How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some people feel relieved at finally understanding their struggles, while others feel grief that they missed opportunities to live their lives due to symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A health care provider or mental health professional can determine ADHD by analyzing the person's mood and past mental and physical health conditions and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The test usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standard rating scales.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to specifics. These problems are usually caused by other underlying conditions such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step to control symptoms that cause havoc on both a personal and professional level is to obtain a proper ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood and persist throughout adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of a person's life (home, school and work). To be eligible the symptoms must have been present for at least six months. They cannot be better explained by other mental disorders like mood disorders, anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders or personality disorders.
The health care provider will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. adhd diagnosis uk will speak to the patient and, if possible, their family members, to gain a perspective on the behavior of children. The health professional will also talk to the patient's teachers and go over their current work and home environment.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. In general, to be diagnosed with the type of inattention of ADHD, an individual must have at least six symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to hinder their life. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A health care professional is usually able to determine if a person has ADHD through an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This includes an in-depth interview with the person as well as his or her parents, and any caregivers or teachers, as well as completing scales or questionnaires. The health care provider will also review the person's psychiatric, medical and family history. They may refer the individual for a physical examination to rule out other causes for his or her symptoms. They will look at the individual's sleep habits, diet, workplace and home environments to determine if stressors could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you think you may be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, you should speak to a doctor who is an expert in the disorder. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will likely want to know how many times 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 go over your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This information will help your doctor rule out other conditions that may cause the symptoms associated with ADHD like depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.
Your health professional could interview caregivers, family members and friends regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different situations like at school, work or with religious or scout leaders. Your doctor might also request you to complete a self-test or rating scale to determine the severity of your symptoms. These are available on the internet, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-toface consultation with your doctor.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD requires that you meet an upper threshold of symptoms than children -- five out of nine symptoms over a six-month period. Additionally, you must be able demonstrate a significant impact in 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 typically look at the ways your brain functions and may help determine if you have co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can result in a range of complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief that she could pinpoint a cause for her problems. Ask your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a medical professional who can conduct ADHD assessments for adults. You can also inquire with your insurance company to learn which providers are included on its list.
Treatment
The medication is often the first choice for people with ADHD. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine function by increasing or balancing levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters which regulate behavior and attention. They can help those with ADHD focus better and remain organized manage their impulses, make more rational choices improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants that are more slowly than stimulants, but can still be effective for some patients with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for a person's needs may change over time, so it is essential to discuss all possibilities with the medical professional who conducts the test.
A health care specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This includes an interview, the submission of scales, questionnaires, and a review family history, mood disorders and medical conditions like sleep disorders, and other physical illnesses. A referral to medical examinations could be added to determine if there is a medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the test will take some time. This is especially the case when you are an adult who has had to struggle to cope with symptoms over many years. The assessment should be thorough which is why the person should bring their old reports and copies of their performance evaluations from work or school. The healthcare professional may request permission to speak with family members or friends to gain a better understanding of the person's previous behavior and experiences.
For adults, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is normal for people to experience a mixture of emotions, ranging from relief at finally getting a reason for their problems to sadness over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that after being diagnosed, she was able make changes in her life, including in her career and her relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD are aware that seeking assistance from a therapist can be an essential step. Finding the right therapist is not always easy. There are a variety of ways to find a specialist in your area. Ask your regular doctor to recommend you. He or she may have a list of specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also look on the internet. There are many websites that provide directories of doctors, and provide details on their areas of expertise and specialization. Asking your family or friends for suggestions is another option. You can also contact your local mental health clinic, or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
It is crucial to be honest when you visit a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. This includes discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect your life, as well as the impact they have on other people. It's also important to talk about your past and current medical history. This allows the therapist to identify any illnesses such as anxiety or depression that may be similar to anxiety or depression.
In addition to monitoring an person's behavior, a psychotherapist is likely to conduct interviews and employ standardized rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist might also ask for input from other caregivers, like teachers, religious and scout leaders, to get a clear picture of the person's behavior in various settings.
Adults who suffer from ADHD frequently feel angry and ashamed of their condition and may be unwilling to talk about their issues. This can limit the accuracy of the assessment and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults who have ADHD can assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is also important to realize that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that the therapy provider will immediately prescribe medication. While some people who suffer from ADHD do need to take medication but there are plenty of other treatments that are efficient, such as behavioral therapy. These treatments can be used with medication or as standalone treatments.