How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. diagnosing adhd in adults feel relief knowing that they can finally comprehend their struggles while others experience sorrow for having missed out on opportunities in their lives due to the symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by looking at a person's current mood as well as their past and current medical and mental health conditions and their behavior during childhood and school experiences. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standard rating scales.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental focus or focus on detail. These problems are usually caused by other conditions like depression or substance abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to gaining control over symptoms that can cause havoc in personal and professional life.
The symptoms of ADHD typically appear in childhood and last into adulthood. In order for a person to be granted an diagnosis of the disorder, their symptoms must interfere with their life in two or more areas (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. To meet this requirement to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six month and cannot be explained by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders, dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
The health professional will also look over the patient's medical and mental history. The doctor will speak with the person and, if possible, their family members, in order to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health care professional might also review the patient's current workplace and home environment 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. In general, in order to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD, an individual must have six or more inattention symptoms that are serious enough to hinder their life 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 suffering from ADHD by conducting an extensive psychiatric assessment. This will include an extensive interview with the patient as well as their family and any caregivers or teachers, as well as completing scales and questionnaires. The health care provider will also go over the person's psychiatric, medical and family histories and may refer the patient to a physical exam in order to rule out possible causes of his or her symptoms. He or she will also look at the individual's sleep patterns as well as their diet, work and home environment to determine any stressors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, it's important to consult a medical provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. They'll likely want to know how often you have difficulties finishing tasks, how often you lose things or forget where you have put your keys, and if these problems cause stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical exam. This information can help your doctor rule out other conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD, such a depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid issues or depression.
It's likely your health care provider will question family members as well as other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also talk about your behavior in various environments, such as at work, school or with your scout or religious leaders. You may be asked to take a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available online however, they shouldn't be used to replace the face-to-face consultation with your doctor.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD requires you to meet the threshold of symptoms lower than for kids -- five out of nine signs over the course of six months. You will also need to be able to show significant impact in your work, school, and home 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 examine the way your brain functions, and determine if there are mental disorders that coexist such as anxiety or depression.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can create a variety of emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she finally found a clear reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a health care professional who can conduct ADHD assessments for adults. You can also inquire with your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
The medication is often the first choice for people suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine function by increasing or balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which regulate behavior and attention. They can help those with ADHD concentrate and remain organized. They can also manage their impulses, make more rational decisions enhance communication, and reduce the impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants, perform slower than stimulants. However, they can still be effective in treating certain people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for an individual will change over time. It is crucial to discuss with the health professional who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A medical professional with expertise in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This will include an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires, and a review of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions like sleep disorders, and other physical illnesses. A referral for a medical examination may be included to rule out a possible medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation will likely to take a while, especially if the person is an adult who has been struggling to cope with symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be thorough which is why the person 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 obtain a complete picture of the person's past experiences and behaviours.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on their lives. Many people experience a range of emotions, ranging from relief to finally having a concrete reason for their struggles, to sadness at the lost opportunities and relationships that result from untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that after being diagnosed, she was able to make positive changes in her life, including in her career and her relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is a crucial step for many people with ADHD. However, finding the right therapist could be difficult. Fortunately, there are many ways to find a specialist in your area. Ask your doctor to refer you to. He or she might have a list with specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also check online. There are a variety of websites that list doctors, with information on their specialties as well as areas of focus. Another option is to ask for recommendations from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health clinic, or an ADHD support group to receive recommendations.
It is crucial to be honest when visiting the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. It is essential to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and on other people. It's also important to discuss your past and current medical history. This will help the counselor rule out any other conditions that could have similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
In addition to monitoring an individual's behavior, the therapist will likely conduct interviews and use standardized rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist could solicit input from other caregivers like teachers, religious and scout leaders, to get a clear picture of the person's behavior in different environments.
getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult suffering from ADHD might feel embarrassed and frustrated by their problems and may be reluctant to talk about their symptoms. This can affect the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD is generally able to help them overcome these barriers.
It is important to realize that having a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will prescribe medications. While some people with ADHD do need to take medication however, there are a variety of other treatment options that are successful, including treatment for behavioral issues. These treatments can be used in conjunction with medication or used as an alternative treatment.