ADHD in Adults Assessment
A physical exam will help to determine if there are medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD. These include seizures or thyroid issues. The doctor may also speak with a close friend or family member to gain an understanding of the patient's lifestyle that questionnaires aren't able to provide.
Adults must show more symptoms than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD. The interview will cover the person's development history as well as work and school experience including alcohol and drug use, and the history of their family and relationships.
Signs and symptoms
Adult symptoms of ADHD can impact your work, personal life and relationships. It is crucial to have a proper diagnosis if you think you might be suffering from this disorder. Your primary healthcare provider is an ideal place to start. They are well-versed in the condition, and can refer to specialists. A diagnosis can help you understand your behavior and help you find treatments that can help you manage your symptoms.
The first step in an ADHD assessment involves a detailed background. The professional who is evaluating you may request that you be interviewed, and also if possible family members who are familiar with your situation or who can provide a description of your childhood behavior. The specialist must be aware that according to current guidelines the adult's ADHD diagnosis is only made when the symptoms began in the early years of childhood (technically before the age of 12).
Your evaluator might also use one or more of a variety of behavioral rating scales that identify the most common behaviors in people with ADHD. You can complete these forms ahead of time or during your appointment. The evaluator could also wish to review your medical history to look for conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as seizure disorders or thyroid disease.
You may be screened for abuse of substances. This includes stimulants like cocaine or cannabis, and tranquilizers and benzodiazepines. This is because these drugs can make ADHD symptoms worse. The evaluator could also test for depression or anxiety, because they may coexist with ADHD and exhibit some of the same symptoms.
Your evaluator can also conduct an entire physical examination. The evaluator will examine the nose, ears, and mouth, and collect an earful of blood to determine if there are any underlying conditions that could mimic ADHD, such thyroid disease or seizures. The evaluator will talk to you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. He or she will also talk about the treatments you have tried. If you have health insurance, the evaluator could recommend a doctor within the network of your insurance.
Diagnosis
Ask your physician to recommend a local health care expert who can provide ADHD evaluations for adults. Insurance companies often list specialists by specialization and can help people in finding a specialist. Many local support groups can offer recommendations. You can also reach out to the local hospital or university medical or graduate school, to locate an expert.
A health professional will begin by asking you questions and reviewing your medical and family history, as well as your work and personal history. They will also inquire if you have had any other health issues or psychiatric disorders. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, released by the American Psychiatric Association, includes clinical guidelines for ADHD. These guidelines cover the symptoms required to diagnose ADHD. These criteria concentrate on hyperactivity, inattention and the tendency to be impulsive.
In the course of the interview, your doctor will ask you to rate how often you experience these symptoms. You may use a rating scale like the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) to assess your response. You can also find modified versions of the ASRS on various websites that let you rate your symptoms electronically. The examiner will want to listen to your thoughts and opinions about your symptoms and how they impact with your daily life. They will also be interested in any family members who have been diagnosed with ADHD, as ADHD tends to run in families.
Additionally, your doctor will be looking to determine whether your symptoms have been present since childhood -- the guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults requires that at least a portion of the symptoms be apparent by the age of 12 years old. Your doctor may ask you to bring records of any assessments you've received in the past, a copy of any previous psychological testing, and, if you're able, old report cards from work or school.
Your doctor may also suggest you to talk with a close family member or friend like a spouse or sibling, who is familiar with you. This is not meant to challenge your authenticity but rather to gain insight into behaviors you can't get from questionnaires or speaking to yourself.
Treatment
Adults often receive the same treatment as children suffering from ADHD. A majority of people combine medicines as well as behavior strategies and skills training with therapy. The most effective treatments are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy. These are focused on changing the distortions of behavior and thoughts that cause the symptoms of ADHD. Lifestyle changes, like healthy eating and regular exercise, can help manage symptoms of ADHD.
The examiner may rule out any other condition by conducting a physical exam, reviewing the medical history and interviewing the patient. These could include thyroid issues and seizure disorders which may be a cause of the symptoms of ADHD. During the interview, it is crucial to be honest and not withhold information. This will help the interviewer to have a clearer picture of the situation and why it is occurring.
adhd assessments for adults might also discuss your concerns with people who know you, like your sibling or spouse, and teachers, coaches, nanny or therapist. These people can offer an alternative perspective on your behavior as well as your experiences, and could reveal issues that cannot be discovered by questionnaires.
The examiner will go over the information from all these sources and provide a diagnosis for ADHD, any other psychiatric condition or learning impairment that was identified during the evaluation and in the event of co-existing disorders. The physician will also suggest a treatment plan that includes the appropriate medication, when indicated.
Your doctor may recommend joining a support group for adults with ADHD. These groups are great for meeting other people who have similar experiences and are able to understand the challenges you face. You can ask your physician to give you an alphabetical list of professionals who are experienced in evaluating adults for ADHD. You can also request recommendations from your local hospital or medical school, or graduate school of psychology. Most insurance plans also list health professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
It is essential to seek out help for undiagnosed ADHD in adults, even though it might be challenging or even frightening. A diagnosis and treatment could alter your life. There are a myriad of other options to combat symptoms, including changes in the environment, exercise and lifestyle changes, as well as strategies for coping.
The best place to begin is to consult a family physician who can refer you to an expert in mental health. When asking to be assessed, it is important to be clear about your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning. You should also be prepared to discuss any comorbidities such as depression or anxiety.
Once you have been diagnosed, you can find out more about managing your symptoms through therapy with a therapist trained in TF CBT or TF-ACT. A therapist can assist you to create strategies to improve your self-regulation abilities, set realistic goals, and employ positive coping methods. Therapists can also help you build relationships with those who can help you, like your family and friends.
It is also possible to receive a referral to get an ADHD evaluation through a community mental health clinic or a specialized neurodevelopmental services. But, this process can take a long time, and it is crucial to avoid inappropriate referrals from specialists for people who do not have ADHD due to the fact that this could cause stress and increase health costs.
You can also get help by joining a support group for adults with ADHD or in person or online. This is a great way to discuss your experiences with others and gain an understanding of the disorder. You can also look for ADHD mentors or coaches although these careers aren't regulated and have inconsistent standards.
If you find that you often lose your keys or forget about appointments, try giving yourself extra time to finish your work by adding 10 minutes to the time it takes to do something. Making plans ahead and using electronic reminders can also be beneficial. Regular exercise reduces anxiety, boosts dopamine levels and improves executive function skills. It is also important to ensure that your routines and schedules remain as regular as you can. You can request assistance at work to pay for personal assistants or other workplace changes through Access to Work.