How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy to accept. Some feel relief in being able to recognize their challenges, while others feel remorse that they have missed out on life opportunities because of symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A health professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by looking at a person's current mood as well as their past and current medical and mental health conditions, and their childhood behavior and school experience. The test usually includes ADHD symptom checklists and standard scales of rating.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to specifics. These problems are usually caused by other underlying issues such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step to control issues that can cause chaos on both a personal and professional level is to get a proper ADHD diagnosis.
The symptoms of ADHD typically begin in childhood and last into adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of one's life (home school, home, and work). To be eligible, symptoms must have lasted for at minimum six months and cannot be better explained by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
The health care provider will also look over the patient's mental and medical history. The doctor will speak to the patient, and if possible their family members, to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health care professional will also speak to the patient's teachers and go over their current home and work environments.
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, one must exhibit six or less inattention symptoms that are severe enough to interfere in their daily activities. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional can usually identify a person suffering from ADHD through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This includes a thorough interview with the individual, his or her family members, caregivers and teachers, as well as answering questionnaires and scales. The health care professional will also go over the person's psychiatric, medical and family history. They may refer the individual for a physical exam to rule out possible causes of his or her symptoms. look at this website will also examine the individual's sleep patterns, diet and work and home environment to determine any stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD it is recommended that you consult a specialist doctor in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will likely want to know how many times you have trouble finishing tasks, how often you lose things or forget where you have put your keys, and whether these problems cause stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also review the medical history and physical examination. This information will allow them to identify other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or a thyroid issue.
It's likely your health care provider will question family members, friends and other caregivers about your behavior. They'll also talk about your behavior in different environments, such as at work and school, or with your scout or religious leaders. Your doctor might also request you to complete self-tests or a rating scale to determine the severity of your symptoms. These are available on the internet, but they shouldn't be used in lieu for a face-to-face interview with your physician.
Adults have to meet a lower threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms over the span of six months. You must also be able demonstrate a significant impact in your school, work, 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 usually examine the way your brain works and aid in determining if you suffer from coexisting mental disorders 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 reason for her troubles. Consult your doctor or local support group to refer you to a health professional who can perform ADHD evaluations on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out the providers that are listed.
Treatment
Medication is often the first option for a lot of people with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are used to increase or balancing the levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals which regulate behavior and attention. They can help people with ADHD concentrate and remain organized. They also help control their impulses and make more rational choices enhance communication, and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants which work slower than stimulants but can still be effective for some people with ADHD. The kind of medication that is best for a person may change over time. It is essential to discuss with the health professional conducting the evaluation all options.
A health care professional with expertise in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This will include an interview, the filling out of questionnaires, scales, and a review of family history, mood disorders and medical conditions like sleep disorders, and other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical exam may also be included to rule out any medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation will likely to take a while, especially when the patient is an adult who has been struggling to manage symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of performance evaluations from their workplace or school and other documents like old reports. The healthcare professional can request permission to talk with family members and close acquaintances to gain a better understanding of the person's previous behavior and experiences.
For adults, an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. People often feel a mix of emotions, from relief to finally having an answer to their struggles, to grief at the loss of opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed, she was able to begin making changes in her life and progress with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is a crucial step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist could be difficult. Fortunately, there are many methods to locate a therapist in your area. Start by asking your physician for the referral. They may have a list of specialists who have experience treating ADHD. You can also check for them online. There are a variety of websites that offer directories of doctors and include information on their areas of focus and areas of expertise. Asking your family or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or 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 in which ADHD affects your life and the lives of other people. It's important to talk about your past and present medical history. This will help the therapist rule out conditions such as anxiety or depression that could be similar to anxiety or depression.
In addition to monitoring an individual's behavior, the therapist will likely conduct interviews and employ standardized rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist might also seek out other caregivers for their input for example, religious leaders, teachers or scouts and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of behavior of an individual in various situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel dissatisfied and embarrassed by their issues and be reluctant to talk about the issues. This can compromise the accuracy of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults who have ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is important to know that having a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapist will prescribe medication. While certain individuals with ADHD might require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be extremely effective. These treatments can be utilized in conjunction with medication or as separate treatments.