How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be a challenge. Some feel relief in realizing their struggles, whereas others feel remorse that they have missed out on opportunities in life because of symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A mental health specialist or health care professional can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the person's mood, past and current medical and mental conditions as well as their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The test usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standard rating scales.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort or concentration. Most of the time, these issues are a result of other issues such as depression or addiction disorders. Making sure you are diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc in personal and professional life.
The symptoms of ADHD typically begin in childhood and last throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two aspects of a person's daily life (home school, home and at work). To be eligible the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and are not better explained by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
The health care professional will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will interview the patient as well as in the event that it is possible, relatives to understand the perspective of the child's behavior. The health care provider will also talk to the patient's teacher and review their current home and work environment.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition released by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive version of ADHD, a person must exhibit six or less inattention symptoms 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 can usually identify a person suffering from ADHD by conducting an extensive psychiatric assessment. This will include an extensive interview with the person as well as their family members, caregivers and teachers, in addition to answering questionnaires and scales. The health care professional will also look over the individual's psychiatric, medical and family histories and may refer the individual to a physical exam in order to rule out other causes of his or her symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleep patterns, diet, and workplace and home environments to assess stressors which may be causing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD is important to consult a medical specialist who is trained in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will likely want to know how often you experience difficulties finishing tasks and how often you misplace things or forget to put away your keys, and if these problems create stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical exam. This information will allow them to identify other conditions that can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid issues.
It's likely that your health care professional will interview family members as well as other caregivers about your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in various situations, such as at work, school or with scouts or religious leaders. You may be asked to take self-tests to identify your symptoms. These are available online but should not be used to replace the face-to-face consultation with your doctor.
Adults have to meet an upper threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms over the span of six months. You'll also need to have a significant impact on your school, work and family life.
If adhd diagnostic 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 any mental disorders that coexist, such as depression or anxiety.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete explanation for her troubles. Consult your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health professional who can conduct ADHD assessments for adults. You can also inquire with your insurance company to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD medication is the first option for treatment. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine function by increasing or balancing levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that regulate behavior and attention. They can help some people who suffer from ADHD focus and stay well-organized. They also help control their impulses and make more rational decisions improve communication, and reduce the impulsive behavior.
There are also non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine or antidepressants that are slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for people with ADHD. The type of medication which is most effective for a particular person can change as time passes. It is crucial to discuss with the medical professional who is in the process of evaluating all options.
A health care professional with expertise in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This will include an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires and a review of family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions, including sleep disorders, and other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical examination may be added to determine if there is a medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation is likely to take some time, particularly if the person is an adult who has been struggling to manage symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of performance assessments from their school or job and other documents such as old report cards. The healthcare professional can request permission to speak to relatives or close friends to get a full understanding of the individual's past experiences and behaviors.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. People often feel a mix of emotions, ranging from relief to finally having a concrete reason for their struggles, to grief at the loss of opportunities and relationships caused by untreated ADHD. Matlen however, states that after receiving a diagnosis she was able to make a change in her life, including in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is a crucial step for many people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. There are a variety of methods to locate a therapist in your area. Ask your doctor to refer you. He or she may have a list with specialists who are skilled in treating ADHD. You can also look for them online. There are a variety of websites that list doctors, including details about their specialties and areas of expertise. Another option is to seek a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
If you visit a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD, it is important to be as transparent as you can. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect your life and the effect they have on others. It is also essential to discuss your medical history, including your past background. This will help your doctor rule out other conditions that might have similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a psychotherapist is likely to conduct interviews and use standardized rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also ask other caregivers for their opinions for example, teachers, religious leaders or scout and scout leaders to get a true picture of the behavior of a person in various situations.
Adults with ADHD might feel dissatisfied and embarrassed by their problems and may be reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can limit the accuracy of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults who have ADHD can help them overcome these obstacles.
It is also important to know that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapy provider will immediately prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD do need to take medication however, there are a variety of other treatment options that can be effective, including treatment for behavioral issues. These treatments can be used in conjunction with medication or as separate treatments.