ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD might suffer from symptoms similar to those experienced by people suffering from depression or anxiety. This is why a thorough examination by a health care provider or mental health professional is essential.
Your specialist will ask about your symptoms from your early years. You might also be asked to complete questionnaires or conduct interviews with teachers and other professionals who are familiar with you.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it difficult to handle everyday tasks like scheduling and managing time. People with undiagnosed ADHD can struggle at work, struggle with staying on top of their studies and may find that their relationships suffer because they tend to forget important dates or show up late for events. They may also have difficulty keeping track of conversations or appear distracted with a glazed over look.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by a thorough assessment of the symptoms. They should have been present for at least six month and cause problems in multiple areas of their life. Adults who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may not be aware that they are suffering from a disorder, however, everyday stress can cause them to seek out help. They may start to slip behind in their work because they fail to meet deadlines or fail to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships can be affected if they don't adhere to their plans or don't listen to partners. Family life can be affected if they are incapable of completing household chores.
A certified professional can also test for learning disabilities, psycho-psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. Based on the individual's specific problems, these tests can give valuable information about the how ADHD impacts the person and can determine whether or not co-occurring conditions exist. Anxiety can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD and depression is frequently associated with ADHD.
It is important to choose a specialist with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. Professionals who are certified include physicians, clinical psychologists or clinical social professionals. You can find the right specialist by asking your colleagues or friends for recommendations, however you should do some research and make sure that the specialist is licensed and certified within your state. You can also research the background of the expert and request references from previous clients or patients. These steps can aid you in finding the most suitable person to evaluate your child or you for ADHD. If a diagnosis is confirmed it can be a massive relief to many adults. They no longer have to worry about whether their problems are due to insanity or a lack of knowledge and instead focus on figuring out how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult for adults to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms of ADHD could be attributed to other factors, such as stress or medical illnesses. Additionally gender, sex, and race can all play a role in the likelihood that the patient receives a correct diagnosis. For example women and those of color may be diagnosed with the disorder less often than whites and men. This means that some people who struggle with the symptoms of ADHD do not receive the assistance they need until much later in their lives.
A mental health professional confirms the ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough evaluation of the person's history of symptoms and behavior. They will interview the patient about their symptoms, and will also talk to people who are familiar with them. They may ask their spouse, parents or friends of the person how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient is required to answer questionnaires and could be subjected to an array of tests, which include a psychological assessment, as well as an interview.
To be diagnosed, one must prove that at least five signs have been present for a minimum of 12 months, and that the symptoms are causing impairments in two areas of their lives, like work, school or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. The professional must also establish that the symptoms began before the age of 12 years old.
During the evaluation the examiner will look over the patient's medical history and family history, as well as mood and anxiety disorders, any other mental health conditions and substance abuse and other physical conditions. In actual fact, it's not common for any of these other conditions to overlap with ADHD.
It is important to locate an expert in mental health that has experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. Most qualified professionals will be willing to provide information regarding their training and expertise in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is reluctant to share this information, you should stay clear of working with them.
Treatment
As opposed to a child, the decision of whether or not to tackle ADHD as an adult is entirely up to the individual. While the diagnosis can be overwhelming, there are many options available to adults who wish to improve their performance and manage their symptoms.
Most health care providers use an extensive evaluation process to evaluate a patient's health. This may include a detailed description of the symptoms by the patient, his friends, family members and teachers. It may also include the completion of questionnaires as well as scales.
A doctor will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that individuals show at least five indicators of hyperactivity, inattention or an impulsive behavior. The symptoms must have also been present before the age of 12. The assessment will focus on how the symptoms affect the person's life. Examples of impairment could include losing a job due problems in the workplace or excessive conflict and stress in relationships or not paying bills on time, falling into financial trouble and not making satisfactory academic progress at school.
A complete assessment may include, in addition to the interview with a psychologist, psychological tests that measure executive function, working memory (abilities such as planning and decision making), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning abilities. A psychiatrist or psychologist who is skilled in ADHD and treatment for it can conduct these tests and provide an extensive evaluation.
For certain individuals the use of behavioral therapy could be beneficial in managing their symptoms. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains the patient strategies to control his own behavior as well as improve his self-esteem. It also helps the person learn to cope with the root causes that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD decide to take part in a clinical study, which is a type of research designed to test new ways to detect, prevent or treat diseases. Patients should speak to their healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking part in an clinical trial.
Counseling
Many people who are given an ADHD diagnosis have been suffering from the condition for decades. The stress of living with ADHD or an issue with their job or issues with relationships, could finally cause people to realize they require professional help. If you're an adult who has been diagnosed with ADHD and you're unable to get counseling through a therapist who is an expert in the field or through a psychiatrist or neurologist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure where to find these health experts, ask your primary physician or the organization CHADD for recommendations.
During an initial assessment the mental health professional will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The therapist will also go over your medical history to determine if physical or emotional issues could have contributed to the onset of your ADHD. The therapist will talk to you as well as, if necessary your spouse. It is essential that both spouses or partners participate in the assessment to gain more understanding of the other's ADHD symptoms and their effects on their relationship.
The therapist will evaluate your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will then determine what level of ADHD you have moderate, mild or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions and your home.
After assessing your health issues, the health professional will recommend treatment options. These include changes to your lifestyle, medication and therapy. Your doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can increase your self-esteem as well as help you overcome negative thought patterns. They may also recommend you for brain training or neurofeedback, which are non-pharmacological treatments that diagnosing adhd improve concentration and reduce the risk of impulsivity.
Online telehealth providers like Amwell can connect you with a provider who specializes in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell has a relationship with more than 40+ insurance companies and generally requires a co-pay or covers your deductible for out-of-pocket visits. Another option is Thriveworks, which offers online therapy, and can provide medication management.