How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a challenge. Some feel relief at finally being able to recognize their challenges, while others feel remorse that they missed opportunities to live their lives due to symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A mental health specialist or health care professional can diagnose ADHD based on the mood of a person, their present and past mental and physical ailments as well as their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The assessment includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to the details. Most of the time, these issues result from other underlying issues like depression or substance use disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards getting control of symptoms that can cause destruction in both professional and personal life.
The signs of ADHD generally begin in childhood and continue throughout adulthood. In order for a person to be granted an diagnosis of the disorder, their symptoms must interfere with their life in at least two areas (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. To be eligible symptoms must be present for at least six months and are not better explained by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
In addition to examining the person's symptoms and health issues, the doctor will review their medical history and mental health history. They will also talk with the person and, if possible, their family members, to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health care provider will also meet with the patient's teachers and go over their current work and home settings.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. In general, in order to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, a person must have six or more inattention symptoms that are serious enough to interfere with their life. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional will usually determine if a person has ADHD by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This will include an extensive interview with the individual and their family members, caregivers and teachers, as well as taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care professional will also examine the person's medical, psychiatric, and family history and refer the person to a physical exam to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. He or she will examine the individual's sleep habits, diet, the home and work environments to identify stressors that may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you should consult a specialist doctor in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and their effects on your life. They'll want to know if you are having trouble completing tasks, if you frequently lose things, or forget where you left your keys. They might ask whether or not these problems result in stress at home, work, or in relationships. Your doctor will also review the medical history and physical examination. This information will allow them to identify other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders and anxiety or thyroid issues.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers and friends regarding your behavior. They'll also discuss your behavior in different situations, like at work, school or with your religious or scout leaders. You might be asked to complete a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available online but they should not be used in lieu of an in-person visit with your doctor.
Adults must have an lower threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms over the course of six months. You'll also need to have a significant impact on your work, school and family 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 works, and will determine if you are any mental disorders that coexist, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may result in a range of complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief she had a concrete reason for her troubles. Ask your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health professional who can conduct ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD, medication is the first choice for treatment. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to increase or balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which regulate behavior and attention. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better and stay focused and in control of their impulses. They can also help them make more rational choices, improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behaviors.
There are also nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants which work more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for some people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for an individual may change over time. It is crucial to discuss with the healthcare professional in the process of evaluating all options.
A health professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment which includes an interview with the person, completion of questionnaires and scales by the person and an examination of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, like sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral for a medical examination may be added to determine if there is a medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take some time. linked resource site is especially the case when you are 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 report cards and copies of their performance evaluations from work or school. The healthcare professional may ask permission to talk with close friends or relatives to get a full picture of the individual's previous experiences and behaviours.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. People typically experience a variety of emotions, from relief to finally having an explanation for their struggles, to grief at the loss of 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 move forward with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is an important step for people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. Fortunately, there are many ways to locate a specialist in your area. Begin by asking your regular doctor for an appointment. They may have a list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also search on the internet. There are many websites that list doctors, including information on their specialties as well as areas of interest. Asking family members or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
If you are seeing an experienced therapist in treating ADHD, it is important to be as transparent as possible. It is important to discuss how ADHD affects your life and the lives of other people. It is also essential to discuss your medical background. This will help your doctor rule out other conditions that could have similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to observing an person's behavior, a therapist will likely conduct interviews and employ standardized rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist might also solicit other caregivers for their opinions for example, religious leaders, teachers or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of the behavior of an individual in various situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently feel angry and ashamed of their condition, and they might be reluctant to discuss them. This can affect the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults with ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
It is also important to realize that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will immediately prescribe medication. While some people suffering from ADHD might require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be extremely effective. These treatments can be used alongside medication or as an alternative treatment.