How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. adhd diagnostic in understanding their struggles, while others feel remorse that they missed out on life opportunities due to symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A health care professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the person's mood and past mental and medical health issues, and their childhood behavior and school experience. The test usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists and the standardized rating scales.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to details. These problems are usually caused by other conditions 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.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood and persist throughout adulthood. For a person to receive an diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their life in at least two areas (home school, work and home) and cause significant impairment. For symptoms to meet this criteria to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six months and cannot be caused by mental disorders like mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
In addition to examining the patient's symptoms and health issues, the doctor will review their medical history and mental health history. He or she will interview the patient as well as, if possible, family members to gain a perspective on childhood behaviors. The health care provider may review the patient's present work and home environments and discuss the patient's schooling with them.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, one must have six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to hinder their daily activities. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health professional will usually determine if a person has ADHD through an extensive psychiatric assessment. This will include an in-depth interview with the individual as well as his or her parents, and any other caregivers or educators, as well completing scales or questionnaires. The health care provider will also review the person's medical, psychiatric and family history. They might refer the person for a physical exam to rule out other reasons for their symptoms. The doctor will also examine the individual's sleep patterns, diet, and the home and work environments to assess stressors which may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think you may be suffering from ADHD, you should consult a specialist doctor in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the effects on your life. They'll be interested in knowing how often you experience trouble finishing tasks or losing items or forget where you have put your keys, and whether these issues cause stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over the medical history and physical exam. This information will help them rule out other conditions that can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD, such as sleep disorders, depression and anxiety or thyroid issues.
It's likely your health care professional will interview family members, friends and other caregivers regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different settings such as at work, school or with scouts or religious leaders. You might be asked to take an assessment of your own to determine the severity of your symptoms. These are available online, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face interview with your doctor.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet the threshold of symptoms lower than kids -- five out of nine signs over an entire six-month period. Additionally, you'll need to have an impact on your school, work and family 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 look at how your brain functions, and can determine if there are mental disorders that coexist such as anxiety or depression.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can cause complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she had a solid explanation for her issues. Consult your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health professional who performs ADHD assessments for adults. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out which providers are on its list.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD, medication is the first choice for treatment. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people with ADHD concentrate better and remain organized and in control of their impulses. They can also help them make more rational decisions, improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behaviors.
There are also non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants that are more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for some people with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for a particular person can change over time, so it is crucial to discuss all possible options with your healthcare professional conducting the assessment.
A health specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This includes 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 referral to a medical examination can also be recommended to rule out any medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
The assessment will likely take some time, especially if the person is an adult who has been struggling to cope with symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be comprehensive, so the individual should bring old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at work or school. The healthcare professional may ask permission to speak to relatives or close friends to get a full understanding of the individual's past experiences and behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on their lives. It is normal for people to feel various emotions, from relief finally having a concrete explanation for their issues to sadness over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis and was able to start making changes in her life and move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find that getting assistance from a therapist is a crucial step. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. Fortunately, there are many ways to find a specialist in your area. Start by asking your doctor for an appointment. They may have a list with specialists who are skilled in treating ADHD. You can also search for them online. There are a variety of websites that have directories of doctors that include details about their areas of expertise and areas of expertise. Asking family members or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also contact your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
It is important to be honest when visiting an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD. This includes discussing how ADHD symptoms impact your life, as well as the impact they have on other people. It's also important to talk about your medical history. This allows the therapist to rule out conditions such as anxiety or depression that could have similar symptoms.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and employ standard scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also seek input from other caregivers, like teachers, religious and scout leaders, to obtain a complete image of the individual's behavior in various environments.
Adults with ADHD may feel overwhelmed and irritated by their issues and be reluctant to talk about the issues. This can limit the quality of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults with ADHD can assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is important to realize that the diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While some people who suffer from ADHD do need to take medication but there are plenty of treatment options that are effective, including behavioral therapy. These treatments can be used in conjunction with medication or used as a stand-alone treatment.