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 and others feel sadness because they missed out on opportunities because of symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A health professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by examining a person's current mood as well as their past and current mental and medical health issues, and their childhood behavior and school experience. The test usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized rating scales.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require mental focus or focus on detail. These problems are usually caused by other underlying conditions such as depression or abuse disorders. The first step to control symptoms that cause havoc on both a personal and professional level is to obtain a valid 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 minimum two areas of a person's life (home school, home, and at work). To meet these criteria symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and cannot be better explained by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
The health care provider will also go over the patient's mental and medical history. The doctor will also interview the patient as well as when possible, relatives to get perspective on the child's behavior. The health care professional will also speak to the patient's teachers and review their current work and home settings.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with the inattentive version of ADHD, a person must show six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to affect their daily activities. 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 recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This includes an in-depth interview with the individual as well as his or her parents, and any other caregivers or teachers, as well as completing scales or questionnaires. The health professional will also look over the individual's psychiatric, medical and family history and may refer the individual for a physical exam to rule out other causes of his or her symptoms. They will also take a look at the person's sleeping habits, diet and work and the home environment to identify any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD is important to visit a health care provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. They will want to know if you are struggling to complete tasks, if you frequently lose items, or are unable to remember where you left your keys. They might ask whether or not these issues create stress at work, home or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical examination. This information will aid your doctor in determining other conditions that could mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD, such a depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid issues or depression.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers and friends about your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different settings such as at work, school or with scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also request that you fill out an assessment or self-test to evaluate your symptoms. These are available on the internet, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face interview with your physician.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet a lower threshold of symptoms than children -- five out of nine symptoms over the course of six months. Additionally, you'll need to have an impact on your work, school 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 determine if there are any mental disorders that coexist, such as anxiety or depression.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can trigger complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief she had a concrete reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a health professional who can conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also check with your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD treatment is the first option for treatment. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine function by increasing or balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate behavior and attention. They can help those with ADHD focus better and remain organized manage their impulses, make more rational decisions improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants that work slower than stimulants but can still be effective for patients with ADHD. The type of medication that works best for a person's needs may change over time, which is why it is crucial to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional who conducts the test.
A health care specialist with expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the patient in addition to the answers to questionnaires and scales for the individual, and an examination of family history and mood disorders as well as medical conditions, such as sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation will likely take a while, especially if the person is an adult who has been struggling to manage symptoms for a long time. The assessment should be thorough and therefore, the patient should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations from school or at work. The healthcare professional might ask permission to speak with relatives or close friends to gain a more complete picture of the person's past experiences and behaviors.
For adults, an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. Many people experience a range of emotions, from relief to finally having an answer to their problems, to a sense of grief at the lost opportunities and relationships caused by untreated ADHD. Matlen, however, says that after receiving a diagnosis she was able to make positive changes in her life, including in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is a vital step for many people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist could be difficult. Luckily, there are several methods to locate a therapist in your area. Ask your regular doctor to recommend you. He or she might have a list of specialists who have experience treating ADHD. You can also look for them online. There are a variety of websites that offer directories of doctors that include details on their areas of focus and specialty. Asking family members or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
When how to get diagnosed with adhd see an experienced therapist in treating ADHD, it is important to be as transparent as possible. This involves discussing how ADHD symptoms affect your life, as well as the impact they have on others. It is essential to discuss your medical history, both past and present. background. This helps the counselor rule out any other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to monitoring an individual's behavior, the therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standardized rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist could also seek feedback from other caregivers, like teachers, religious and scout leaders, to get a clear picture of the person's behavior in different environments.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently feel angry and ashamed of their condition and may be reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can limit the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy 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 also important to understand that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that the therapist will immediately prescribe medication. While certain individuals with ADHD may need to take medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be very efficient. These treatments can be utilized with medication or as standalone treatments.