How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some feel relief at finally being able to recognize their challenges, while others are sad for having missed opportunities to live their lives because of the symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A health care professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by examining the mood of a person and past medical and mental health conditions and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as the standardized scales of rating.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental effort or focus on detail. These issues are often caused by other underlying issues like depression or substance abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in gaining control over symptoms that can cause havoc in personal and professional life.
The signs of ADHD typically begin in childhood and last throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two aspects of one's life (home school, home and at work). For symptoms to meet this criteria to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six month and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
In addition to examining the person's symptoms as well as their health history, the healthcare professional will also review their medical history and mental health history. They will also talk with the person and, if they are able, their family members, to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health care professional might also look at the patient's current working 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 diagnosing ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, a person must have six or fewer inattention symptoms that are severe enough to interfere in their daily activities. 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 suffering from ADHD by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This will include an extensive interview with the individual, his or her family and any caregivers or teachers, as well as taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care provider will also look over the individual's medical, psychiatric and family history. They may refer the patient to a physical exam in order to rule out any other reasons for their symptoms. They will look at the person's sleeping patterns, diet, the home and work environments to determine if stressors could be contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD is important to consult a medical specialist who is trained in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They'll want to know how often you have trouble finishing tasks and how often you misplace items or forget where you have put your keys, and if these problems create stress at home, at work or in relationships. visit this link will also review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions that may cause the symptoms associated with ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers and friends regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in various situations, such as at work, school or with scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also request you to complete self-tests or a rating scale to assess your symptoms. These are available on the internet, but they should not be used as a substitute for a face-to-face interview with your physician.
Adults must meet an upper threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD five of nine symptoms within the span of six months. You must also be able to show 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 look at how your brain functions, and determine if there are coexisting mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can trigger complicated emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from sadness over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a solid explanation for her troubles. Consult your doctor or a local support group to refer you to a health professional who can conduct ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out the providers that are listed.
Treatment
For many people suffering from ADHD medication is the first treatment option. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine function by increasing or balancing neurotransmitters in the brain which regulate behavior and attention. They can help some people with ADHD focus better and stay focused, control their impulses and make more reasonable decisions, improve communication and relationships, and decrease impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, perform slower than stimulants. However, they can still be effective in treating patients with ADHD. The type of medication which works best for an individual may change as time passes. It is important 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 includes an interview, the completion of questionnaires, scales, and a review family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A appointment to a medical exam may also be included to rule out any medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take a while. This is especially true when you are an adult who has struggled to manage symptoms for a long time. The assessment should be thorough which is why the person should bring their old reports and copies of their performance evaluations at work or school. The healthcare professional can ask for permission to speak with family members or friends to gain more information about the person's previous behavior and experiences.
For adults, an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. Many people experience a range of emotions, ranging from relief at finally having a concrete reason for their struggles, to grief at the lost opportunities and relationships that result from untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that after receiving a diagnosis she was able to make positive changes in her life, which included her career and relationships.
Counseling
Getting help from a counselor is a vital step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist could be difficult. There are many methods to find a specialist in the area. Request your physician to refer you to. He or she may have a list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also check on the internet. There are numerous websites that have directories of doctors, and provide information on their areas of focus and specialization. Asking your family or friends for recommendations is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or ADHD support group for recommendations.
When you see a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD and other disorders, it is essential to be as honest as you can. This involves discussing how ADHD symptoms impact your life and the effect they have on others. It is important to discuss your medical history, both past and present. background. This helps the counselor rule out any other conditions that may be causing similar symptoms, for example depression or anxiety.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and utilize standard scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist may also ask for feedback from other caregivers, like teachers or Scout and religious leaders, to get a clear image of the individual's behavior in different situations.
Adults with ADHD might feel embarrassed and frustrated by their symptoms and be reluctant to talk about the issues. This can affect the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist who has experience working with adults with ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is also important to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the therapy provider will immediately prescribe medication. While some individuals with ADHD do need to take medication, there are a number of other treatments that are efficient, such as the use of behavioral therapy. These treatments can be used in conjunction with medication, or as a stand-alone treatment.