How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some feel relief at finally realizing their struggles, whereas others feel grief that they missed out on life opportunities due to symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the person's mood and past mental and medical health issues and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The test usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales.
Symptoms
People with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require concentration or concentration. These issues are often caused by other underlying issues such as depression or abuse disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to getting control of the symptoms that can cause destruction in both professional and personal life.
Symptoms of ADHD generally begin in childhood and continue into 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). For symptoms to meet the criteria, they must have lasted at least six months 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 review the patient's medical and mental history. They will also talk with the person and, if they are able, their family members, in order to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health care provider will also meet with the patient's teacher and review their current work and home settings.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition released by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In general, to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD, an individual must show at least six symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to affect 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 assessment is usually enough for a healthcare professional to identify someone with ADHD. This will include an extensive interview with the individual, his or her parents, as well as any caregivers or teachers, in addition to completing scales or questionnaires. The health care provider will also look over the individual's psychiatric, medical and family history. They may refer the patient for a physical examination to rule out other causes for his or her symptoms. They will also examine the individual's sleep patterns, diet and work and home environment to assess any stressors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you may be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist doctor in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the effects on your life. They will want to know if you are having trouble completing tasks, if it is common to lose things, or if you forget where you put your keys. They may ask whether or not these problems result in stress at work, home or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical exam. This will help them identify other conditions that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders and anxiety, or a thyroid problem.
It's likely that your health care provider will question family members or other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also discuss your behavior in various settings, such as at school and work or with your scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also ask you to fill out self-tests or a rating scale 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 have to meet a lower threshold than children to be formally diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms within a six-month time period. You will also need to be able to demonstrate a significant impact in your work, school and at home.
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 test how your brain works, and will determine if you are any mental disorders that coexist, such as depression or anxiety.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can create a variety of emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or support group to recommend you to a health professional who is able to conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also inquire with your insurance company to find out which providers are included on its list.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD medication is the first choice for treatment. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine increase or balance levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and behavior. They can help people who suffer from ADHD focus and stay organized. They also help control their impulses and make more rational choices, improve communication, and lessen the impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants that work slower than stimulants but can still be effective for people with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for an individual may change as time passes. It is crucial to discuss with the healthcare professional in the process of evaluating all options.
A medical specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This will include an interview, the completion of scales, questionnaires, and a review of family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions including sleep disorders, as well as other physical ailments. A referral to medical examinations could be added to determine if there is a medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take some time. This is particularly true if you are an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms over many years. diagnosis for adhd should be comprehensive and therefore, the patient should bring their old reports and copies of their performance assessments at school or at work. The healthcare professional might ask permission to talk with close friends or relatives to obtain a complete picture of the person's past experiences and behavior.
For adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. It is normal for people to feel various emotions, ranging from relief at finally having a concrete explanation for their struggles to grief over the loss of opportunities and relationships that were damaged by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed and was able to begin making changes in her life and progress with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD need help from a therapist is an essential step. Finding the right therapist isn't always easy. There are a variety of ways to locate a specialist in the area. Begin by asking your regular doctor for an appointment. They may have an extensive list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look for them online. There are a variety of websites that offer directories of doctors and include information on their areas of expertise and specialization. Another alternative is to request a recommendation from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to receive suggestions.
It is crucial to be honest when visiting an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD. This involves discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life and the effect they have on other people. It is also essential to discuss your medical history, including your past background. This allows the therapist to determine if you have any conditions like depression or anxiety that can be similar to anxiety or depression.
In addition to monitoring an person's behavior, a psychotherapist is likely to conduct interviews and employ standardized rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist might solicit input from other caregivers, like teachers, religious or scout leaders to get a clear assessment of the person's behavior in various situations.
Adults with ADHD may feel embarrassed and frustrated by their issues and be reluctant to discuss them. This can affect the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults who have ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
It is also important to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will automatically prescribe medication. While some individuals who suffer from ADHD do need to take 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 stand-alone treatments.