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, while other people feel sadness for having missed out on opportunities in life due to the symptoms that went untreated so long.
A mental health professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the person's mood, previous and current mental and physical ailments and their childhood behavior and experiences at school. The assessment includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental focus or concentration. Often, these issues also stem from other underlying problems such as depression or substance use disorders. Making sure you are diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc in personal and professional life.
Symptoms of ADHD typically begin in the early years of childhood and persist throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two aspects of a person's daily life (home, school and work). To meet these criteria symptoms must be present for at least six months and are not better explained by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders, dissociative disorders or personality disorders.
In addition to examining the person's symptoms as well as their health history, the healthcare professional will also review their medical history and mental health history. He or she will interview the patient and in the event that it is possible, relatives to gain a perspective on childhood behaviors. The health care provider may also review the patient's current workplace and home environment and speak with their teachers.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. In general, in order to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, an individual must show at least six inattention-related symptoms that are serious 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 thorough psychiatric examination is usually enough for a healthcare professional to identify someone with ADHD. This will include an extensive interview with the person and their parents, as well as any caregivers or teachers, as well as completing scales or questionnaires. The health professional will also review the person's medical, psychiatric and family histories and may refer the individual for a physical exam to rule out other causes of his or her symptoms. The doctor will also examine the individual's sleep patterns, diet, and workplace and home environments to identify stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a specialist doctor in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the effects on your life. They'll want to know how often you have difficulties finishing tasks and how often you misplace items or forget where you put your keys, and whether these problems create stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and physical exam. This information will help them identify other conditions that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD like sleep disorders, depression and anxiety or thyroid issues.
It's likely that your healthcare professional will ask family members, friends and other caregivers about your behavior. They'll also talk about how you behave in different settings, such as at school and work or with your religious or scout leaders. Your doctor may also request you to complete a self-test or rating scale to evaluate your symptoms. These are available online, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face interview with your physician.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet a lower threshold of symptoms than kids - five out of nine symptoms over the course of six months. You'll also need to have a significant 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 look at how your brain works, and can determine if there are any mental disorders that coexist, such as anxiety or depression.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can cause complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief that she had a concrete reason for her troubles. Ask your doctor or support group to refer you to a health professional who is able to conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to determine which doctors are included.
Treatment
The first choice for people with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost or regulate levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behaviors. They can help some people who have ADHD focus and stay organized. diagnosed with adhd can also manage their impulses, make more rational decisions, improve communication, and decrease the risk of impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medicines such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants which work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for patients with ADHD. The type of medication which works best for an individual may change over time. It is essential to discuss with the medical professional who is who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A medical specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This will include an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires, and a review of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions including sleep disorders, and other physical illnesses. A referral to an examination by a doctor could be included to rule out a possible medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
The evaluation is likely to take some time, especially when the patient is an adult who has been struggling to manage symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their job or school and other documents such as old report cards. 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. People often feel a mix of emotions, from relief to finally having a concrete reason for their struggles, to sadness at the loss of opportunities and relationships that result from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis, she was able to begin making changes in her life and continue to move forward with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is a vital step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist can be a challenge. There are a variety of ways to find a specialist in your area. Ask your doctor to recommend you. They might have a list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also check online. There are a variety of websites that provide directories of doctors, and provide details on their areas of interest and specialty. Asking family members or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is essential to be honest when visiting an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD. It is essential to discuss how ADHD affects your life and on others. It's important to talk about your past and present medical history. This helps the therapist rule out other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms, for example depression or anxiety.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and utilize standardized scales to measure the severity of symptoms. The therapist may also ask for input from other caregivers like teachers or religious and scout leaders, to get a clear assessment of the person's behavior in different situations.
Adults with ADHD frequently feel angry and ashamed of their condition and are reluctant to discuss them. This can limit the accuracy of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults with ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
adhd diagnoses is crucial to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that the therapist will prescribe medications. While certain people suffering from ADHD may require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be extremely effective. These methods of treatment can be used alongside medication or they can be utilized as standalone treatments.