ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD might experience symptoms that are similar to those of anxiety or depression. This is why a thorough examination by a medical professional or mental health professional is necessary.
Your doctor will inquire about your childhood-related symptoms. You may also be asked to fill out questionnaires or complete interviews with teachers and other professionals who are familiar with you.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms can make it hard to accomplish daily tasks such as scheduling and managing time. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause people to have a difficult time at work, have difficulty keeping up in school, and to discover that their relationships suffer because they tend to overlook important events or show up late to events. They may also have trouble keeping track of conversations or appear distracted by eyes that are glazed over.
The symptoms are evaluated to determine whether ADHD is present. They should have been present for at least 6 months and cause problems in multiple areas of their lives. Adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD may not realize that they have a problem, but their daily struggles can cause them to seek out help. They could begin to lose time at work because they fail to meet deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Friendships could suffer as they don't follow through with plans or fail to listen to their partners and their family lives can be fraught because of their inability to follow through on household chores.
A certified professional can also test for learning disabilities, psychological disorders, or neuropsychological disorders. Based on the individual's particular issues, these tests may provide helpful information about ways in which ADHD affects the person and can determine if comorbid conditions exist. For instance, anxiety may cause similar symptoms to ADHD, and depression often is a result of ADHD.
It is crucial to choose a specialist who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. Psychologists, physicians, or clinical social workers are certified professionals. It is possible to locate an expert through recommendations from colleagues or friends, but it is advisable to conduct some research to ensure that the professional you select is certified and licensed in your state. You can also look up the professional background of the doctor and ask for references of previous clients or patients. These steps will allow you to locate a professional who can evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. Many adults feel happy after receiving the diagnosis. They can stop worrying that their failings result from laziness or a lack of knowledge and instead focus on figuring out how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may struggle to get a diagnosis for ADHD. Many symptoms could be due to other causes, such as stress or an illness. Sexe, gender or race may be a factor in the diagnosis of a person. Women and people of color, for example, may be less likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than males and whites. In the end, many adults struggling with the symptoms of ADHD do not receive the assistance they require until later in life.
A mental health professional can confirm the ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough evaluation that looks at the person's behavior and their history of symptoms over time. They will interview the patient about their symptoms, and they will also speak with people who are familiar with their condition. They might ask the spouse or parents of the person how the symptoms have affected their lives. The person will be asked to fill out questionnaires and may undergo an array of tests, which could include a psychological evaluation and an interview.
To receive a diagnosis, the patient has to show that they have suffered from a variety of symptoms for at least 12 months and that they are currently experiencing impairment in two different areas of their lives, such as work, school, or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. It's also important that the specialist establish that these symptoms were present prior to age 12.
During the examination an examiner will go over the person's medical background and family history, as well as mood and anxiety disorders, any other mental health issues and substance abuse and other physical conditions. It's not uncommon for these issues to overlap with ADHD.
It is crucial to find a professional who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to offer their knowledge and experience in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to divulge this information, it's probably not the best idea to work with them.
Treatment
Unlike when someone is a child, the decision of whether or to treat ADHD as an adult is solely up to the individual. Although being diagnosed with ADHD may seem daunting initially but there are a variety of options for adults to manage their symptoms and improve functioning.
The majority of health care professionals will utilize a thorough assessment process to assess an individual's condition. This may include a detailed description of the symptoms provided by the patient, his family, friends and teachers. It may also involve the submission of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) released by the American Psychiatric Association, which requires that a person exhibit at least five indicators of hyperactivity or inattention, or impulsivity. The symptoms must have also been present prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will examine how the symptoms affect the life of the individual. Examples of impairment include losing a job due to issues in the workplace, excessive conflict and distress in relationships or not paying bills on time or getting into financial trouble, and not making satisfactory academic progress in school.
A comprehensive assessment could include along with the interview with a psychologist psychological tests that test working memory, executive function (abilities like planning and decision making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning abilities. A psychologist or psychiatrist who is skilled in ADHD and its treatment can administer these tests and provide an extensive evaluation.
For certain individuals, behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing their symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an example. It helps a person learn how to manage his own behavior, and how to increase his self-esteem. It can also instruct the patient how to deal with underlying problems which make his symptoms worse.
Certain people with ADHD opt to take part in a clinical trial, which is a type of research study designed to test the effectiveness of new ways to prevent, detect or treat diseases and conditions. People should talk to their healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial.
Counseling
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD have lived with the disorder for a number of years. The strain of living with ADHD, whether it's a frustration with their job or issues with relationships, could eventually cause someone to realize they need professional assistance. If you're an adult who's been diagnosed with ADHD and you're unable to get counselling from a therapist that specializes in the disorder or through a neurologist or psychiatrist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure how to locate these health professionals, ask your primary care physician or contact the organization CHADD for suggestions.
During the initial assessment the mental health professional will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. The therapist might also look over your medical history to determine whether emotional or physical issues may have contributed to the onset of your ADHD. The therapist will speak with you, and if appropriate, your spouse. Both partners or spouses should participate in the assessment. This will help them better know each the other's ADHD symptoms, and how they affect their relationship.
The therapist will review your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria set by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They will then determine what degree of ADHD you have mild, moderate or severe. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions, and your home.
After evaluating your symptoms, the health professional will suggest different treatment options. These could include medication, lifestyle changes, and therapy. Your doctor might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can boost your self-esteem and help you overcome negative thought patterns. They could also refer to neurofeedback or brain training that are non-pharmacological treatment techniques that increase concentration and reduce impulses.
Amwell is an online telehealth service, will connect you with a doctor who is specialized in ADHD for evaluations and medications. Amwell works with over 40+ insurance companies and typically requires a diagnosing adhd copay or exceeds your deductible for out of pocket visits. Thriveworks is another option that offers online counseling and also manage medication.