ADHD Diagnostic Assessment For Adults
If you think you may be suffering from ADHD or other disorders, ask your primary healthcare provider for an appointment with a health professional who performs ADHD assessments. You can also contact your insurance company or local support groups for suggestions.
Your evaluator will take a thorough history of your life and your symptoms. They may use one of the numerous behavior rating scales which contain the most frequent ADHD symptoms.
The Evaluation Process
A typical assessment for ADHD includes a few steps. The examiner will first get an in-depth account of your health condition, including birth and growth from childhood. The examiner will also inquire questions about your education, work and personal relationships. You will be asked questions, such as whether you are often late for appointments and meetings If you have trouble keeping track of your expenses and schedule as well as how often you misplace your keys or phone, and if your sleeping patterns are normal.
The assessor may use various standard rating scales in the interview that compare behaviors to those of those who do not have ADHD. These scales aren't diagnostic however they can be useful in determining whether you suffer from ADHD. Your partner and you will likely be asked to fill out these ratings scales by the assessor.
A physical exam is also part of the assessment and the examiner will probably want to know whether you have any medical conditions, like seizures or thyroid issues that could mimic symptoms of ADHD. This information will allow the evaluator to identify the cause of the condition.
The evaluator must determine that your symptoms significantly affect your daily life to diagnose ADHD. It isn't easy to determine, especially if the symptoms are not severe. You may find it difficult to stay organized or meet deadlines at work. It is unclear if this is due to ADHD or another condition such as depression or anxiety disorder.
The examiner will look at the results of the standardized ratings scales and the interviews to make a determination about whether you have ADHD. They will also take into account any other psychiatric conditions or learning disabilities that you may be suffering from, as they may often coexist alongside ADHD.
It is crucial to select the right specialist for you, so make sure to do your research prior to making an appointment. Ask former patients and clients about the specialist's qualifications and academic degrees. Also, verify the cost and whether your insurance covers the services.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis can have a profound effect on the way people view themselves. It can also help people understand the reasons they've struggled in their lives, both personally and professionally. For instance, if you are constantly losing your keys, forgetting things at work, or your relationships are strained because of your difficulty with attention and impulse control, getting a diagnosis could be life-changing.
In addition to an in-depth patient interview, doctors use checklists or questionnaires that will ask you about your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will also consider your medical and psychiatric background from childhood to the present. Some professionals will request feedback from others who know you well like a spouse or sibling for an adult or a parent teacher, coach or nanny for a child. This gives you an insight that isn't possible by relying on questionnaires alone.
It is essential to be honest throughout this process. The symptoms must be evident in two areas of a person's life (work or school, and social life) to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given. Adults must have an upper threshold for symptoms than children--5 out of 9 during the last 6 months to receive the diagnosis. Your doctor will be looking for information about your childhood experiences, so make sure to share any pertinent information.
After the interview, the evaluator decides if ADHD is the reason for your problems. The evaluator then will determine the tests that can determine if there are other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
They include cognitive and behavioral tests that measure the brain's performance in a variety of situations. Neuropsychological tests can also be useful as they offer greater insight into weaknesses, strengths and other aspects.
Ask your primary care physician or a professional you already see for recommendations if not sure who to contact to get an assessment. On the Internet you can locate information on medical professionals who specialize in ADHD. Many insurance plans include these specialists according to their specialization, and many support groups for people with ADHD have members who recommend professionals in your area.
How to get a treatment plan
Your assessment could consist of a lengthy interview with your clinician who will ask you questions regarding various areas of your life and your ability to perform tasks. The clinician may also ask for ADHD symptom checklists or standardized behavior rating forms. Your evaluator will also want to speak with anyone who spends much time with you, including your spouse, colleagues at work and other family members. The evaluator might also use cognitive tests to determine whether you suffer from difficulties with learning or other issues that could cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. You might need to undergo medical exams to rule out specific medical issues, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders, which can sometimes mimic the effects of ADHD.
One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing adults is that many medical professionals have preconceived ideas about what an ADHD diagnosis looks like, and they are often not open to assessing a person who does not fit into these molds. This makes it difficult to determine the correct diagnosis, especially for adults of color, LGBT people, or non-native English people.
After assessment adult adhd has all the required information, your evaluator will make the diagnosis. She will base her decision on how your ADHD symptoms affect your ability to function in everyday life, like struggling to maintain your job or maintaining an appropriate relationship. She will probably also take a look at your previous history and whether you have been diagnosed with ADHD in the past.
The doctor will likely prescribe medication to treat your ADHD symptoms if she decides that it is the best option for your. However, your evaluation provider may suggest other treatments like therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies are designed to aid you in controlling your symptoms and improve your quality of life. The therapy aspect of the treatment will assist you in learning strategies to manage your symptoms, while the cognitive component of the treatment focuses on changing the way you think about yourself and the issues you face.
Find a Professional
Adults have a much harder diagnosis of ADHD than children. The DSM-V symptom guide is basically useless for adulthood, and the disorder is typically diagnosed after a thorough interview conducted by a skilled psychiatrist who spends the time to consider the symptoms.
The examiner may inquire about your symptoms in the past, especially in childhood, and how they affected your life over the years. They will also interview your close family members and friends. This isn't to judge or verify your answers; it's to gain information. The evaluator might also ask you to fill out an standardized set of behavioral scoring scores. These types of questionnaires are commonly used in ADHD evaluations and the examiner will utilize them to fill in any gaps they are unable to find during the one-on-1 interview.
You may also need to undergo cognitive tests or other medical tests to rule out other conditions that cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD. These could include thyroid disorders, depression and anxiety and seizures. Additionally, you may be offered urine or blood tests to test for nutritional deficiencies.
You may also be asked to disclose any medications you take or have taken in the past. During the interview the examiner will determine whether or not your symptoms meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis according to the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines.
Once a diagnosis is made Once a diagnosis is made, you can receive the assistance you need to manage your condition and eliminate its negative effects on your work, home life as well as relationships and overall wellbeing. Additionally, you can take steps to lessen the impact of your ADHD on your family and friends.
For instance, it's important to talk about your condition with your family and friends to make them aware of your challenges and provide support whenever needed. It's also a good idea for you to seek out an ADHD Coach to assist you in managing your symptoms and keep you on track.