How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a challenge. Some people feel relief knowing that they can finally comprehend their struggles, while other people feel sorrow because they missed out on opportunities in their lives because of symptoms that were not treated for so long.
A health care professional or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD by examining the mood of a person and past medical and mental health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experiences. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptom checklists and standard scales of rating.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental energy over time or paying attention to the details. These problems are usually caused by other underlying issues such as depression or abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards getting control of symptoms that cause havoc in personal and professional life.
The symptoms of ADHD typically appear in childhood and continue into adulthood. For a person to receive a diagnosis of the disorder, their symptoms must interfere with their daily life in more than one area (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. To meet these criteria the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. They are not better explained by other mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders and dissociative disorders.
The health care professional will also review the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will talk 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 review the patient's current work and home environments and talk with their teachers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. In general, in order to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, an individual must have at least six symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to affect their life. 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 health professional to determine if someone has ADHD. This will include an extensive interview with the individual and their parents, and any caregivers or teachers, as well as taking questionnaires or scales. The health professional may also examine the person's medical, psychiatric or family background and refer the patient to a physical exam in order to determine the cause of symptoms. The doctor will also examine the individual's sleep habits, diet, workplace and home environments to identify stressors that may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD it is essential to visit a health care specialist who is specialized in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll likely be interested in knowing how often you experience difficulties finishing tasks or losing things or forget to put away your keys, and whether these problems create stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and physical exam. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid problems.
It's likely your health care provider will question family members, friends and other caregivers regarding your behavior. They'll also inquire about your behavior in various environments, such as at work and school, or with your scout or religious leaders. Your doctor might also request you to complete a self-test or rating scale to assess your symptoms. They are available online, but should not be used to replace an in-person visit with your physician.
Adults must meet an lower threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD that is five out of nine symptoms within 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 examine the way your brain functions and can determine if there are mental disorders that coexist such as anxiety or depression.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can trigger complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a concrete explanation for her troubles. Consult your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a health specialist who conducts ADHD assessments on adults. You can also contact your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed on their list.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD medication is the first treatment option. Drugs like amphetamine or methylphenidate increase or balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people with ADHD concentrate and remain organized. They can also manage their impulses and make more rational choices enhance communication, and lessen the risk of 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 some people with ADHD. The type of medication that is most effective for a person's needs may change over time, so it is important to discuss all possible options with your healthcare professional conducting the evaluation.
A health care specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive 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 examination may be included as well to determine if there is a medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
The test will likely to take some time, particularly if the person is an adult who has been struggling to cope with symptoms for a long period of time. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of performance evaluations from their school or job and other documents such as old report cards. The healthcare professional can request permission to speak with relatives or close friends to gain a more complete picture of the individual's previous experiences and behaviours.
For adults, receiving diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event. People typically experience a variety of emotions, from relief to finally having an answer to their struggles, to sadness at the lost opportunities and relationships resulting from untreated ADHD. Matlen however, states that after being diagnosed, she was able make changes in her life, including her work and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is an important step for many people with ADHD. Finding the right therapist isn't always straightforward. Fortunately, there are many ways to find a specialist in your area. Start by asking adult adhd diagnosis uk for a referral. He or she may have a list of specialists who have experience treating ADHD. You can also check for them online. There are a variety of websites that list doctors, including information about their specialties and areas of interest. Asking your family or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also contact your local mental health clinic, or an ADHD support group to receive suggestions.
If you visit an experienced therapist in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as honest as possible. It is essential to discuss the ways that ADHD symptoms impact your life and the lives of other people. getting diagnosed with adhd is also essential to discuss your medical history, including your past background. This will help the doctor rule out other conditions that may be causing similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to observing an person's behavior, a therapy therapist may conduct interviews and use standardized rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also seek out other caregivers for their input for example, teachers, religious leaders or scouts and scout leaders in order to get a true picture of the behavior of a person in various situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently feel angry and embarrassed by their issues and are reluctant to discuss their symptoms. This can affect the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD is usually able to assist them to overcome these obstacles.
It is also important to understand that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapy provider will automatically prescribe medication. While some individuals who suffer from ADHD do need to take medication, there are a number of treatment options that are successful, including treatment for behavioral issues. These treatments can be used alongside medication or as stand-alone treatments.