How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some people feel relieved that they have finally come to terms with their difficulties and others feel grief because they missed out on opportunities due to symptoms that went untreated so long.
A health care provider or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD by examining a person's current mood and past mental and medical health issues as well as their childhood behavior and school experience. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scales of rating.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require mental effort or concentration. In many cases, these problems are a result of other issues such as depression or addiction disorders. The first step to control the symptoms that cause trouble on both a personal and professional level is to obtain a proper ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood and last throughout adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at least two aspects of one's life (home school, home, and at work). To meet these criteria symptoms must be present for at minimum six months and are not better explained by other mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, dissociative disorders or personality disorders.
In addition to examining the patient's symptoms, the health care provider will review their medical history and mental health history. The doctor will also interview the patient as well as when possible, relatives to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health care professional might also review the patient's current work and home environments and discuss the patient's schooling with them.
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, one must have six or fewer symptoms of inattention 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 examination is typically enough for a health care professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This involves an in-depth interview with the person and their parents, and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to completing scales or questionnaires. The health professional may also examine the person's medical, psychiatric or family history and refer the person for a physical examination to determine the cause of symptoms. He or she will also look at the person's sleeping habits, diet and work and home environment to determine any stressors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, you should consult a doctor who is an expert in the field. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They'll want to know how often you experience trouble finishing tasks, how often you lose items or forget where you put your keys, and whether these problems create stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions which may mimic the symptoms of ADHD like sleep disorders, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers, and friends about your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in various situations like at school, at work or with scouts or religious leaders. You might be asked to take a self-test to determine your symptoms. They are available online, however, they shouldn't be used to replace an in-person visit with your doctor.
Adults must have an lower threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD that is five out of nine symptoms within the course of six months. You'll also need to have a significant impact on your school, work and personal 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 typically look at the way your brain functions and can help determine if you suffer from co-existing mental disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from sadness over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a concrete reason for her problems. Consult your doctor or local support group to recommend you to a health professional who can perform ADHD evaluations on adults. You can also check with your insurance company to learn which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
The first option for many people with ADHD. Stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine function by increasing or balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters that regulate behavior and attention. They can help some people who suffer from ADHD concentrate and remain organized. They can also manage their impulses, make more rational decisions, improve communication, and lessen the impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants which work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for some patients with ADHD. The type of medication which is best for a person may change over time. It is crucial to discuss with the health professional who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A health care expert with expertise in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This will include an interview, the completion of questionnaires, scales, and a review of family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral for an examination by a doctor could be included to rule out a possible medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
The test is likely to take a while, especially when the patient 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 patient should bring copies of performance assessments from their workplace or school and other documents such as old report cards. The healthcare professional may request permission to speak with family members or acquaintances to gain more information about the individual's past behaviors and experiences.
For adults, an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. People often feel a mix of emotions, from relief to finally have an answer to their struggles, to grief at the loss of opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis and was able to make changes in her life and continue to move forward with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is an important step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist isn't always easy. There are many ways to locate a specialist in the area. Ask your regular doctor to refer you to. He or she may have a list of specialists who are acquainted with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also try looking online. There are a variety of websites that have directories of doctors that include information on their areas of interest and areas of expertise. Asking your family or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also call your local mental health center or ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is important to be honest when you visit a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. It is important to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and the lives of other people. It is also essential to discuss your medical history. This will help your doctor rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and employ standardized scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist may also ask for input from other caregivers like teachers or religious or scout leaders to get an accurate image of the individual's behavior in different environments.
Adults suffering from ADHD often feel depressed and ashamed of their condition and are reluctant to discuss them. Our Site can affect the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults with ADHD can help them overcome these obstacles.
It is also important to understand that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the counselor will automatically prescribe medication. While certain individuals suffering from ADHD might require medication, behavioral therapy is another option that can be extremely efficient. These treatments can be utilized alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.