How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some people feel relief knowing that they finally understand their struggles and others feel sorrow due to the fact that they missed opportunities in their lives due to the symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by looking at a person's current mood and past mental and medical health issues, and their childhood behavior and school experiences. The test includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People with ADHD are unable to complete tasks that require mental focus or attention to detail. Most of the time, these issues are a result of other issues like depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step to control issues that can cause chaos at a personal as well as professional scale is to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood and persist into adulthood. For a person to receive an diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their life in more than one area (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. For symptoms to be considered to meet the criteria to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six month and cannot be explained by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder, 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 patient, and if possible their family members, to gain a perspective on the behavior of children. The health care professional will also meet with the patient's teacher and review their current work and home environment.
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 version of ADHD, a person must have six or fewer inattention symptoms that are severe enough to interfere in 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 typically enough for a health care professional to identify someone with ADHD. This will include a thorough interview with the person as well as his or her parents, and any caregivers or teachers, as well as answering questionnaires or scales. The health care provider may examine the patient's medical, psychiatric or family history and refer the individual for a physical examination to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. They will look at the person's sleeping patterns, diet, and workplace and home environments to determine if stressors could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think that you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a doctor who is an expert in the field. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll be looking to find out if you have difficulty completing tasks, if you frequently lose things, or if you are unable to remember where you left your keys. They may also ask a question about whether or not these issues cause you stress at home, work, or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and physical examination. This information will help your doctor rule out other conditions which may mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD like sleep disorders, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health care provider may interview family members, caregivers and friends regarding your behavior. They'll also talk about your behavior in different settings, such as at school and work or with your scout or religious leaders. Your doctor might also request you to complete self-tests or a rating scale to determine the severity of your symptoms. These are available online, but should not be used to replace a face-toface interview with your doctor.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD is based on the threshold of symptoms lower than children - five out of nine symptoms over a six-month period. You will also need to 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 usually look at the way your brain works and can help determine if you have co-occurring mental disorders like depression or anxiety.
Being diagnosed with adult diagnosis of adhd as an adult can trigger complicated emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger at missed opportunities to relief she had a reason for her troubles. Ask your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a medical specialist who conducts ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also inquire with your insurance company to learn which providers are on its list.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD, medication is the first option for treatment. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine work by increasing or balancing levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals which regulate behavior and attention. They can help some people with ADHD focus and stay organized. They can also control their impulses and make more rational decisions enhance communication, and decrease impulsive behavior.
There are also get diagnosed with adhd as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants which work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for patients with ADHD. The type of medication that works best for a person's needs may change over time, which is why it is essential to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional who conducts the test.
A health care specialist with expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the person, completion of questionnaires and scales for the individual as well as a review of family history of mood disorders, as well as medical conditions, like sleep disorders and physical ailments. A referral for medical examinations could be added to determine if there is a medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
The test will likely to take a while, especially when the patient is an adult who has struggled to cope with symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of performance evaluations from their workplace or school and other records like old reports. The healthcare professional may ask permission to speak with relatives or close friends to gain a more complete understanding of the individual's past experiences and behavior.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. It is common 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 had a diagnosis, she was able to make changes in her life and move forward in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD need assistance from a therapist can be a crucial step. Finding the right therapist isn't always straightforward. There are many methods to find a specialist in the area. Ask your doctor to refer you. He or she may have a list with specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also search online. There are many websites that list doctors, including details about their specialties and areas of expertise. Asking family members or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to receive suggestions.
When you see a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD and other disorders, it is essential to be as honest as possible. It is crucial to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life as well as the lives of others. It is essential to discuss your past and present medical background. This will help the therapist identify any illnesses such as anxiety or depression that could exhibit similar symptoms.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a psychotherapist is likely to conduct interviews and use standard rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist could also solicit other caregivers for their input for example, religious leaders, teachers, or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of behavior of an individual in various situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel depressed and embarrassed by their issues and may be reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can limit the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who is experienced in working with adults suffering from ADHD is generally able to assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is crucial to understand that the diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will prescribe medications. While certain individuals with ADHD may require medication, behavioral therapy is another option that is extremely effective. These treatments can be used alongside medication or they can be utilized as a stand-alone treatment.