How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some people feel relief that they have finally come to terms with their difficulties and others feel sadness for having missed out on opportunities in life due to the symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by looking at the person's mood as well as their past and current medical and mental health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experiences. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized rating scales.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to details. These issues are often caused by other conditions like depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step to control the symptoms that cause trouble at a personal as well as professional level is to obtain a proper ADHD diagnosis.
The symptoms of ADHD typically begin in the early years of 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 lives in more than one area (home school, work and home) and cause significant impairment. To meet these criteria the symptoms must have been present for at least six months and are not better explained by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders and dissociative disorders.
In addition to examining the person's symptoms, the health care provider will review their medical history and mental health history. They will also talk to the person, and if possible their family members, in order to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health care professional will also meet with the patient's teachers and review their current work and home environment.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, a person must show six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to hinder their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health professional will usually identify a person with ADHD through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This will include an extensive interview with the person as well as their family and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to completing scales and questionnaires. The health professional will also go over the person's medical, psychiatric and family history. They might refer the person to a physical exam in order to rule out possible causes for his or her symptoms. The doctor will also examine the individual's sleep patterns, diet, work and home environments to determine if stressors may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a specialist doctor in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll likely be interested in how often you have trouble finishing tasks and how often you misplace items or forget to put away your keys, and whether these issues cause stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical examination. This information will help your doctor rule out other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such a depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health care provider may interview caregivers, family members and friends regarding your behavior. They'll also talk about your behavior in various environments, such as at work and school, or with your religious or scout leaders. You may be asked to complete a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available online, but should not be used in lieu of an in-person visit with your doctor.
Adults have to meet an lower threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms over the course of six months. You must also be able to demonstrate a significant impact in 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 usually look at the way your brain functions and can help determine if you suffer from coexisting mental disorders such as anxiety or depression.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can create a variety of emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger at missed opportunities to relief she could pinpoint a cause for her troubles. Consult your doctor or local support group to send you to a medical professional who is able to conduct ADHD evaluations on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out which doctors are included.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD medication is the first choice for treatment. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine work by increasing or balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and behavior. They can help people who suffer from ADHD focus and stay organized. They also help control their impulses and make more rational choices enhance communication, and lessen the risk of impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine, or some antidepressants are slower to work than stimulants. However they are effective in treating certain people with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for an individual may change over time. It is crucial to discuss with the medical professional who is who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A health professional with experience in ADHD will conduct an assessment which includes an interview with the person as well as the answering questionnaires and completing scales for the individual, and a review of family history and mood disorders as well as medical conditions, such as sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral to an examination by a doctor could be included as well to rule out a possible medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
The assessment will likely to take some time, particularly if the person is an adult who has struggled to manage symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of performance evaluations from their school or job and other information such as old report cards. The healthcare professional could ask for permission to speak with family members or acquaintances to gain more information about the person's previous behavior and experiences.
For adults, an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. It is normal for people to feel an array of emotions, from relief at finding a clear explanation for their struggles to grief over the loss of opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that following the diagnosis, she was able to make a change in her life, including in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find that getting help from a therapist is a crucial step. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. Luckily, there are several ways to locate a specialist in your area. Start by asking your physician for a referral. They might have an extensive list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also search for them online. There are many websites that list doctors, with information about their specialties and areas of expertise. Another option is to seek a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also reach out to your local mental health clinic, or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
adhd diagnosed is essential to be honest when you visit the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. This includes discussing how ADHD symptoms affect your life and the impact they have on other people. It's important to talk about your medical history. This helps the therapist to determine if you have any conditions like anxiety or depression that could have similar symptoms.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and use standardized scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also ask other caregivers for their opinions for example, teachers, religious leaders or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of behavior of a person in different situations.
Adults with ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their symptoms and may be unwilling to talk about their issues. This can impact the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD can help them overcome these challenges.
It is also important to understand that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the counselor will automatically prescribe medication. While some people suffering from ADHD may need to take medication, behavioral therapy is another option that is extremely efficient. These treatments can be used in conjunction with medication, or as standalone treatments.