How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some people feel relieved at finally realizing their struggles, whereas others are sad that they have missed opportunities to live their lives because of symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by examining the mood of a person as well as their past and current mental and physical health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experience. The assessment usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists and the standardized rating scales.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require mental focus or concentration. These problems are usually caused by other conditions like depression or substance abuse disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to getting control of symptoms that wreak chaos in your professional and personal life.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood and persist throughout adulthood. For a person to receive a diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their daily life in more than one area (home school, work and home) and cause significant impairment. To be eligible the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months and cannot be better explained by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders and dissociative disorders.
The health professional will also review the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will talk with the person, and if possible their family members, in order to gain a perspective on the behavior of children. The health care professional will also meet with the patient's teacher and review their current work and home environments.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. Generally, to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD an individual must have at least six inattention-related symptoms that are severe enough to affect their daily functioning. 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 with ADHD through an extensive psychiatric assessment. This will include an extensive interview with the individual, his or her family members and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to answering questionnaires and scales. The health professional may examine the patient's medical, psychiatric and family history and refer the person for a physical examination to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. He or she will examine the person's sleeping habits, diet, workplace and home environments to assess stressors which may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may be suffering from ADHD, you should consult a specialist doctor in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll want to know if are struggling to complete tasks, if it is common to lose things, or if you forget where you put your keys. They may also inquire about whether or not these issues cause you stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and physical exam. This information will allow them to rule out other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid issues.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers, and friends regarding your behavior. They'll also discuss your behavior in different situations, like at work, school or with your religious or scout leaders. You may be asked to complete self-tests to identify your symptoms. They are available online, but they should not be used to replace an in-person visit with your doctor.
Adults have to meet an upper threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD that is five out of nine symptoms within the span of six months. Additionally, getting diagnosed with adhd 'll need to have a significant impact on your work, school and personal 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 typically look at the ways your brain functions and aid in determining if you suffer from co-existing mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can trigger complicated emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief that she had a reason for her issues. Ask your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health professional who can conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also inquire with your insurance company to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
The first option for many people suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and behaviors. They can help those with ADHD concentrate and remain well-organized. They can also manage their impulses and make more rational choices, improve communication, and decrease the impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine, or some antidepressants work slower than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating certain people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a particular person can change as time passes. It is important to discuss with the medical professional who is in the process of evaluating all options.
A health professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the individual, answering questionnaires and completing scales by the person as well as an examination of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, like sleep disorders and physical ailments. A referral to medical examinations could be included as well to determine if there is a medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take some time. This is particularly true in the case of an adult who has had to struggle to deal with symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which implies that the individual should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their workplace or school and other information such as old report cards. The healthcare professional may ask permission to speak to close friends or relatives to gain a more complete understanding of the individual's past experiences and behaviours.
For adults, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. People often feel a mix of emotions, from relief to finally have an explanation for their problems, to a sense of grief at the lost opportunities and relationships that result from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed, she was able to make changes in her life and progress in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is a vital step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist isn't always easy. There are many ways to locate a specialist in the area. Start by asking your doctor for the referral. They might have an extensive list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also check on the internet. There are a variety of websites that list doctors, including information about their specialties and areas of expertise. Asking family members or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also call your local mental health center or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is important to be honest when you visit the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. This includes discussing how ADHD symptoms affect your life, as well as the impact they have on other people. It is essential to discuss your medical background. This will help the doctor rule out other conditions that might have similar symptoms, for example depression or anxiety.
In addition to observing the individual's behavior, the therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist could solicit feedback from other caregivers, like teachers or religious and scout leaders, to get a clear image of the individual's behavior in various situations.
Adults with ADHD frequently feel angry and embarrassed by their symptoms and are reluctant to discuss them. This can impact the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults who have ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
It is also important to understand that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that the therapist will immediately prescribe medication. While some individuals who suffer from ADHD require medication however, there are a variety of other treatments that are successful, including behavioral therapy. These treatment methods can be utilized in conjunction with medication, or they can be utilized as a stand-alone treatment.