So , You've Bought Diagnose ADHD ... Now What?
How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult. Some people feel relieved at finally being able to recognize their challenges, while others feel remorse that they have missed out on life opportunities due to symptoms that went untreated for so long.
A health professional or mental health professional can diagnose ADHD by looking at the person's mood as well as their past and current medical and mental health conditions and their behavior during childhood and school experience. The assessment usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as the standardized scales of rating.
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People suffering from ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require mental effort or concentration. These issues are often caused by other underlying issues such as depression or substance abuse disorders. The first step in tackling issues that can cause chaos on both a personal and professional level is to obtain an accurate ADHD diagnosis.
ADHD symptoms usually begin in childhood and persist into adulthood. For a person to receive an diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their daily life in two or more areas (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. To be able to meet these requirements the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months and are not better explained by other mental disorders like mood disorders, anxiety disorders dissociative disorders, or personality disorders.
In addition to looking into the person's symptoms, the health care provider will also review their medical history and mental health history. He or she will talk to the patient, and if possible their family members, in order to gain an understanding of childhood behavior. The health professional may also look at the patient's current work and home environments and discuss the patient's schooling with them.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. In general, to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, an individual must exhibit at least six symptoms of inattention that are serious enough to interfere with their daily functioning. 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 a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This may include a lengthy interview with the person, his or her family members, caregivers and teachers, as well as answering questionnaires and scales. The health care professional will also examine the person's medical, psychiatric, and family history and refer the person for a physical examination to determine if there are any other causes of symptoms. He or she will also take a look at the individual's sleep patterns eating habits, diet and work home environment to assess any stressors contributing to their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that 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 inquire about your symptoms and their impact on your life. They will likely be interested in knowing how many times you have trouble finishing tasks or losing items or forget to put away your keys, and whether these issues create stress at work, home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also go over your medical history and physical examination. This information can aid your doctor in determining other conditions which may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, such a sleep disorders, depression anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.
It's likely that your health care provider will question family members or other caregivers about your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in different situations, such as at school, at work or with scout or religious leaders. You might be asked to take an assessment of your own to determine the severity of your symptoms. You can find these online, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face interview with your physician.
For adults, a diagnosis of ADHD requires that you meet an upper threshold of symptoms than for kids -- five out of nine signs over a six-month period. Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate a significant impact in your work, school and at home.
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 can determine if there are coexisting mental disorders like anxiety or depression.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can result in a range of complex emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she finally had a concrete reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or local support group to send you to a medical professional who is able to conduct ADHD tests on adults. You can also call your insurance company to find out which providers are listed.
Treatment
For a lot of people with ADHD, medication is the first option for treatment. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine increase or balance levels of brain chemicals referred to as neurotransmitters that regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people with ADHD concentrate better and stay focused and in control of their impulses. They can also help them make more rational decisions, improve communication and relationships and decrease impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant drugs, like atomoxetine or certain antidepressants, perform slower than stimulants. However, they can still be effective in treating people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication that is most effective for a particular person can change over time, so it is essential to discuss all possibilities with the healthcare professional who conducts the evaluation.
A medical specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment. This may include an interview, the submission of questionnaires, scales, and a review of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical examination can also be recommended to rule out medical causes for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take a while. This is particularly true when you are an adult who has struggled to deal with symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which implies that the person should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their job or school and other records such as old report cards. The healthcare professional might ask permission to talk with relatives or close friends to get a full understanding of the individual's past experiences and behaviors.
For adults, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It is normal for people to experience a mixture of emotions, from relief at finally getting a reason for their problems to sadness over the loss of opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. Matlen however, states that after being diagnosed, she was able make changes in her life, including her career and her relationships.
Counseling
Finding help from a counselor is an important step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. However, finding the right therapist could be challenging. There are many methods to find a therapist in the area. Start by asking your doctor for an appointment. They may have a list of specialists who are acquainted with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also check on the internet. There are numerous websites which list doctors, as well as 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 for recommendations.
If you are seeing an experienced therapist in treating ADHD and other disorders, it is essential to be as honest as possible. This involves discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life and the impact they have on other people. It is important to discuss your medical history. This helps the therapist rule out other conditions that might have similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
In addition to monitoring an person's behavior, a therapy therapist may conduct interviews and employ standardized rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist may also solicit other caregivers to provide their feedback like religious leaders, teachers or scouts and scout leaders in order to get an accurate picture of the behavior of a person in various situations.
Adults with ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their symptoms, and they might be reluctant to discuss them. This can affect the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience in working with adults with ADHD is usually able to assist them to overcome these obstacles.
It is also important to realize that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that the therapist will immediately prescribe medication. While some individuals with ADHD require medication however, there are a variety of treatment options that are successful, including behavioral therapy. These treatment methods can be used in conjunction with medication or as standalone treatments.