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 life opportunities because of symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A mental health specialist or health care professional can diagnose ADHD based on the person's mood, past and current mental and physical ailments as well as their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The evaluation includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require concentration or attention to detail. These issues are often caused by other conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to getting control of the symptoms that wreak destruction in both professional and personal life.
The symptoms of ADHD generally begin in the early years of childhood and persist into adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at least two areas of one's life (home school, home, and at work). For symptoms to be considered to meet this criteria, they must have lasted at least six month and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
The health care professional will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will interview the person and when possible, family members to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health professional will also talk to the patient's teachers and review their current work and home environments.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition released by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, an individual must exhibit six or less symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to interfere in their daily activities. 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 suffering from ADHD by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This Internet site will include an extensive interview with the person, his or her family and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to completing scales and questionnaires. The health care provider may also examine the person's medical, psychiatric or family history and refer the individual to a physical exam in order to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. He or she will also examine the individual's sleep patterns, diet and work and home environment to assess any stressors that may be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you should consult a specialist doctor in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They'll likely be interested in knowing how often you experience difficulties finishing tasks or losing items or forget to put away your keys, and whether these issues cause stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and physical exam. This information will allow them to determine if there are other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, or a thyroid problem.
Your health professional could interview family members, caregivers, and friends about your conduct. They will also discuss your behavior in different settings such as at school, work or with scouts or religious leaders. You may be asked to take an assessment of your own to determine the severity of your symptoms. click to investigate are available online, but should not be used to replace the face-to-face consultation with your doctor.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD requires that you meet the threshold of symptoms lower than for kids - five out of nine symptoms in an entire six-month period. Additionally, you'll need to have an impact on your work, school 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 typically look at the way your brain functions and may help determine if you suffer from coexisting mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can result in a range of complex emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a concrete reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a health care professional who performs ADHD assessments for adults. You can also inquire with your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD medication is the first option for treatment. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to increase or balancing levels of neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that regulate behavior and attention. They can help those who suffer from ADHD focus and stay well-organized. They can also manage their impulses and make more rational choices enhance communication, and reduce the impulsive behavior.
There are also non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine, and antidepressants which work more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for people with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for a person may vary over time, so it is crucial to discuss all possible options with your healthcare professional conducting the test.
A medical specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This may include an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires and a review family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions, including sleep disorders, and other physical ailments. A referral to an examination by a doctor could be included as well to determine if there is a medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
The test is likely to take a while, especially when the patient is an adult who has struggled to manage symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which means that the person should bring copies of performance assessments from their job or school and other records such as old report cards. The healthcare professional might ask permission to speak with relatives or close friends to obtain a complete picture of the individual's previous experiences and behaviors.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can have a profound impact on their lives. People often feel a mix of emotions, ranging from relief to finally have an answer to their struggles, to grief at the loss of opportunities and relationships caused by untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis she was able to begin making changes in her life and move forward with her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD are aware that seeking assistance from a therapist is an essential step. Finding the right therapist is not always easy. Fortunately, there are many ways to locate a specialist in your area. Begin by asking your doctor for a referral. He or she may have a list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also check online. There are many websites that list doctors, including information on their specialties as well as areas of focus. Another option is to seek recommendations from friends or family members. You can also call your local mental health clinic or an ADHD support group to get recommendations.
It is important to be honest when visiting the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. It is essential to discuss the ways that ADHD symptoms impact your life and on others. It is important to discuss your past and present medical background. This will help the counselor rule out any other conditions that may have similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and use standard scales to assess the severity of the symptoms. The therapist might solicit feedback from other caregivers, like teachers or Scout and religious leaders, to get a clear picture of the person's behavior in various environments.
Adults with ADHD might feel embarrassed and frustrated by their symptoms and be reluctant to discuss the issues. This can affect the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience in working with adults with ADHD is generally able to assist them to overcome these obstacles.
It is important to know that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will prescribe medications. While certain people who suffer from ADHD may require medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that is extremely efficient. These methods of treatment can be utilized in conjunction with medication or used as an alternative treatment.