How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD isn't easy to accept. Some feel relief at finally understanding their struggles, while others feel remorse that they missed out on opportunities in life because of the symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A mental health professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD based on the person's mood, past and current medical and mental conditions and their childhood behavior and experiences at school. The evaluation includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People with ADHD are unable to complete tasks that require mental focus or attention to detail. In many cases, these problems are a result of other issues like depression or substance use disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to getting control of the symptoms that can cause havoc in personal and professional life.
The signs of ADHD typically begin in childhood and last throughout adulthood. For a person to receive an diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their life in more than one area (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. To meet this requirement to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six month and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
In addition to looking into the patient's symptoms and health issues, the doctor will review their medical history and mental health history. They will also talk to the patient and, if they are able, their family members, to gain a perspective on the behavior of children. The health care professional will also speak to the patient's teachers and review their current home and work settings.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with the inattentive version of ADHD, an individual must have six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to affect their daily activities. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional will usually determine if a person has ADHD by conducting a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This will include a thorough interview with the person and their parents, as well as any caregivers or teachers, as well as answering questionnaires or scales. The health professional will also review the person's medical, psychiatric and family history. They may refer the patient for a physical exam to rule out other causes for his or her symptoms. They will look at the person's sleep habits, diet, work and home environments to assess stressors which may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD it is essential to consult a medical specialist who is trained in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will want to know if you have difficulty completing tasks, if it is common to lose things, or forget where you put your keys. They might ask whether or not these issues result in stress at work, at home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical examination. This information will help them determine if there are other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such as sleep disorders, depression and anxiety, or a thyroid problem.
Your health professional could interview family members, caregivers 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 complete a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available on the internet, but they should not be used as a substitute for a face-to-face interview with your doctor.
Adults must meet an lower threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms in a six-month time period. You'll also have to make an impact on your school, work 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 functions, and will determine if you are coexisting mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may result in a range of complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger at missed opportunities to relief that she had a reason for her problems. Consult your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a health specialist who conducts ADHD assessments for adults. You can also call your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD, medication is the first option for treatment. Drugs like amphetamine or methylphenidate boost or balance levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behavior. They can help those with ADHD concentrate better and stay organized, control their impulses and make more rational choices, improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine or certain antidepressants, work slower than stimulants. However they are effective in treating people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication which works best for an individual can change as time passes. It is crucial to discuss with the medical professional who is conducting the evaluation all options.
A health expert with expertise in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This may include an interview, the filling out of scales, questionnaires and a review of the family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions like sleep disorders, and other physical ailments. A referral for an examination by a doctor could be included to determine if there is a medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
The test will likely to take some time, particularly if the person is an adult who has been struggling to cope with symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as is possible, which means that the individual should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their school or job and other information like old report cards. The healthcare professional could request permission to speak with close family members or friends to gain a better understanding of the individual's past behaviors and experiences.
For adults, receiving an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. It is common for people to feel various emotions, from relief at finally having a concrete explanation for their issues to sadness over the loss of opportunities and relationships that were damaged by untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that following the diagnosis, she was able to make positive changes in her life, including her career and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is an important step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist can be difficult. Luckily, there are several methods to locate a therapist in your area. Ask your regular doctor to recommend you. He or she may have an extensive list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look on the internet. There are many websites that offer directories of doctors that include details about their areas of expertise and specialization. Asking your family or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also reach out to your local mental health center or an ADHD support group for suggestions.
If you are seeing a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD and other disorders, it is essential to be as honest as you can. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect your life and the effect they have on others. It is also essential to discuss your medical history, including your past background. This helps the therapist to identify any illnesses such as anxiety or depression that could have similar symptoms.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standardized rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. investigate this site may also ask for input from other caregivers, such as teachers or religious or scout leaders to get an accurate image of the individual's behavior in various settings.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel dissatisfied and embarrassed by their symptoms and are reluctant to discuss them. This can impact the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults who have ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is also important to realize that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that the therapist will automatically prescribe medication. While certain individuals suffering from ADHD may need to take medication, behavioral therapy is another option that can be extremely efficient. These treatment methods can be utilized in conjunction with medication or they can be utilized as an alternative treatment.