How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some people feel relief that they finally understand their struggles and others feel sorrow for having missed out on opportunities in their lives because of symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD in the mood of a person, their previous and current mental and medical conditions as well as their childhood behaviour and school experiences. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptom checklists and the standardized scales of rating.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD are unable to complete tasks that require mental focus or attention to detail. These issues are often caused by other underlying issues like depression or substance abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in getting control of the symptoms that wreak havoc in personal and professional life.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood and persist into adulthood. To be eligible for an diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their life in two or more areas (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. To meet these criteria, symptoms must have lasted for at least six months. They cannot be explained better by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders and dissociative disorders.
In addition to examining the patient's symptoms as well as their health history, the healthcare professional will also review their medical history and mental health history. The doctor will speak with the person, and if possible their family members, in order to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health professional will also speak to the patient's teachers and review their current home and work settings.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. In general, in order to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, a person must show six or more inattention symptoms that are severe enough to affect their life functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional can usually identify a person suffering from ADHD by conducting an extensive psychiatric assessment. This involves a thorough interview with the individual and their 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 medical, psychiatric and family history. They might refer the person to a physical exam in order to rule out any other reasons for their symptoms. The doctor will also take a look at the person's sleeping habits, diet and work and home environment to assess any stressors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, it's important to consult a medical specialist who is trained in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. They will be looking to find out if you are struggling to complete tasks, if you frequently lose things, or are unable to remember where you left your keys. They might also inquire about whether or not these problems cause you stress at work, at home or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and physical exam. This information will help your doctor rule out other conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid issues or depression.
Your health professional could interview caregivers, family members and friends about your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different settings such as at work, school or with scout or religious leaders. You might be asked to take self-tests to identify your symptoms. These are available online, but they should not be used in lieu of a face-toface interview with your doctor.
Adults have to meet an upper threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD that is five out of nine symptoms in the span of six months. Additionally, you must be able 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 typically look at the ways your brain functions and may help determine if you suffer from coexisting mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
When diagnosing adhd are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may cause complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from sadness over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a concrete explanation for her troubles. Consult your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health care professional who can conduct ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also check with your insurance company to find out which providers are on its list.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD medication is the first treatment option. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine increase or balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and behavior. They can help people who suffer from ADHD focus and stay organized. They can also control their impulses, make more rational decisions, improve communication, and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants, are slower to work than stimulants. However they are effective in treating some people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for an individual may change as time passes. It is important to discuss with the medical professional who is who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A medical specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This may include an interview, the filling out of scales, questionnaires and a review family history, mood disorders and medical conditions like sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral for a medical examination may be added to rule out a possible medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take a while. This is especially the case in the case of an adult who has had to struggle to manage symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be comprehensive, so the individual should bring their old reports and copies of their performance evaluations from school or at work. The healthcare professional can request permission to speak with family members or friends to gain an understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.
For adults, diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is normal for people to feel a mixture of emotions, ranging from relief at finally having a concrete explanation for their problems to sadness over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. Matlen, however, says that after being diagnosed, she was able to make positive changes in her life, including her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are aware that seeking assistance from a therapist is a crucial step. Finding the right therapist may be challenging. Luckily, there are several methods to locate a therapist in your area. Ask your regular doctor to refer you. He or she may have a list with specialists who have experience treating ADHD. You can also check online. There are numerous websites which list doctors, as well as information about their specialties and areas of expertise. Another option is to ask for recommendations from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is crucial to be honest when you visit the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. It is important to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and the lives of other people. It's also important to talk about your medical history, including your past history. This will help the counselor rule out any other conditions that could have similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist might solicit input from other caregivers, like teachers or religious and scout leaders, to get a clear image of the individual's behavior in different situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their symptoms and may be reluctant to discuss them. This can compromise the accuracy of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience in working with adults with ADHD is generally able to help them overcome these barriers.
It is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While certain people suffering from ADHD might require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be extremely effective. These treatments can be utilized with medication or as standalone treatments.