How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some people feel relief knowing that they have finally come to terms with their difficulties, while other people feel sorrow for having missed out on opportunities because of symptoms that went untreated so long.
A health care professional or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD by looking at the person's mood as well as their past and current medical and mental health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experience. The evaluation includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require mental focus or attention to detail. Most of the time, these issues result from other underlying issues like depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in controlling the symptoms that cause trouble on a personal and professional scale is to get a proper ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood and last into adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at least two areas of one's life (home school, home and work). For symptoms to be considered to meet this criteria they must last for at least six month and cannot be explained by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
The health care provider will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will interview the patient as well as, if possible, family members to understand the perspective of childhood behavior. The health professional may also look at the patient's current work and home environments and speak with their teachers.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, one must have six or fewer inattention symptoms 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 assessment is usually enough for a health professional to identify someone with ADHD. This includes an in-depth interview with the person and their parents, as well as any caregivers or educators, as well taking questionnaires or scales. The health care provider may examine the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family background and refer the patient to a physical exam to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleep habits, diet and work and home environment to assess any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a doctor who is an expert in the field. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will want to know if are having trouble completing tasks, if you often lose items, or are unable to remember where you left your keys. They may ask whether or not these issues cause you stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also review the medical history and physical examination. This will help them determine if there are other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid issues.
Your health professional could interview family members, caregivers and friends about your conduct. They'll also talk about your behavior in different environments, such as at work, school or with your scout or religious leaders. You might be asked to take an assessment of your own to determine the severity of your symptoms. They are available online, however, they shouldn't be used in lieu of a face-toface interview with your physician.
Adults must have an lower threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD that is five out of nine symptoms in a six-month time period. Additionally, you must be able to show significant impact in 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 examine the way your brain functions, and will determine if you are coexisting mental disorders like 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 reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a health specialist who conducts ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also check with your insurance provider to find out which providers are included on its list.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD medication is the first treatment option. Drugs like amphetamine or methylphenidate increase or balance levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behaviors. They can help those with ADHD focus better and stay organized manage their impulses, make more rational choices, improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behaviors.
Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, are slower to work than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating some people suffering from ADHD. undiagnosed adhd in adults of medication that works best for a person's needs may change over time, so it is crucial to discuss all possible options with your healthcare professional who conducts the evaluation.
A health professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the individual as well as the completion of questionnaires and scales by the person, and a review of family history and mood disorders as well as medical conditions, like sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical examination can also be recommended to rule out medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation will likely to take a while, especially when the patient is an adult who has been struggling to cope with symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be comprehensive and therefore, the patient should bring old report cards and copies of their performance assessments at work or school. The healthcare professional may request permission to talk with family members and close acquaintances to gain more information about the person's past behavior and experiences.
For adults, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is common for people to experience various emotions, from relief at finding a clear explanation for their struggles to grief over lost opportunities and relationships that were damaged by untreated ADHD. Matlen, however, says that after being diagnosed, she was able to make positive changes in her life, including her work and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is a vital step for people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist could be a challenge. There are a variety of methods to locate a therapist in your area. Begin by asking your physician for an appointment. They might have a list of specialists who are acquainted with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look on the internet. There are a variety of websites that list doctors, including information on their specialties as well as areas of expertise. Another option is to ask for 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.
When you see a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD and other disorders, it is essential to be as transparent as possible. It is essential to discuss the ways that ADHD symptoms impact your life as well as the lives of others. It's also important to talk about your past and current medical background. This will help the therapist identify any illnesses such as anxiety or depression that could be similar to anxiety or depression.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist may also seek out other caregivers for their input, such as religious leaders, teachers, or scout and scout leaders in order to get a true picture of the behavior of an individual in different situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel depressed and ashamed of their condition and are reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can impact the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist who is experienced in working with adults with ADHD is generally able to help them overcome these barriers.
It is also important to know that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the counselor will automatically prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD require medication but there are plenty of treatment options that can be efficient, such as behavioral therapy. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or as an alternative treatment.