How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some feel relief at finally being able to recognize their challenges, while others feel grief that they missed opportunities to live their lives because of symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A health professional or mental health professional can determine ADHD by examining the person's mood and past mental and medical health issues and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The test usually includes ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scales of rating.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require concentration or concentration. Often, these issues also are a result of other issues like depression or substance use disorders. The first step to control symptoms that cause havoc on both a personal and professional level is to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis.
The symptoms of ADHD generally begin in the early years of childhood and persist throughout adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at least two areas of a person's life (home, school and at work). To meet these criteria symptoms must be present for at least six months. They cannot be better explained by other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders and dissociative disorders.
The health care professional will also review the patient's medical and mental history. The doctor will speak to the person, and if possible their family members, in order to gain a perspective on the behavior of children. The health professional may also look at the patient's current workplace and home environment and talk with their teachers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. Generally, to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, an individual must show at least six symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to hinder their life. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health professional will usually determine if a person has ADHD through an extensive psychiatric assessment. This will include an extensive interview with the person, his or her family members and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to completing scales and questionnaires. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult will also go over the person's psychiatric, medical and family histories and may refer the individual for a physical examination to rule out any other causes of his or her symptoms. They will look at the person's sleep habits, diet, the home and work environments to identify stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD, it's important to see a health care provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They'll want to know how many times you have trouble finishing tasks or losing things or forget where you put your keys, and whether these problems cause stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and physical exam. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD, such a sleep disorders, depression anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.
Your health professional could interview family members, caregivers and friends about your behavior. They'll also inquire about how you behave in different situations, like at work, school or with your scout or religious leaders. You might be asked to take a self-test to determine your symptoms. These are available online, but they should not be used to replace a face-toface interview with your physician.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD requires you to meet the threshold of symptoms lower than kids -- five out of nine symptoms in a six-month 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 determine if there are coexisting mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may cause complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief she had a reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health specialist who conducts ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also call your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed.
Treatment
The medication is often the first choice for patients suffering from ADHD. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to increase or balancing neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that regulate behavior and attention. They can help people with ADHD focus better and remain organized, control their impulses and make more rational choices improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behaviors.
There are also nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants that are more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for some people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that is best for a person may change over time. It is important to discuss with the healthcare professional in the process of evaluating all options.
A health care professional with expertise in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This includes an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires, and a review of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions like sleep disorders, and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical examination can also be recommended to rule out medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take some time. This is particularly true when you are an adult who has struggled to deal with symptoms for several years. The evaluation should be comprehensive and therefore, the patient should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations from school or at work. The healthcare professional could request permission to speak with family members or acquaintances to gain an understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.
For adults, getting an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is common for people to experience an array of emotions, from relief finally getting a reason for their issues to sadness over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed she was able to make changes in her life and progress with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is an important step for many people with ADHD. However, finding the right therapist can be challenging. There are many methods to find a specialist in the area. Start by asking your regular doctor for an appointment. They may have an extensive list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look for them online. There are numerous websites that offer directories of doctors, and provide details on their areas of expertise and specialization. Asking friends or family for suggestions is another option. You can also reach out to your local mental health center, or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
It is essential to be honest when visiting an experienced therapist who has experience treating ADHD. It is crucial to discuss the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life as well as the lives of others. It is important to discuss your past and present medical background. This will help the therapist determine if you have any conditions like anxiety or depression that may have similar symptoms.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and employ standardized scales to gauge the severity of the symptoms. The therapist may also seek input from other caregivers such as teachers or religious and scout leaders, to obtain a complete image of the individual's behavior in various situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD might be dissatisfied and embarrassed by their symptoms and be reluctant to talk about them. This can compromise the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults with ADHD can help them overcome these obstacles.
It is important to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While some individuals with ADHD do need to take medication however, there are a variety of other treatment options that can be effective, including behavioral therapy. These treatment methods can be used in conjunction with medication or as a stand-alone treatment.