How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some people feel relief knowing that they have finally come to terms with their difficulties, while other people feel sadness because they missed out on opportunities in their lives because of symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A mental health specialist or health care professional can diagnose ADHD based on the mood of a person, their past and current mental and medical conditions, as well as their childhood behavior and experiences at school. linked resource site includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to specifics. Often, these issues also stem from other underlying problems such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards getting control of symptoms that wreak destruction in both professional and personal life.
The symptoms of ADHD generally begin in the early years of childhood and persist into adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two areas of one's life (home school, home and work). To meet this requirement, they must have lasted at least six month and cannot be caused by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
The health professional will also review the patient's mental and medical history. They will also talk to the patient as well as when possible, family members to understand the perspective of childhood behavior. The health professional will also speak to the patient's teacher and review their current home and work settings.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. Generally, to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD an individual must exhibit at least six symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to affect their life functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric examination is typically enough for a health professional to identify someone with ADHD. This involves a thorough interview with the individual, his or her parents, and any caregivers or educators, as well taking questionnaires or scales. The health care professional will also go over the person's medical, psychiatric and family histories and may refer the individual for a physical examination to rule out any other reasons for their symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleeping patterns, diet, and the home and work environments to assess stressors which may be causing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD it is essential to consult a medical specialist who is trained in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll likely want to know how many times you have trouble finishing tasks or losing things or forget to put away your keys, and if these issues create stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical examination. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD, such a sleep disorders, depression anxiety, thyroid issues or depression.
It's likely your health care provider will question family members as well as other caregivers about your behavior. They'll also talk about your behavior in different environments, such as at school and work or with your religious or scout leaders. Your doctor may also request you to complete an assessment or self-test to evaluate your symptoms. You can find these on the internet, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face interview with your physician.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet the threshold of symptoms lower than kids - five out of nine symptoms over the course of six months. You'll also need to have a significant impact on your school, work 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 test how your brain functions and can determine if there are coexisting mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can trigger complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a solid explanation for her troubles. Ask your doctor or local support group to refer you to a medical specialist who conducts ADHD assessments for adults. You can also call your insurance company to find out which doctors are included.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD, medication is the first choice for treatment. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine increase or balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behaviors. They can help people with ADHD focus and stay organized. They can also control their impulses, make more rational decisions enhance communication, and reduce the impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants which work more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for some people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a particular person can change over time. It is important to discuss with the medical professional who is who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A health professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment which includes an interview with the patient, answering questionnaires and completing scales for the individual, and an examination of the family history of mood disorders, as well as medical conditions, including sleep disorders and physical ailments. A referral for medical examinations could be added to rule out a possible medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
The assessment will likely take a while, especially in the case of an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which implies that the person should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their workplace or school and other records such as old report cards. The healthcare professional could request permission to speak with family members and close friends to gain more information about the individual's past behaviors and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on their lives. People often feel a mix of emotions, ranging from relief to finally having an explanation for their struggles, to sadness over the missed opportunities and relationships that result from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis and was able to start making changes in her life and progress with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD need help from a therapist is an essential step. However, finding the right therapist could be challenging. There are diagnosis for adhd in adults of ways to find a specialist in the area. Ask your doctor to refer you. He or she might have a list of specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also look online. There are a variety of websites that list doctors, including details about their specialties and areas of interest. Asking family members or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center, or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
If you visit a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD and other disorders, it is essential to be as honest as possible. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life, as well as the impact they have on others. It's also important to discuss your medical history, including your past background. This allows the therapist to rule out conditions such as anxiety or depression that may have similar symptoms.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and utilize standardized scales to measure the severity of symptoms. The therapist could also ask for feedback from other caregivers, such as teachers or religious or scout leaders to get an accurate image of the individual's behavior in different environments.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel frustrated and ashamed of their condition and are reluctant to discuss them. This can affect the accuracy of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults with ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
It is also important to know that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapy provider will automatically prescribe medication. While some individuals with ADHD do need to take medication, there are a number of other treatment options that are efficient, such as the use of behavioral therapy. These methods of treatment can be utilized in conjunction with medication, or they can be utilized as an alternative treatment.