How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some feel relief in realizing their struggles, whereas others feel remorse for having missed out on life opportunities because of the symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A mental health professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the mood of a person, their past and current medical and mental conditions and their childhood behaviour and school experiences. The assessment usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standard rating scales.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require mental energy over time or paying attention to details. These problems are usually caused by other underlying conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in getting control of symptoms that wreak havoc in personal and professional life.
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 a person's daily life (home, school and at work). To meet these criteria the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months and are not better explained by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
In addition to looking into the person's symptoms as well as their health history, the healthcare professional will review their medical history and mental health history. They will also talk to the person and, if possible, family members to get perspective on the child's behavior. The health professional may also review the patient's current work and home environments and discuss the patient's schooling with them.
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, an individual must show six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to hinder 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 typically enough for a health professional to determine if someone has ADHD. This involves a thorough interview with the individual, his or her 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 for a physical examination to determine the cause of symptoms. The doctor will also look at the person's sleeping habits as well as their diet, work and home environment to determine any stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD is important to see a health care specialist who is trained in the disorder. More will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll be looking to find out if you are having trouble completing tasks, if it is common to lose items, or forget where you put your keys. They might also inquire about whether or not these issues create stress at work, home or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This information will allow them to determine if there are other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or a thyroid issue.
Your health professional could interview caregivers, family members and friends about your conduct. They'll also inquire about your behavior in different environments, such as at work and school, or with your religious or scout leaders. You may be asked to take a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available online, but they shouldn't be used in lieu for a face-to-face interview with your doctor.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is based on a lower threshold of symptoms than kids -- five out of nine symptoms in an entire six-month period. You'll also have to make an impact on your work, school 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 test how your brain works, and will determine if you are mental disorders that coexist such as anxiety or depression.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief she had a concrete reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or local support group to refer you to a health care professional who can conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also call your insurance provider to find out which doctors are included.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD treatment is the first choice for treatment. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine function by increasing or balancing levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people with ADHD focus better and remain organized and in control of their impulses. They can also help them make more rational choices improve communication and relationships and decrease impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, perform slower than stimulants. However, they can still be effective in treating some people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication that is most effective for a particular person may change over time. It is essential to discuss with the healthcare professional who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A health care professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the individual as well as the completion of questionnaires and scales by the individual, and an examination of family history of mood disorders, as well as medical conditions, such as sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral for medical examinations could be added to determine if there is a medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation will likely take some time, especially when the patient is an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which implies that the individual should bring copies of performance assessments from their school or job and other documents like old reports. The healthcare professional can ask for permission to speak with family members or friends to get an understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. It is normal for people to experience various emotions, from relief finally having a concrete explanation for their struggles to grief over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed she was able to make changes in her life and continue to move forward with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is a crucial step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist can be challenging. Fortunately, there are many ways to locate a specialist in your area. Start by asking your doctor for the referral. He or she may have a list with specialists who are skilled in treating ADHD. You can also try looking on the internet. There are many websites that offer directories of doctors, and provide information on their areas of focus and areas of expertise. Asking friends or family for suggestions is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center, or an ADHD support group for suggestions.
It is important to be honest when visiting a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. This includes discussing how ADHD symptoms impact your life and the effect they have on other people. It is also essential to discuss your medical history. This will help the doctor rule out other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and employ standardized scales to gauge the severity of the symptoms. The therapist could also ask other caregivers for their opinions for example, religious leaders, teachers or scout and scout leaders to get a true picture of the behavior of the individual in different situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel dissatisfied and embarrassed by their symptoms and be reluctant to discuss the issues. This can compromise the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is crucial to understand that having a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that the therapist will prescribe medications. While some people who suffer from ADHD may need to take medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that can be very efficient. These methods of treatment can be utilized alongside medication or as a stand-alone treatment.