How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some feel relief at finally understanding their struggles, while others feel remorse that they missed opportunities to live their lives because of symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by analyzing a person's current mood and past mental and physical health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experience. The evaluation includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to the details. In many cases, these problems result from other underlying issues such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in tackling symptoms that cause havoc on a personal and professional level is to obtain a valid ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood and persist throughout adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at minimum two areas of a person's daily life (home school, home, and at work). To meet these criteria symptoms must be present for at least six months and cannot be explained better by other mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
The health professional will also look over the patient's mental and medical history. The doctor will also interview the patient as well as, if possible, family members to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health care provider may also review the patient's current workplace and home environment and talk 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, in order to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD an individual must have six or more inattention symptoms that are serious enough to interfere with their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric evaluation is usually enough for a healthcare professional to identify someone with ADHD. This includes a thorough interview with the person and their parents, and any other caregivers or teachers, in addition to taking questionnaires or scales. The health care professional will also examine the person's medical, psychiatric, and family history and refer the person to a physical exam in order to rule out any other causes of symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleep habits, diet, work and home environments to determine if stressors may be causing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, it's important to consult a medical specialist who is specialized in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the impact on your daily life. They'll want to know how often you have difficulty completing tasks, how often you lose things or forget to put away your keys, and if these issues create stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical examination. This will help them determine if there are other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders and anxiety, or a thyroid problem.
Your health professional could interview caregivers, family members and friends regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in various situations, such as at school, at work or with scouts or religious leaders. Your doctor may also request that you fill out an assessment or self-test to evaluate your symptoms. They are available online, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face appointment with your physician.
Adults must meet an lower threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD that is five out of nine symptoms over the span of six months. You'll also have to make a significant impact on your school, work and personal life.
If adhd adult diagnosis uk 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 examine the way your brain works, 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 may cause complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she finally found a clear explanation for her issues. Ask your doctor or local support group to refer you to a health specialist who conducts ADHD assessments on adults. You can also call your insurance company to find out which doctors are included.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD treatment 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 those who suffer from ADHD focus and stay organized. They can also manage their impulses and make more rational decisions improve communication, and decrease impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or certain antidepressants, are slower to work than stimulants. However, they can still be effective in treating people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for a person may vary over time, which is why it is essential to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional conducting the test.
A health care professional with expertise in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This will include an interview, the filling out of questionnaires, scales, and a review of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders, and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical exam could also be a possibility to rule out medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take some time. This is particularly true in the case of an adult who has struggled to deal with symptoms for many years. The evaluation should be thorough and therefore, the patient should bring their old reports and copies of their performance assessments at work or school. The healthcare professional might ask permission to talk with close friends or relatives to obtain a complete picture of the individual's previous experiences and behaviours.
For adults, getting diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience. Many people experience a range of emotions, ranging from relief to finally having an answer to their struggles, to grief at the lost opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that after being diagnosed, she was able make changes in her life, including her work and relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find that getting assistance from a therapist can be a crucial step. Finding the right therapist isn't always straightforward. There are many ways to find a therapist in the area. Start by asking your physician for an appointment. He or she might have a list with specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also search for them online. There are numerous websites which list doctors, as well as details about their specialties and areas of focus. Asking your family or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also call your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
If you visit an experienced therapist in treating ADHD and other disorders, it is essential to be as truthful as possible. It is crucial to discuss the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life as well as the lives of other people. It is also essential to discuss your medical history, including your past background. This will help the counselor rule out any other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms, for example depression or anxiety.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and utilize standardized scales to measure the severity of the symptoms. The therapist might also ask for input from other caregivers, such as teachers or religious or scout leaders to get a clear picture of the person's behavior in various environments.
Adults with ADHD might be embarrassed and frustrated 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 is experienced in working with adults with ADHD is generally able to assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapist will prescribe medications. While some individuals who suffer from ADHD require medication but there are plenty of other treatments that are effective, including treatment for behavioral issues. These treatments can be used in conjunction with medication or as separate treatments.