How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some people feel relief that they finally understand their struggles while others experience sorrow due to the fact that they missed opportunities due to the symptoms that went untreated so long.
A health care provider or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the mood of a person, past and present mental and medical health issues and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The test includes ADHD symptoms scales and checklists.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require mental energy over time or paying attention to specifics. Often, these issues also are a result of other issues such as depression or addiction disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards getting control of the symptoms that can cause havoc in personal and professional life.
ADHD symptoms typically begin in childhood and persist throughout adulthood. For a person to receive an diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their life in more than one area (home, school and work) and cause significant impairment. 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 or personality disorders.
The health care professional will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. They will also talk to the patient and, if they are able, their family members, in order to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health professional will also talk to the patient's teachers and go over their current work and home settings.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition released by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. Generally, to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD, a person must exhibit six or more inattention symptoms that are severe enough to affect their life functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric evaluation is usually enough for a healthcare professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This includes a thorough interview with the person, his or her family and any caregivers or teachers, in addition to taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care provider will also go over the person's psychiatric, medical and family history. They may refer the individual to a physical exam in order to rule out possible causes of his or her symptoms. He or she will examine the person's sleeping patterns, diet, work and home environments to assess stressors which may be causing 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 inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They'll likely want to know how often you have trouble finishing tasks or losing things or forget where you have put your keys, and whether these issues cause stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also review the medical history and physical exam. This information will allow them to identify other conditions that can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression, sleep disorders, anxiety, or a thyroid problem.
It's likely your healthcare professional will ask family members as well as other caregivers about your behavior. They'll also discuss your behavior in different environments, such as at work and school, or with your religious or scout leaders. Your doctor might also request you to complete a self-test or rating scale to evaluate your symptoms. They are available online, but they should not be used in lieu of the face-to-face consultation with your physician.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD requires that you meet an upper threshold of symptoms than kids -- five out of nine symptoms in the course of six months. 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 usually examine the way your brain works and may aid in determining if you suffer from co-existing mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may result in a range of complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she had a solid explanation for her issues. Ask your doctor or local support group for a referral to a medical specialist who conducts ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also contact your insurance company to determine which doctors are included.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD medication is the first choice for treatment. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine function by increasing or balancing neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate behavior and attention. They can help those with ADHD concentrate and remain well-organized. They can also manage their impulses, make more rational decisions, improve communication, and lessen impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine, or some antidepressants work slower than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating patients with ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a particular person will change over time. It is essential to discuss with the medical professional who is conducting the evaluation all options.
A health care specialist with expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the person in addition to the answering questionnaires and completing scales by the individual as well as an examination of the family history of mood disorders, as well as medical conditions, such as sleep disorders and other physical illnesses. A referral to a medical examination may be added to rule out a possible medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take some time. This is especially the case if you are an adult who has had to struggle to cope with symptoms over several years. adhd diagnosis in adults should be comprehensive and therefore, the patient should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations from work or school. The healthcare professional can ask for permission to speak with family members or friends to get a better understanding of the person's previous behavior and experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. It is common for people to feel a mixture of emotions, from relief finding a clear explanation for their struggles to grief over the loss of opportunities and relationships that have been damaged by untreated ADHD. Matlen, however, says that after being diagnosed, she was able to make positive changes in her life, including her work and relationships.
Counseling
Counseling is a crucial step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist isn't always easy. There are many methods to find a therapist in the area. Begin by asking your doctor for the referral. He or she may have a list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look for them online. There are many websites which list doctors, as well as details about their specialties and areas of focus. Another option is to seek a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
If you are seeing an experienced therapist in treating ADHD, it is important to be as transparent as you can. It is essential to discuss how ADHD affects your life and on others. It is essential to discuss your medical history. This helps the therapist to rule out conditions such as depression or anxiety that can be similar to anxiety or depression.
The therapist may also conduct interviews and utilize standardized scales to measure the severity of the symptoms. The therapist may also seek out other caregivers to provide their feedback for example, teachers, religious leaders or scouts and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of behavior of a person in different situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD may feel embarrassed and frustrated by their symptoms and be reluctant to talk about their symptoms. This can affect the accuracy of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who is experienced in working with adults with ADHD is generally able to help them overcome these barriers.
It is also important to understand that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean the counselor will immediately prescribe medication. While certain people with ADHD may require medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that can be very efficient. These methods of treatment can be utilized in conjunction with medication, or they can be utilized as standalone treatments.