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 finally understand their struggles while others experience sorrow for having missed out on opportunities in their lives because of symptoms that went untreated so long.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD in a person's mood, their previous and current mental and medical conditions, as well as their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized rating scales.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort or concentration. In many cases, these problems are a result of other issues such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Making sure you are diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in getting control of the symptoms that can cause destruction in both professional and personal life.
The signs of ADHD generally begin in childhood and last into adulthood. To be eligible for a diagnosis of the disorder, their symptoms must interfere with their daily life in more than one area (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. For symptoms to be considered to meet this criteria they must last for at least six months and cannot be explained by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
The health professional will also review the patient's medical and mental history. They will also talk to the patient and, if they are able, their family members, in order to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health care professional will also talk to the patient's teacher and review their current work and home environments.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Generally, to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD an individual must have at least six symptoms of inattention that are severe 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 assessment is usually enough for a healthcare professional to identify someone with ADHD. This involves a thorough interview with the individual and their parents, and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to taking questionnaires or scales. The health care provider may also review the person’s medical, psychiatric or family background and refer the patient to a physical exam in order to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. He or she will also take a look at the individual's sleep patterns, diet and work and home environment to determine any stressors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD is important to see a health care provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll want to know if are having trouble completing tasks, if you often lose things, or are unable to remember where you left your keys. They may ask whether or not these problems result in stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and physical exam. This information will help them rule out other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid issues.
It's likely your health care provider will question family members as well as other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also discuss your behavior in various environments, such as at work, school or with your religious or scout leaders. adhd undiagnosed in adults might also request you to complete an assessment or self-test to determine the severity of your symptoms. These are available online, but should not be used in lieu of an in-person visit with your physician.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD requires that you meet an upper threshold of symptoms than kids -- five out of nine symptoms in a six-month period. You must also be able to show significant impact on your work, school 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 test how your brain functions and can determine if there are mental disorders that coexist such as depression or anxiety.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may create a variety of emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a concrete explanation for her troubles. Consult your doctor or local support group to refer you to a health professional who is able to conduct ADHD evaluations on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to determine the providers that are listed.
Treatment
Medication is often the first option for many patients suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are used to increase or balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate behavior and attention. They can help those who suffer from ADHD focus and stay well-organized. They can also control their impulses, make more rational decisions, improve communication, and decrease the impulsive behavior.
There are also non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants that are more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for some people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication that works best for a person may vary over time, which is why it is important to discuss all possibilities with the medical professional who conducts the evaluation.
A medical specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This may include an interview, the submission of questionnaires, scales, and a review of family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions like sleep disorders, as well as other physical illnesses. A appointment to a medical exam may also be included to rule out any medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take a while. This is particularly true in the case of an adult who has had to struggle to manage symptoms for several years. 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 can request permission to talk with close family members or friends to get a full picture of the person's past experiences and behaviours.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. Many people experience a range of emotions, from relief at finally having a concrete reason for their struggles, to sadness at the lost opportunities and relationships caused by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis and was able to start making changes in her life and continue to move forward with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is an important step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist isn't always easy. There are a variety of ways to find a specialist in the area. Request your physician to refer you. They might have an extensive list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also try looking for them online. There are many websites that offer directories of doctors that include details on their areas of focus and specialty. Another option is to seek a recommendation from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center, or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is crucial to be honest when visiting a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. It is important to discuss how ADHD symptoms impact your life and the lives of other people. It's also important to discuss your medical background. This will help the doctor rule out other conditions that could have similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and use standardized scales to measure the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also seek input from other caregivers like teachers, religious or scout leaders to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior in various settings.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be overwhelmed and irritated by their symptoms and be reluctant to talk about them. This can impact the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD can help them overcome these obstacles.
It is also important to understand that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean the counselor will automatically prescribe medication. While certain people suffering from ADHD may need to take medication, behavioral therapy is another option that is extremely effective. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.