ADHD Assessments For Adults
A proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood requires more than just self-tests and rating scales. The most crucial factor is a consultation with an expert in mental health that has experience in ADHD evaluations for adults.
A visit to the doctor can last up to an hour or more. We encourage our patients to fill out questionnaires and talk with people they knew well as children.
Diagnosing ADHD
Talk to your primary provider You or someone you care about is worried about ADHD symptoms. They can refer you to a healthcare professional who is able to conduct an assessment. The majority of insurance plans will list professionals by specialty and will help with finding a qualified individual. You can also ask your family and friends for suggestions. They can also contact an area hospital that is affiliated with a university or medical school for assistance in finding a specialist. Some community groups like support groups, can also provide a list with experts who are certified.
Typically the first step of the process of ADHD assessment is a medical interview with a professional who is trained. The examiner may ask questions during a face-to-face meeting or via a questionnaire. The evaluator wants to know about your past, and in particular your childhood. They will look at your education, work and relationships. They will ask what your symptoms impact your daily routine. For example if you have difficulty scheduling appointments, paying your bills on time, or finishing school and home tasks. They may ask for old report cards or progress records to determine if there's any pattern of behavior.
The evaluator will also probably use one or more of the standardized behavioral rating scales to determine your current symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive. Get the facts are based on research that compared the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with those who don't. These questionnaires aren't diagnostic in themselves but they are an important element of a complete ADHD assessment. Most clinicians ask both the person being assessed and their significant other to fill out these ratings.
It is important to be open about your issues, and especially how they affect you in your daily activities. You might be uncomfortable to talk about these issues or fear that the person evaluating you might think you're crazy, but it is essential that the examiner get an accurate picture of how you are functioning so that they can make a logical diagnosis.
In order for a diagnosis of ADHD to be made the symptoms must be severe enough to interfere with two major areas of functioning in your life, whether at school, work or home. This is a different criteria than in children, where symptoms must be "difficult to manage." Adults often struggle to recognize their own ADHD symptoms, which can lead to delay in diagnosis and treatment.
The symptoms of ADHD
People with ADHD struggle to manage symptoms. Symptoms may interfere with relationships, work, and school. They can cause people to feel frustrated, guilty or ashamed, especially if their actions are misinterpreted. When a person with inattentive ADHD is absent or forgets important appointments, their friends and colleagues might think they aren't a bother. Additionally, some people with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require constant concentration, such as reading or writing a report.
It is important that health professionals assess the severity of symptoms and their impact on the life of a person. A comprehensive assessment will review the medical background of the patient, a physical examination and a psychological or mental assessment. It could also comprise a review the person's performance in various settings, such as at home in school, at home or at work.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be made by the presence or absence of certain signs such as hyperactivity, inattention and/or an impulsiveness. People with a mild case of ADHD may only experience some of these symptoms. In moderate cases, an individual might experience more symptoms. The most severe cases of ADHD involve more severe effects, such as significant problems in school or at work.
Researchers believe that there is a genetic element in most cases of ADHD. However, they do not know the exact cause. It is believed that issues with the brain's signaling system that regulates the brain at crucial places during development play a role. Certain triggers, like lead exposure during pregnancy or traumatic events in childhood, may increase the likelihood of developing ADHD.
There are a variety of subtypes of ADHD. The most common is the inattention type which affects both adults and children. People with this subtype have difficulty staying focused on their work, fail to follow directions or lose the thread of conversations. They are prone to daydreaming and have a difficult time to complete schoolwork homework, assignments or other tasks. Those with this subtype sometimes are not diagnosed correctly, since their behavior is often chalked up to being irresponsible or lazy.
Certain kinds of medications are prescribed to treat ADHD however, most doctors favor psychotherapy (the technical term used to describe mental health therapy) and accommodations, which are devices or changes to the environment that enable someone who has a disability to perform to their potential. Examples of accommodations include larger workspaces and reminder systems for tasks.
Diagnosing Adults with ADHD
Adults who are struggling to keep their heads in order, maintain their jobs or maintain healthy relationships can benefit from an evaluation for ADHD. If you don't know what to do, ask your primary care provider for a referral or call a local university-based hospital or medical school in your area to get recommendations. The majority of insurance plans include lists of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
During the evaluation process an expert in mental health will look over your symptoms and issues taking into consideration any previous history of ADHD in your childhood, and look into any personal, family or work-related stressors which could impact your attention problems. Along with a physical exam and a detailed history, the evaluation may include standardized rating scales to compare your behavior with those of those who don't have ADHD. The psychologist or psychiatrist will also talk about your past and current treatment options.
In the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, a diagnosis of ADHD requires that your inattentive and/or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms occur often and are so troublesome that they interfere with your life functioning. Adult ADHD can only be diagnosed if the symptoms last for at least six months.
Undiagnosed ADHD can cause adults to feel as if they'll never be capable of getting their lives back on track. They might even believe that the difficulties they're experiencing are due to an individual flaw or weakness. A diagnosis of ADHD can give you feelings of relief and hope for the first time, letting you know that the issues aren't your fault and that you've not failed due to poor study habits or being "bad at following through."
Many people with ADHD can find relief from their symptoms through psychotherapy which is the technical term for psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes, such as using daily planners, apps for smartphones and calendars to keep on top of important dates and appointments, and to stay on schedule. They can also collaborate with their coworkers, supervisors and teachers to design adaptations at work or at school to improve their performance. These tools are similar to the step stool that helps those who are not tall enough to reach the shelves.
Adult ADHD Treatments
Adult ADHD is usually treated in a holistic and flexible way. The aim is to improve the control of symptoms. Most people with ADHD have the best results from a combination of medication, talking therapy as well as lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. It takes time to determine the best solution for each individual.
Your GP will request you to explain your symptoms. Your GP might refer you to an ADHD specialist clinic. You can conduct some research on ADHD before your appointment to help you determine the best treatment for you.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of counseling that helps adults improve their focus and attention. It can teach them to be aware of negative thoughts and self-talk, which are common among those with ADHD. Family therapy or marriage therapy can teach people with ADHD how to communicate and support one another.
Working with a life-coach to improve your organizational skills is a different kind of psychotherapy. Coaching can help you overcome anxiety and mood swings that are common to people suffering from ADHD.
People with ADHD may benefit from taking medications like Ritalin or methylphenidate. They help to calm the mind and make it easier for people to concentrate. It's important to discuss with your doctor about the pros and cons of the medication, as medication isn't suitable for everyone.
It's also possible that a counselor will suggest accommodations to assist you in achieving success at school and work. Accommodations are methods or changes to your surroundings that allow you to take part in activities like everyone else. For instance the use of a step stool could help someone with a shorter height attain the same height as taller individuals. The best way to accommodate this is to set up a workspace with no distractions, or using an app that reminds you to take your medication.
People with ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and are at a higher risk of developing substance abuse disorders. They are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety and may have difficulty maintaining relationships or finding work. It is crucial to recognize ADHD and treat it as soon as you can.