How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some feel relief in realizing their struggles, whereas others feel remorse for having missed opportunities to live their lives due to symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by looking at a person's current mood and past mental and medical health issues as well as their childhood behavior and school experience. The evaluation includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require concentration or attention to detail. Most of the time, these issues are a result of other issues such as depression or substance use disorders. The first step to control the symptoms that cause trouble at a personal as well as professional level is to obtain an accurate ADHD diagnosis.
The signs of ADHD typically appear in childhood and continue throughout adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at least two aspects of one's life (home school, home, and at work). For symptoms to meet this criteria to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six month and cannot be explained by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
The health care professional will also look over the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will talk to the patient, and if possible their family members, to gain an understanding of childhood behavior. The health professional will also meet with the patient's teachers and review their current home and work environments.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, one must show six or fewer symptoms of inattention 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 thorough psychiatric evaluation is typically enough for a health professional to identify someone with ADHD. This may include a lengthy interview with the individual, his or her family members, caregivers and teachers, as well as taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care professional will also review the person’s medical, psychiatric and family history and refer the person to a physical exam to rule out any other causes of symptoms. They will look at the person's sleep patterns, diet, and workplace and home environments to assess stressors which could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD it is essential to consult a medical specialist who is specialized in the disorder. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and their effects on your life. They'll be interested in knowing how often you experience trouble finishing tasks, how often you lose items or forget to put away your keys, and whether these issues create stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also review the medical history and physical examination. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions that could mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD, such a depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.
It's likely your health care provider will question family members or other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also discuss how you behave in different situations, like at work, school or with your religious or scout leaders. Your doctor might also ask you to fill out an assessment or self-test to determine the severity of your symptoms. They are available on the internet, but they should not be used in lieu for a face-to-face interview with your doctor.
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD requires that you meet the threshold of symptoms lower than kids -- five out of nine symptoms over a six-month period. You'll also need to have an impact on 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 look at the way your brain works and help determine if you have coexisting mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may cause complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger at missed opportunities to relief she had a concrete reason for her troubles. Consult your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a medical professional who performs ADHD assessments for adults. You can also call your insurance provider to determine which doctors are included.
Treatment
The first option for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behaviors. They can help people with ADHD concentrate and remain well-organized. They can also control their impulses and make more rational decisions enhance communication, and reduce impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, or some antidepressants perform slower than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating some patients with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for a person's needs may change over time, so it is important to discuss all possible options with your healthcare professional conducting the test.
A health care expert with expertise in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This will include an interview, the filling out of scales, questionnaires and a review of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. adhd undiagnosed in adults for an examination by a doctor could be included to determine if there is a medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take a while. This is especially the case if you are an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms over a long time. The evaluation should be thorough and therefore, the patient should bring their old reports and copies of their performance evaluations at school or at work. The healthcare professional could request permission to speak with family members and close friends to gain a better understanding of the person's previous behavior and experiences.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. People typically experience a variety of emotions, from relief at finally having an answer to their struggles, to grief at the lost opportunities and relationships caused by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis and was able to make changes in her life and continue to move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD need assistance from a therapist can be a crucial step. However, finding the right therapist may be difficult. There are many methods to find a specialist in the area. Begin by asking your physician for the referral. He or she may have a list with specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also search for them online. There are a variety of websites that offer directories of doctors and include information on their areas of focus and specialization. Another alternative is to request recommendations from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is important to be honest when you visit an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD. It is important to discuss how ADHD affects your life and the lives of others. It is important to discuss your medical background. This helps the therapist to identify any illnesses such as anxiety or depression that could be similar to anxiety or depression.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and use standardized scales to gauge the severity of the symptoms. The therapist may also seek input from other caregivers, like teachers, religious and scout leaders, to get a clear image of the individual's behavior in different settings.
Adults suffering from ADHD might feel dissatisfied and embarrassed by their problems and may be reluctant to talk about them. This can impact the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults with ADHD can help them overcome these obstacles.
It is also important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapy provider will immediately prescribe medication. While certain individuals suffering from ADHD might require medication, behavioral therapy is another option that can be very effective. These treatment methods can be used in conjunction with medication or used as a stand-alone treatment.