How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, being diagnosed of ADHD isn't easy to accept. Some feel relief at finally realizing their struggles, whereas others feel grief that they have missed opportunities to live their lives due to symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health care provider or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the mood of a person, past and present mental and physical health conditions, and their childhood behavior and school experience. The evaluation includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD are unable to complete tasks that require mental focus or attention to detail. These problems are usually caused by other underlying conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in getting control of the symptoms that cause chaos in your professional and personal life.
Symptoms of ADHD generally begin in the early years of childhood and persist into adulthood. In order for a person to be granted an diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their daily life in two or more areas (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. For symptoms to be considered to meet this criteria they must last for at least six month and cannot be caused by other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
The health care provider will also look over the patient's medical and mental history. They will also talk to the person and in the event that it is possible, relatives to get perspective on childhood behaviors. The health professional may review the patient's present work and home environments and speak with their teachers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, one must exhibit six or less symptoms of inattention that are serious 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 health professional is usually able to identify a person with ADHD through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This will include a thorough interview with the individual as well as his or her parents, and any caregivers or teachers, as well as taking questionnaires or scales. The health professional will also look over the individual's psychiatric, medical and family history and might refer the person for a physical exam to rule out possible causes of his or her symptoms. He or she will examine the person's sleep habits, diet, the home and work environments to assess stressors which could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD it is recommended that you consult a specialist doctor in the disorder. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the impact on your daily life. They will want to know if you have difficulty completing tasks, if it is common to lose items, or forget where you left your keys. They may also inquire about whether or not these issues cause you stress at home, work, or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical examination. This information will help your doctor rule out other conditions that may cause the symptoms associated with ADHD like sleep disorders, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health care provider may interview family members, caregivers, and friends regarding your behavior. They'll also inquire about your behavior in various settings, such as at work, school or with your scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also request you to complete a self-test or rating scale to assess your symptoms. You can find these on the internet, but they should not be used as a substitute for a face-to-face appointment with your doctor.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet a lower threshold of symptoms than kids - five out of nine symptoms over a six-month period. You'll also need to have an 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 typically look at the way your brain functions and aid in determining if you suffer from co-existing mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief she could pinpoint a cause for her issues. Ask your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a medical specialist who conducts ADHD assessments on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out the providers that are listed.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD treatment is the first treatment option. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behaviors. They can help some people with ADHD focus better and stay organized and in control of their impulses. They can also help them make more rational decisions, improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behaviors.
There are also nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants that are slower than stimulants but can still be effective for patients with ADHD. The type of medication that is most effective for a person's needs may change over time, so it is crucial to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional who conducts the test.
A health professional with expertise in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This may include an interview, the completion of scales, questionnaires and a review of family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions, including sleep disorders, and other physical illnesses. I Am Psychiatry to a medical exam can also be recommended to rule out medical reasons for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take a while. This is especially true in the case of an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms over a long time. The evaluation should be thorough and therefore, the patient should bring old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at work or school. The healthcare professional might ask permission to speak to close friends or relatives to obtain a complete picture of the individual's previous experiences and behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. It is normal for people to feel various emotions, from relief finally getting a reason for their problems to sadness over the loss of opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis and was able to start making changes in her life and progress in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is a crucial step for many people with ADHD. However, finding the right therapist could be difficult. There are a variety of ways to find a therapist in the area. Begin by asking your regular doctor for an appointment. They may have a list with specialists who are skilled in treating ADHD. You can also look on the internet. There are many websites which list doctors, as well as information about their specialties and areas of focus. Another option is to seek a recommendation from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center or ADHD support group to get recommendations.
If you are seeing a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as transparent as possible. It is essential to discuss how ADHD symptoms impact your life as well as the lives of other people. It is essential to discuss your medical history, both past and present. background. This allows the therapist to determine if you have any conditions like anxiety or depression that could exhibit similar symptoms.
In addition to observing an person's behavior, a therapy therapist may conduct interviews and employ standardized rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist could also ask for input from other caregivers, such as teachers or Scout and religious leaders, to get a clear image of the individual's behavior in different situations.
Adults with ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their issues and may be reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can compromise the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience in working with adults with ADHD is generally able to assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to know that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the counselor will automatically prescribe medication. While some individuals with ADHD do need to take medication however, there are a variety of treatments that are efficient, such as the use of behavioral therapy. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.