How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy to accept. Some people feel relief knowing that they can finally comprehend their struggles while others experience sadness due to the fact that they missed opportunities in life due to symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A health care provider or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the person's mood as well as their past and current medical and mental health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experience. The assessment includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort or concentration. Most of the time, these issues stem from other underlying problems like depression or substance use disorders. The first step in controlling symptoms that cause havoc on a personal and professional scale is to get a proper ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood and last into adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at least two areas of a person's life (home school, home, and work). To be eligible, symptoms must have lasted for at least six months. They cannot be explained better by other mental disorders like mood disorders, anxiety disorders and dissociative disorders.
The health care professional will also look over the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will interview the person and in the event that it is possible, family members to understand the perspective of the child's behavior. The health professional will also meet with the patient's teachers and review their current work and home environment.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition released by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, one must exhibit six or less symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to hinder their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric assessment is typically enough for a health care professional to identify someone with ADHD. This includes an in-depth interview with the person and their parents, and any other caregivers or educators, as well answering questionnaires or scales. The health professional may also examine the person's medical, psychiatric, and family history and refer the individual for a physical examination to rule out any other causes of symptoms. They will look at the person's sleep habits, diet, workplace and home environments to assess stressors which may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD is important to visit a health care specialist who is specialized in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will want to know if are struggling to complete tasks, if it is common to lose items, or forget where you left your keys. They may also ask a question about whether or not these problems cause you stress at work, home or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This will help them rule out other conditions that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or a thyroid issue.
Your health care professional may interview caregivers, family members and friends regarding your behavior. They'll also discuss your behavior in various environments, such as at work, school or with your scout or religious leaders. You may be asked to complete self-tests to identify your symptoms. adhd undiagnosed in adults can find these on the internet, but they should not be used in lieu for a face-to-face interview with your doctor.
Adults must meet an upper threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD that is five out of nine symptoms in the course of six months. You must also be able to show significant impact in your school, work 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 usually look at the way your brain works and help determine if you suffer from co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may cause complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger at missed opportunities to relief she had a reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a medical specialist who conducts ADHD assessments on adults. You can also inquire with your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
Medication is often the first option for many people with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine function by increasing or balancing neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and behavior. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better and remain organized, control their impulses and make more rational choices, improve communication and relationships and decrease impulsive behavior.
There are also non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants that work slower than stimulants but can still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication that is best for a person will change as time passes. It is essential to discuss with the health professional in the process of evaluating all options.
A health professional with expertise in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This may include an interview, the filling out of scales, questionnaires and a review of family history, mood disorders and medical conditions including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out any medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
The assessment is likely to take some time, especially if the person is an adult who has been struggling to cope with symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be comprehensive and therefore, the patient should bring old report cards and copies of their performance assessments at work or school. The healthcare professional might ask permission to speak with relatives or close friends to get a full understanding of the individual's past experiences and behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. It is common for people to feel a mixture of emotions, from relief finding a clear explanation for their problems to sadness over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that following the diagnosis, she was able make changes in her life, including her career and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is a vital step for many people with ADHD. However, finding the right therapist can be difficult. There are many methods to find a specialist in the area. Start by asking your doctor for an appointment. They may have a list with specialists who are skilled in treating ADHD. You can also look for them online. There are a variety of websites that list doctors, including information about their specialties and areas of interest. Asking your family or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also reach out to your local mental health center or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is important to be honest when visiting the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. It is essential to discuss the ways that ADHD affects your life as well as the lives of others. It's also important to discuss your medical history, including your past history. This will help the therapist determine if you have any conditions like anxiety or depression that may be similar to anxiety or depression.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and use standardized scales to measure the severity of symptoms. The therapist might solicit feedback from other caregivers, like teachers or Scout and religious leaders, to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior in different environments.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel dissatisfied and embarrassed by their issues and be reluctant to talk about the issues. This can limit the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults with ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is important to realize that the diagnosis of ADHD does not mean a therapist will prescribe medication. While certain individuals suffering from ADHD might require medication, behavioral therapy is another option that is extremely effective. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.