How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some people feel relieved that they finally understand their struggles and others feel grief due to the fact that they missed opportunities in their lives because of symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A health professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by looking at the person's mood, past and present mental and physical health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experience. The assessment includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People with ADHD are unable to complete tasks that require mental focus or concentration. In many cases, these problems stem from other underlying problems such as depression or addiction disorders. The first step in tackling the symptoms that cause trouble on a personal and professional level is to get a proper ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood and persist throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of one's life (home, school and work). For how to diagnosis adhd to meet this criteria to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six months and cannot be caused by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
The health care professional will also look over the patient's mental and medical history. The doctor will also interview the patient as well as when possible, family members to get perspective on the child's behavior. The health care professional might also review the patient's current workplace and home environment and speak with their teachers.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. In general, to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, a person must have at least six inattention-related symptoms that are serious enough to hinder their life. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric examination is usually enough for a health professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This includes a thorough interview with the person, his or her family members and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health professional may examine the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family background and refer the patient for a physical examination to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. He or she will also look at the person's sleeping habits eating habits, diet and work home environment to assess any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist doctor in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They'll be interested in knowing how often you have trouble finishing tasks or losing items or forget where you put your keys, and whether these issues create stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also review the medical history and physical examination. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions which may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such a sleep disorders, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems.
It's likely your healthcare professional will ask family members or other caregivers regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different settings such as at school, work or with religious or scout leaders. You might be asked to complete self-tests to identify your symptoms. They are available online, but they shouldn't be used in lieu for a face-to-face appointment with your physician.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is based on the threshold of symptoms lower than for kids -- five out of nine signs over a six-month period. Additionally, you'll need to have 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 determine if there are mental disorders that coexist such as depression or anxiety.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can trigger complicated emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief she had a concrete reason for her issues. Ask your doctor or support group to send you to a medical professional who is able to conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out which doctors are included.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD, medication is the first option for treatment. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine work by increasing or balancing neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that regulate behavior and attention. They can help those with ADHD focus better and remain 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 non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants that are slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication that is most effective for a particular person can change over time, so it is essential to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional conducting the evaluation.
A health care expert with expertise in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This includes an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires and a review of the family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions like sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical examination may also be included to rule out medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take a while. This is particularly true when you are an adult who has struggled to deal with symptoms for many years. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which means that the individual should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their school or job and other documents like old report cards. The healthcare professional could request permission to speak with close family members or friends to get more information about the person's past behavior and experiences.
For adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is common for people to experience an array of emotions, from relief finally getting a reason for their struggles to grief 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 continue to move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is an important step for many people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist is not always easy. There are many ways to find a therapist in the area. Ask your regular doctor to refer you to. They may have a list of specialists who have experience treating ADHD. You can also try looking for them online. There are a variety of websites that list doctors, with information about their specialties and areas of interest. Asking family members or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is essential to be honest when you visit the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. This involves discussing how ADHD symptoms impact your life and the impact they have on other people. how to diagnosis adhd is important to discuss your past and present medical history. This helps the doctor rule out other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and utilize standardized scales to measure the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also seek out other caregivers for their opinions for example, teachers, religious leaders 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 embarrassed by their symptoms, and they might be reluctant to discuss them. This can impact the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD can assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapy provider will automatically prescribe medication. While some people with ADHD do need to take medication but there are plenty of treatment options that are effective, including treatment for behavioral issues. These methods of treatment can be used in conjunction with medication or they can be utilized as standalone treatments.