How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be a challenge. Some people feel relief knowing that they finally understand their struggles and others feel grief for having missed out on opportunities in life due to the symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A health care provider or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by examining the mood of a person and past mental and medical health issues and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The evaluation includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort or focus on detail. These issues are often caused by other underlying issues such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Making sure you are diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards getting control of the symptoms that cause destruction in both professional and personal life.
ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood and persist throughout adulthood. For a person to receive an diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their daily life in at least two areas (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. To be eligible the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders and dissociative disorders.
In addition to looking into the patient's symptoms, the health care provider will review their medical history and mental health history. The doctor will also interview the patient and in the event that it is possible, relatives to gain a perspective on childhood behaviors. The health professional may also review the patient's current working and home environments, and speak with their teachers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In general, to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD, an individual must have six or more inattention symptoms that are severe enough to hinder 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 examination is typically enough for a healthcare professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This includes an extensive interview with the individual and their parents, as well as any caregivers or educators, as well answering questionnaires or scales. The health care provider may also examine the person's medical, psychiatric or family history and refer the person to a physical exam in order to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleep habits, diet, the home and work environments to identify stressors that may be causing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD it is essential to consult a medical provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the impact on your daily life. They will likely be interested in knowing how often you have trouble finishing tasks and how often you misplace things or forget where you have put your keys, and whether these problems create stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over the medical history and physical exam. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD, such a depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health professional could interview caregivers, family members and friends about your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different situations, such as at school, work or with religious or scout leaders. You might be asked to take a self-test to determine your symptoms. You can find these online, but they shouldn't be used in lieu for a face-to-face appointment with your physician.
Adults have to meet an upper threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms over the course of six months. Additionally, you must be able demonstrate a significant impact on your school, work as well as your 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 functions and help determine if you suffer from co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can trigger complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a concrete explanation for her troubles. Ask your doctor or support group to refer you to a health professional who can perform ADHD assessments on adults. You can also inquire with your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
The first option for many patients suffering from ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to increase or balancing the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which regulate behavior and attention. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better and stay focused, control their impulses and make more rational choices, improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants which work slower than stimulants but can still be effective for some people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication that works best for an individual may change as time passes. It is important to discuss with the medical professional who is in the process of evaluating all options.
Click On this site with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment which includes an interview with the patient in addition to the answers to questionnaires and scales by the person as well as an examination of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and physical ailments. A referral for an examination by a doctor could be included to rule out a possible medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation is likely to take some time, especially in the case of an adult who has been struggling to cope with symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be comprehensive, so the individual should bring old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at school or at work. The healthcare professional can request permission to speak with family members or friends to get more information about the individual's past behaviors and experiences.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. Many people experience a range of emotions, from relief to finally having a concrete reason for their struggles, to sadness 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 move forward with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is a crucial step for people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist isn't always straightforward. There are a variety of ways to find a specialist in your area. Start by asking your regular doctor for an appointment. They may have a list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look online. There are numerous websites that have directories of doctors and include details about their areas of focus and specialization. Another alternative is to request a recommendation from friends or family members. You can also call your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
It is essential to be honest when visiting the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. This includes discussing how ADHD symptoms affect your life, as well as the impact they have on others. It's important to talk about your medical history. This will help your doctor rule out other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms, for example depression or anxiety.
In addition to monitoring an person's behavior, a therapist will likely conduct interviews and employ standardized rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist could also seek input from other caregivers, like teachers or religious and scout leaders, to obtain a complete image of the individual's behavior in different settings.
Adults with ADHD frequently feel angry and embarrassed by their symptoms and may be reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can impact the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD can assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to understand that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that the therapist will automatically prescribe medication. While some people who suffer from ADHD require medication, there are a number of treatment options that are effective, including treatment for behavioral issues. These treatment methods can be used in conjunction with medication or they can be utilized as standalone treatments.