ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD may experience symptoms similar to depression or anxiety. This is why it's crucial to have an in-depth evaluation by a mental health professional or health care provider.
Your doctor will inquire about your experiences since your early years. You might also be asked to fill out questionnaires or conduct interviews with teachers and other professionals who are familiar with you.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to manage daily tasks like planning and managing one's time. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to struggle at work, have difficulty keeping up in school, and to discover that their relationships suffer as they tend to overlook important events or arrive late to events. They may also have trouble staying focused on conversations or appear distracted with a glazed over look.
The diagnosis of ADHD is determined by a thorough examination of the symptoms. They should have been present for at least six months, and caused problems in more than one area of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD may not be aware that they are suffering from a disorder, but everyday frustrations can prompt them to seek help. They might begin to slip behind in their work because they fail to meet deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Their friendships may suffer because they don't follow through with plans or fail to listen to their companions and their family lives can be fraught because of their inability to keep up on household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a qualified professional can conduct psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities depending on the need. These tests can be useful in determining the extent to which ADHD affects an individual, and if any comorbidities are present. Anxiety can cause symptoms similar to ADHD and depression is frequently associated with ADHD.
It is important to select the right specialist with experience in treating adults with ADHD. The qualified professionals include physicians, clinical psychologists or clinical social workers. It is possible to locate a specialist through recommendations from colleagues or friends, but it is recommended to do some research and ensure that the professional you choose is licensed and certified in your state. You can also research the professional background of the specialist and request references from previous patients or clients. These steps will assist you in finding the right person to evaluate you or your child for ADHD. Many adults feel happy when they are given an assessment. They can no longer worry about their failings due to inattention and an inability to think and instead concentrate on how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to obtain a diagnosis of ADHD. A lot of symptoms can be attributed to other causes like stress or a medical condition. Sexe, gender, and even race can play a part in the diagnosis of a person. For instance, women and people of color might be diagnosed with the disorder less frequently than men and whites. This means that some adults who are struggling with the symptoms of ADHD do not receive the assistance they require until later in their lives.
A mental health professional can confirm an ADHD diagnosis by conducting a comprehensive evaluation that looks at the person's behavior and history of symptoms over time. They will ask the person about their symptoms, and will also talk to people who are familiar with their condition. For instance, they may ask the person's parents, spouses or coworkers about how the symptoms impact their lives. The person will be asked to answer questions and may undergo an array of tests, including a psychological evaluation and an interview.
For a diagnosis, the patient must demonstrate that at least five symptoms have been present for a minimum of 12 months, and that these symptoms have caused impairments in two areas of their lives such as school, work or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. It's also important for the professional to establish that these symptoms were present prior to age 12.
During the assessment the examiner will look at the person's family and personal history and medical history, their anxiety and mood disorders, any other mental health issues, as well as their use of drugs and physical conditions. In reality, it's not unusual for these other conditions to overlap with ADHD.
It is essential to find an expert in mental health who has experience working with adults with ADHD. Most professionals are willing to share their expertise and training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is hesitant to provide this information, it's best not to work with them.
Treatment
As opposed to a child, the decision whether or not to treat ADHD as an adult is up to the person. Although a diagnosis can be daunting, there are many options available to adults who want to improve their performance and manage their symptoms.
Most health care providers use an extensive evaluation process to assess a patient's condition. This may include a detailed description of the symptoms provided by the patient, his relatives, friends, and teachers. It could also include the completion of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that a person exhibit at least five signs of hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. The symptoms must also be present prior to the age of 12. The assessment will look at how the symptoms affect the individual's daily life. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of issues in the workplace as well as excessive conflict and discontent in relationships, not paying bills on time, falling into financial trouble and not making satisfactory academic progress at school.
In addition to a medical interview, a comprehensive assessment may include psychological tests to assess executive functioning, working memory (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual abilities and reasoning. These tests are conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist with expertise in ADHD treatment.
For some people the use of behavioral therapy could be beneficial in managing their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a good example. It helps a person learn how to control his own behavior and also how to boost confidence in himself. It can also teach the individual how to cope with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD decide to participate in a clinical study, which is a type of research designed to test new methods to identify the presence of diseases, or to prevent or treat them. It is recommended that people speak with their doctor about the potential risks and benefits of participating in an clinical trial.
Counseling
Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the disorder for years. The stress of living with ADHD or frustration at work or issues with relationships, could eventually lead one to realize that they require professional help. If you're an adult with ADHD or ADD, a therapist that specializes in the disorder may be able to assist you. A neurologist or psychiatrist may also prescribe medication. If you're not sure where to locate these health experts, ask your primary care physician or contact the CHADD organization CHADD for suggestions.
During the initial evaluation an expert in mental health may ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on your life. The therapist will also go over your medical history to determine whether physical or emotional issues could have contributed to the development of your ADHD. The therapist will talk to you as well as, if necessary your significant other. Each spouse or partner are required to take part in the assessment. This will allow them to better understand each other's ADHD symptoms, and how they affect their relationship.
The therapist will assess your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The therapist will determine whether you here suffer from mild, moderate or severe ADHD. They'll also discuss the impact of your ADHD on your work, social interactions and your home life.
After assessing your symptoms, the health care professional will recommend treatment options. This could include changes to your lifestyle, medication, and therapy. Your doctor may recommend cognitive-behavioral treatment, which can increase your self-esteem as well as assist you in changing negative thinking patterns. They may also refer to brain training or neurofeedback which are non-pharmacological treatment methods which increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Online telehealth providers like Amwell can connect you to specialists in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell collaborates with over 40+ insurance companies and typically requires a co-pay or exceeds your deductible for out of pocket visits. Another option is Thriveworks, which offers online therapy and can also offer medication management.