The Lesser-Known Benefits Of Testing For ADHD In Adults
Screening For ADHD in Adults
Screening for ADHD typically doesn't require brain scans or blood tests. Instead, you will talk to an expert in healthcare and ask questions about your symptoms.
Different types of health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists and neurologists, can diagnose ADHD. These providers follow guidelines set forth by the American Psychiatric Association and a manual referred to as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Diagnosis
For adults, diagnosing ADHD is more difficult than for children. It's because the symptoms of ADHD in adults can be similar, but they have different consequences. They should be assessed within the context of a person's life and experiences. If a child struggled with meeting deadlines at school or at work it is possible that they have developed better methods as they grew older. However this doesn't mean that they have overcome ADHD.
During an office visit The doctor will ask the patient to describe the symptoms they experience and how they have affected their lives. They will also determine if the symptoms are long-standing and how they manifest in different situations. Because ADHD can be a co-occurring disorder with other conditions, it's essential to find other issues that may be contributing to the person's problems (for instance, depression or anxiety) before a diagnosis of ADHD is made.
The health professional will usually refer the patient to a specialist specializing in adult ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologists. A psychologist will not prescribe medication, but they can use talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy to address and replace unhealthy patterns of thinking and habits that cause ADHD symptoms.
A mental health professional will usually also conduct some neuropsychological tests during the assessment process. These tests may include computer-based timed attention and problem-solving measures. These kinds of tests are not necessary to determine a diagnosis, however, they can provide insight into how the symptoms of a person impact their daily lives and can help identify co-existing disorders.
It is thought that there is a genetic element to ADHD and that some environmental factors also increase risk, such as exposure to lead at critical stages of development. Siblings with ADHD are two to three times more likely to develop it themselves.
It can be difficult for individuals to take the first steps to seek treatment for adult ADHD but it's a crucial step to living an enjoyable and productive life. If you're having difficulty reaching out to an expert in health care, there are online sources that can help you find an expert specializing in adult ADHD.
Evaluation
Anyone who suspects they are suffering from ADHD should speak with an expert in mental health or a health care professional who can assess the symptoms. They could complete an assessment questionnaire. These questionnaires ask questions about a person’s work and family life, their use or alcohol and how well they get along with their friends and family. People with ADHD are often troubled by relationships. They can find it hard to get a job, or keep one, and often have financial issues. They are also more likely to smoke and use drugs. The examiner must determine if the problem began in the early years of childhood, as the current guidelines suggest that in order for ADHD to be considered a diagnosis, it must have caused problems by the age of 12.
The examiner will want know how severe a person's symptoms are. The examiner will take into consideration how difficult it is for a person to work and interact with other people, and the length of time they've had these issues. They will also determine whether the person has any other disorders that could cause similar issues. This includes anxiety, depression and physical conditions such as thyroid disorders.
A specialist will inquire about the person's history and any signs that might have occurred. They will require old school records, and they will also want to speak to family members, teachers and other people who knew the person well. They will ask what a person did in school, and about their driving, work and family background. They will want to know if you have ever experienced any issues with alcohol or drugs.
The person will also be evaluated on their mental and memory skills and physical health. They will likely do some timed tests to determine the speed at which a person is able to solve problems. They could also take neuropsychological tests, such as tests of spatial and visual perception as well as reasoning tests.
Some doctors ask you if you would like to take part in clinical studies. These trials are designed to discover new methods to diagnose, treat or prevent illnesses and disorders. They may be trying to find ways to help people suffering from ADHD or try to find solutions that can help with other disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
Treatment
Your doctor must be aware of your medical history to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Then, he or she will ask you questions about your symptoms and their impact on school, home or work. The doctor will inquire about your family history and personal background. In addition to the information you give, the healthcare professional may want to rule out other conditions that may have symptoms similar to those of ADHD like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders.
The person who examines you will ask questions and make notes on the information that you provide. The provider will request you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales regarding your behavior. The service provider will then interview those who are familiar with your behavior to obtain their opinions.
These sessions will help the doctor determine if you or your child meets the standardized criteria for ADHD. These criteria include having six or more established symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity over the past 6 months. Symptoms must be present in more than one setting and must cause serious problems at school, home or at work. The symptoms must be related to ADHD and not related to another disorder.
A physical exam as well as a psychological or neurological exam is also performed. These tests are designed to exclude other conditions, like anxiety and depression, which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. They can also help doctors find out whether the symptoms are caused by other medications or by certain lifestyle factors.
Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan will be developed. Adults may receive psychotherapy (also known as cognitive behavior therapy) or a prescription for medication. Always adhere to the advice of your healthcare provider. If you aren't sure what to discuss with your doctor, NIMH has tips for discussing with your healthcare provider about ADHD. You should also contact your insurance provider to determine whether your policy has an inventory of specialists who can perform ADHD evaluations.
You might be able to participate in a clinical study that looks at new ways to treat ADHD. These trials won't directly benefit you but they could lead to better treatments in the future.
Support
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial step in managing symptoms that can cause issues at home and at work. The evaluation process usually doesn't involve any blood tests or brain scans however, it could include an extensive interview, as well as psychological and behavioral testing. Some health professionals seek records from a patient's childhood and may also want to talk to people who knew the patient well as an infant. This is because the current diagnostic guidelines require that symptoms have been present since childhood to qualify as ADHD.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD feel relieved that they now have an explanation for the difficulties they are experiencing and have hope that treatment can aid in their improvement. They can also experience anger or discontent that the disorder wasn't recognized and treated earlier, as well as sadness that not being treated for ADHD has hindered their professional and personal goals.
The good news is that there are many services available to people suffering from ADHD. Certain support services are part of the health care system, and others are community-based. There are yoga programs that teach techniques to improve peace and balance. Other supports can be accessed by speaking to family members and friends or joining an organization for support. Some adults with ADHD find it helpful to inform their supervisors and coworkers about the symptoms they experience. This can help them get accommodations at work, like more time for work or a quiet place to work in.
A few people suffering from ADHD are interested to participate in clinical trials to discover more about the treatments available for the disorder. They should speak with their healthcare doctors about the benefits and risks of being involved in a clinical trial. They should also visit the NIMH's website for clinical trials for more information on current research studies in ADHD. Before registering for testing adhd in adults is recommended that participants read all the information. The NIMH's clinical trials website provides information about the risks and benefits of participating in a study, including potential side effects.