ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD can suffer from symptoms that are similar to anxiety or depression. This is why it's important to have an extensive evaluation by an expert in mental health or health care professional.
Your doctor will inquire about your health issues since your early years. You might be asked to fill out questionnaires or interview with professionals and teachers who know you.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of daily tasks, including managing one's schedule and planning ahead. People with undiagnosed ADHD are often unable to perform at their best at work, struggle with staying on top of their studies and also find that their relationships suffer as they tend to miss important dates or show up late to events. They can also have trouble keeping track of conversations or seem to be distracted by an eerie look.
The diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the assessment of the symptoms. They must have been present for at least six months and have caused problems in various areas of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD might not be aware of the problem however, their frustrations in daily life can lead them to seek out help. They could be behind in their work because they miss important deadlines or are unable to concentrate during meetings and lectures. Their friendships may suffer because they sabotage plans or are unable to listen to their companions, and their family life may be a struggle due to their inability to stay on track on household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or testing for learning disabilities depending on the need. These tests can be helpful in determining the extent to which ADHD affects a person and if any comorbidities are present. Anxiety can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD and depression is often linked to ADHD.
It is important to choose an expert who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. The qualified professionals include clinical psychologists, physicians or clinical social professionals. It is possible to locate a specialist through recommendations from friends or colleagues, but it is also wise to do some research and make sure the expert you choose is licensed and certified in your state. You can also check out the professional background of the doctor and ask for references of past patients or clients. These steps can aid you in finding the most suitable person to test your child or yourself for ADHD. When a diagnosis is made it can be a great relief to many adults. They can stop worrying about whether their problems result from laziness or a lack of intelligence and instead focus on learning how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
It can be difficult for adults to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. Many of the symptoms can be attributed to other factors, such as stress or an illness. Additionally gender, intervention plan , and race can all affect the likelihood that someone receives a proper diagnosis. For instance women and people of color may be diagnosed with the disorder more often than men and whites. Some adults with ADHD symptoms are not diagnosed until later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough evaluation that examines the person's behavior and their history of symptoms over time. They will ask about the symptoms, and talk to people who are familiar with them. For instance, they could ask the person's parents, spouse, coworkers, and friends about how the symptoms impact their lives. The patient will be asked to answer questionnaires and may be subjected to several tests, including a psychological assessment as well as an interview.
To be diagnosed, the patient must demonstrate that at least five symptoms have been present for a minimum of 12 months, and that the symptoms have caused impairments in two areas of life like school, work or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. The specialist must also establish that the symptoms began before the age of 12 years old.
During the evaluation the examiner will take a examine the person's family and personal background and medical history, their anxiety and mood disorders, other mental health issues, as well as their use of drugs and physical conditions. In fact, it isn't unusual for these other conditions to co-exist with ADHD.
It is important to locate a mental health professional who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD. Most professionals with experience will be willing to provide information regarding their experience and training in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to share this information, you should avoid working with them.
Treatment
In contrast to when a person is a child, the decision of whether or not to treat ADHD as an adult is solely up to the individual. While receiving a diagnosis may seem daunting at first however, there are plenty of options available to adults to treat their symptoms and improve functioning.
Most health care providers use an extensive evaluation process to evaluate a patient's health. This includes a thorough description of symptoms by the patient, his friends, family members and teachers. It could also include the completion of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will apply the diagnostic guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which requires that a patient show at least five signs of inattention, hyperactivity or the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms must also have existed prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will examine how the symptoms affect the individual's daily life. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of problems in the workplace as well as excessive conflict and discontent in relationships and not paying bills on time, getting into financial trouble, and not making enough academic progress at school.
A comprehensive assessment could include along with the clinical interview psychological tests that test working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning abilities. A psychologist or psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD and treatment for it can conduct these tests and provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Behavioral therapy is a great option in managing symptoms for some people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps the patient strategies to control his own behavior and increase his self-esteem. It can also teach the person how to deal with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD opt to participate in a clinical trial, which is a research study that aims to test new methods to detect, prevent or treat diseases. Talk to your health care physician about any dangers and benefits that come with taking part in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD have been suffering from the disorder for a number of years. The strain of living with ADHD isn't just a frustration with their job or relationship issues, may eventually lead people to realize they require professional assistance. If you're an adult and have been diagnosed with ADHD and need help, you can seek counseling through a therapist who is an expert in the field or through a neurologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure of where to find these professionals, contact your primary care physician or the organization CHADD.
During the initial evaluation, a mental health professional might ask you questions regarding your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. The therapist will also look over your medical records to determine if physical or emotional issues may be contributing to your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your partner If applicable. Each spouse or partner should participate in the assessment. This will help them better be aware of each other's ADHD symptoms, and how they impact their relationship.
The therapist will review your symptoms using the diagnostic criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The therapist will determine if you have moderate, mild or severe ADHD. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions, and even your home.
After assessing your symptoms the health professional will recommend treatment options. This could include changes to your lifestyle, medication and therapy. Your physician may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you change negative thoughts patterns and boost self-esteem. They may also recommend neurofeedback or brain training, which are non-pharmacological treatments that improve concentration and reduce impulsivity.
Amwell is an online telehealth service, can connect you to a healthcare professional who is trained in ADHD for evaluations and medications. Amwell is a telehealth company that has a partnership with more than 40 insurance companies. They usually require a copay or to meet your deductible if you pay out from your pocket. Thriveworks is another option that offers online counseling and also manage medication.