ADHD in Adults Assessment
A physical exam can rule out medical problems that look similar to ADHD, such as seizures or a thyroid disorder. The doctor might also speak with someone who is familiar with the patient, such as a spouse or sibling to get a personal perspective that isn't available from questionnaires.
Adults must be able to meet a greater threshold of symptoms than children for a diagnosis of ADHD. The interview will include the person's development history as well as school and work experiences or alcohol or drug use, family and relationship history.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of adult ADHD can impact your personal life, work and relationships. It is crucial to have an accurate diagnosis if you think you might be suffering from this disorder. The best place to begin is with your primary healthcare provider. They're knowledgeable about the condition and may refer you to specialists. A diagnosis can help you understand your behavior and help you find treatment options that assist in managing symptoms.
The initial step in an ADHD evaluation is to take a detailed history. The professional doing the evaluation might ask you to speak with them and, if it is possible, family members who are familiar with you or can talk about your childhood behavior. The professional should be aware that, according to current guidelines, an adult's ADHD diagnosis can only be made when the symptoms began in the early years of childhood (technically prior to age 12).).
Your evaluator might also use one or more of a variety of behavioral rating scales that provide a list of behaviors typically seen in people with ADHD. They can be completed prior to your appointment or completed during your appointment. The evaluator might also want to review your medical history to identify conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid disorders.
You may be tested for the presence of substance abuse. This includes stimulants like cannabis or cocaine, as well as sedatives like tranquilizers orbenzodiazepines. These drugs can exacerbate ADHD symptoms. The evaluator may also screen for anxiety or depression since they can be a part of ADHD and share similar symptoms.
Your evaluator may also conduct a thorough physical examination. He or she will examine your ears, nose and mouth and will take a blood sample to determine if there are any medical issues that might be causing the symptoms of ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid disease. The evaluator will then ask you about your symptoms, and how they affect your daily activities. They might also talk about treatments that have already been tried. If you have health insurance, the evaluator may recommend a doctor within the network of your insurance company.
Diagnosis
For adults who are seeking a diagnosis and treatment, ask your doctor for a referral to an expert in your community who can perform ADHD evaluations. Many insurance companies list professionals by specialization and can help individuals with finding an expert. Local support groups are able to offer suggestions. You can also reach out to the local hospital or university medical or graduate school, to locate a specialist.
A health professional will begin by asking you questions and examining your medical history, work history, and your family history. They will want to know about any medical issues you have had previously or psychiatric condition. The American Psychiatric Association sets clinical guidelines for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition that includes the signs that need to be present in order to establish diagnosis. These criteria are built around hyperactivity or inattention as well as an impulsive nature.
Your doctor might ask you to assess the frequency with that you suffer from these symptoms. They may employ the rating system such as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, to measure your response. You can find modified versions on a variety of websites that allow you to rate your symptoms electronically. The examiner is interested in your thoughts and opinions on your symptoms, and whether they interfere with your daily life. The examiner may be interested in knowing if you have any family members with ADHD. This disorder is usually inherited.
Your doctor will also want to know whether your symptoms are rooted in childhood. The guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults requires that certain symptoms be obvious by the age of 12 years old. Your doctor might request the results of any assessments you've had at work, copies of any previous psychological testing and, if possible old reports or other information from school.
Your professional may also suggest you to interview a close family member or a friend who knows you very well like your spouse or sibling. This isn't intended to challenge your authenticity; it's a chance to gain insight into behaviors that you won't learn from questionnaires or speaking to yourself.
Treatment
The same methods used for children with ADHD are often applied to adults. The majority of times it's a mixture of behavioral strategies, medication and life skills training therapy. The most effective treatments are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy. These focus on changing distorted behavior and thoughts that cause the symptoms of ADHD. Lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet and consistent exercise, can aid in managing symptoms of ADHD.
The doctor may rule out any other condition by performing a physical exam and reviewing the medical history and talking to the patient. This could include thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which can sometimes mimic the symptoms of ADHD. It is essential to be completely honest during the interview and not hide information. This will allow the examiner to get the most accurate view of what is happening to the person and why.
Your doctor may suggest that you speak with others who know you well for example, siblings, spouses or teacher, coach, nanny, or therapist. These people may offer a different perspective about your behavior and experiences and may uncover problems that are not revealed by questionnaires.
The examiner will review the information from all of these sources and provide the diagnosis for ADHD, any other psychiatric disorder or learning disability that is identified during the evaluation and, if necessary, coexisting disorders. The doctor will also recommend an appropriate treatment plan, including the right medication, when indicated.
Your doctor may suggest joining a support group for adults with ADHD. These groups are great for meeting other people who share the same experiences and understand the struggles you're experiencing. You can ask your physician to recommend a list of experts who have experience in the evaluation of adults for ADHD. You can also request recommendations from your local hospital at a university, medical school or graduate school of psychology. The majority of insurance plans include health medical professionals who are experts in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
Although it can be challenging or intimidating to seek help for undiagnosed ADHD as an adult, it's important to do so. A diagnosis and treatment could change your life. There are many other ways to manage the symptoms including lifestyle modifications, environmental changes, and coping methods.
A good place to start is to consult a family physician who can refer you to a mental health professional. When you request to be evaluated, it is important to be clear about your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. It is also important to be prepared to discuss any co-morbidities, such as anxiety or depression.
Once adhdinadults have been diagnosed, you can find out more about managing your symptoms with a therapist trained in TF-CBT or TF-ACT. Therapists can help you develop strategies to improve your self-regulation abilities, set realistic goals, and utilize positive coping strategies. Additionally, a therapist can assist you in establishing relationships with people in your life who can be supportive, like family members and friends.
It is also possible to receive a referral for ADHD assessment through a community mental health clinic or a specialized neurodevelopmental services. But, this process can take a long time and it is essential to avoid inappropriate specialist referrals for people who don't have ADHD, as this can result in stress and unnecessary medical expenses.
Joining a group of adults with ADHD is a great way to find support in person or on the internet. This is a good opportunity to share your experiences and gain greater understanding of the condition. You can also look for ADHD coaches or mentors, though these professions aren't regulated and have inconsistent standards.
If you often forget your keys or appointments, give yourself an extra ten minutes when you estimate the amount of time required to complete the task. Making plans ahead and using electronic reminders could also be helpful. Regular exercise reduces anxiety, increases dopamine levels and boosts executive functioning skills. It is also important to make sure that your routines and schedules are as consistent as possible. Access to Work can assist you to receive financial assistance to hire an employee assistant or for other workplace changes.