachers.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of 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 health professional will usually identify a person suffering from ADHD through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This includes a thorough interview with the individual and their parents, and any caregivers or educators, as well answering questionnaires or scales. The health care professional will also review the person's psychiatric, medical and family history and might refer the person for a physical examination to rule out other causes of his or her symptoms. He or she will examine the person's sleep habits, diet, work and home environments to assess stressors which could be contributing to their symptoms.
adhd diagnose
If you suspect you might have ADHD, it's important to visit a health care specialist who is trained in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll likely be interested in knowing how often you experience difficulty completing tasks and how often you misplace items or forget to put away your keys, and whether these issues create stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over the medical history and physical exam. This information will allow them to determine if there are other conditions that can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, or a thyroid problem.
It's likely your healthcare professional will ask family members as well as other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also discuss how you behave in different settings, such as at school and work or with your religious or scout leaders. You may be asked to take a self-test to determine your symptoms. They are available online, but they shouldn't be used in lieu for a face-toface consultation with your physician.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD requires that you meet the threshold of symptoms lower than children -- five out of nine signs over an entire six-month period. You must also be able to demonstrate a significant impact on your work, school and at home.
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 anxiety or depression.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can trigger complicated emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief she had a reason for her troubles. Ask your doctor or support group to recommend you to a health professional who is able to conduct ADHD tests on adults. You can also check with your insurance company to find out which providers are on its list.
Treatment
Medication is often the first choice for people with ADHD. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to increase or balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate behavior and attention. They can help some people who have ADHD concentrate and remain well-organized. They also help control their impulses and make more rational decisions enhance communication, and reduce impulsive behavior.
There are also non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants that work slower than stimulants but can still be effective for some patients with ADHD. The type of medication which is best for a person may change as time passes. It is crucial to discuss with the healthcare professional in the process of evaluating all options.
A health professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the individual in addition to the answers to questionnaires and scales by the person as well as a review of family history of mood disorders, as well as medical conditions, like sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral to medical examinations could be added to determine if there is a medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take a while. This is particularly true when you are an adult who has had to struggle to deal with symptoms for several years. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which means that the person should bring copies of performance assessments from their school or job and other records like old report cards. The healthcare professional can request permission to talk with family members or acquaintances to gain an understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. Many people experience a range of emotions, from relief to finally have an explanation for their problems, to a sense of grief at the lost opportunities and relationships caused by untreated ADHD. Matlen however, states that after receiving a diagnosis she was able make changes in her life, which included her work and relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is a vital step for many people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist is not always easy. There are many ways to find a specialist in the area. Ask your regular doctor to refer you to. They may have a list of specialists who have experience treating ADHD. You can also look online. There are many websites that have directories of doctors and include information on their areas of focus and specialization. Asking your family or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or ADHD support group for recommendations.
If you visit an experienced therapist in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as honest as possible. It is crucial to discuss the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life as well as the lives of others. It's also important to discuss your past and current medical history. This will help the therapist rule out other conditions that may be causing similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and utilize standard scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist could solicit input from other caregivers such as teachers or religious or scout leaders to get a clear image of the individual's behavior in different settings.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently feel angry and embarrassed by their issues and are unwilling to talk about their issues. This can compromise the accuracy of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD can generally assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to realize that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean the therapy provider will automatically prescribe medication. While certain individuals with ADHD may require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be extremely effective. These treatments can be utilized with medication or as standalone treatments.