How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some feel relief in realizing their struggles, whereas others are sad for having missed out on opportunities in life because of the symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A mental health specialist or health care professional can diagnose ADHD based on the person's mood, past and current medical and mental conditions, as well as their childhood behaviour and school experiences. The evaluation includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Symptoms
People with ADHD are unable to complete tasks that require mental focus or focus on detail. Most of the time, these issues are a result of other issues such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step to control symptoms that cause havoc on a personal and professional scale is to get a valid ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood and persist throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at minimum two areas of one's life (home school, home and at work). To meet this criteria, they must have lasted at least six month and cannot be caused by mental disorders like mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
The health care professional will also look over the patient's mental and medical history. linked resource site or she will talk with the person and, if possible, their family members, to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health care provider may review the patient's present 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. In general, in order to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD an individual must show six or more inattention 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 health care professional will usually identify a person with ADHD through an extensive psychiatric assessment. This may include a lengthy interview with the patient, his or her family and any caregivers or teachers, as well as completing scales and questionnaires. The health care provider may examine the patient's medical, psychiatric, and family background and refer the patient to a physical exam to rule out any other causes of symptoms. The doctor will also take a look at the person's sleep habits, diet and work and home environment to assess any stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, it's important to see a health care specialist who is specialized in the disorder. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and their effects on your life. They will likely be interested in how often you experience difficulties finishing tasks or losing items or forget where you have put your keys, and whether these issues create stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over the medical history and physical examination. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions that could mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health care provider may interview family members, caregivers, and friends about your conduct. They'll also inquire about your behavior in various environments, such as at work and school, or with your religious or scout leaders. Your doctor might also request you to complete self-tests or a rating scale to assess your symptoms. You can find these on the internet, but they should not be used as a substitute for a face-to-face interview with your physician.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD is based on an upper threshold of symptoms than for kids -- five out of nine symptoms over a six-month period. Additionally, you'll need to have an impact on your school, work and family 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 works, and will determine if you are coexisting mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can bring up complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from sadness over missed opportunities to relief that she found a clear explanation for her issues. Consult your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a medical specialist who conducts ADHD assessments on adults. You can also call your insurance company to determine which providers are listed.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD medication is the first treatment option. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behaviors. They can help those who have ADHD focus and stay well-organized. They also help control their impulses and make more rational choices enhance communication, and reduce the risk of impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medications like atomoxetine or antidepressants that are slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication that is best for a person may change as time passes. It is essential to discuss with the health professional who is conducting the evaluation all possible options.
A health specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This will include an interview, the filling out of scales, questionnaires, and a review of the family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions, including sleep disorders, as well as other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical exam can also be recommended to rule out any medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
The test will likely take a while, especially in the case of an adult who has been struggling to cope with symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which means that the individual should bring copies of performance evaluations from their school or job and other information such as old report cards. The healthcare professional can request permission to speak to relatives or close friends to get a full understanding of the individual's past experiences and behaviors.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. People typically experience a variety of emotions, ranging from relief to finally have an explanation for their struggles, to grief at the loss of opportunities and relationships caused by untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that after being diagnosed, she was able to make positive changes in her life, including her career and her relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is an important step for people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist isn't always easy. There are many ways to locate a specialist in the area. Start by asking your doctor for the referral. He or she may have a list with specialists who are skilled in treating ADHD. You can also look for them online. There are numerous websites that list doctors, including information on their specialties as well as areas of expertise. Asking family members or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or ADHD support group to get suggestions.
If you are seeing a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as truthful as you can. It is crucial to discuss the ways that ADHD affects your life and the lives of other people. It's also important to discuss your medical background. This helps the counselor rule out any other conditions that may be causing similar symptoms, for example depression or anxiety.
In addition to observing the person's behavior, a therapist will likely conduct interviews and use standard rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist may also seek out other caregivers to provide their feedback for example, teachers, religious leaders or scouts and scout leaders to obtain a true picture of the behavior of an individual in different situations.
Adults with ADHD might feel dissatisfied and embarrassed by their symptoms and be reluctant to discuss the issues. This can impact the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults suffering from ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is important to realize that the diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that the therapist will prescribe medication. While certain individuals suffering from ADHD may require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be very efficient. These treatments can be utilized with medication or as standalone treatments.