What to Expect From an Adult ADHD Assessment
It is possible that people who show symptoms of ADHD are not diagnosed with the condition. A thorough evaluation is required by an expert in mental health or health care provider.
The evaluator may interview the person as well as others who know them well and may use rating scales and look over school records from the past. Psychologists use questions that are designed specifically to detect ADHD symptoms in adults.
Signs and symptoms
It's not uncommon for the symptoms of ADHD to start showing up at a later time in adulthood. Intellectual disability or autism are developmental disorders that usually manifest in the early years of childhood. ADHD symptoms, however generally appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, when responsibilities and obligations increase.
If the symptoms of ADHD are severe, they can have major impacts on a person's life. They may be struggling in school or at work, and have trouble creating and maintaining relationships with friends and family. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's recommended to consult a doctor to determine if you have ADHD.
Your doctor will want to obtain a complete medical history and do physical examination. The doctor will also conduct an assessment of your mental health which usually involves filling out an ADHD rating scale as well as answering questions about how the symptoms have affected your life. Your doctor will also ask about your consumption of alcohol or drugs and any medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD (such as seizures or a thyroid disorder).
There are a variety of ratings scales that can be used to assess the symptoms of adult ADHD. Some, such as the Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Screening Questionnaire, are free online. Certain, such as the 40-item Adult ADHD Scale, can only be obtained from healthcare professionals. They must interpret and evaluate it.
The DSM-5 specifies that for a diagnosis of ADHD, a person must have "symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that are persistent and impair functioning in multiple settings. "3 The patient must have these symptoms for at least six months to be diagnosed with the disorder.
People with ADHD have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Untreated and undiagnosed conditions can cause a lot of stress in an individual's life and affect their ability to manage ADHD symptoms. These conditions can also affect their self-esteem since they are constantly told they should perform better. This can be a self-fulfilling saga that can lead to a continuous cycle of stress and anger.
Diagnosis
You may request the person being assessed to complete one or several standardized scales for assessing behavior. These questionnaires are based on research that compares the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not. These questionnaires can assist professionals determine if there are symptoms and how severe they may be. It is important to be honest when completing these questionnaires. In certain instances, the professional will ask the person's spouse or significant other to fill out these scales, too. This isn't a way to verify the answers, but to get a better picture of how the person's ADHD issues affect their relationship.
The professional will also require an extensive medical history, including a description as to how the symptoms been manifested throughout the years of adulthood. In addition, the person evaluating will want to know whether they had similar issues when they were children, and if so what the treatment was at the time.
Some evaluators will require medical tests to determine if there are other conditions that can sometimes mimic the symptoms of ADHD such as thyroid or seizure disorders. They can also ask to speak with family members or coworkers to gain insight into the performance of the person at home and work.
During the interview the assessor will discuss the severity of symptoms and how they affect relationships, job performance and social or school life. The evaluator will decide if the symptoms are mild or severe. Mild indicates that the symptoms meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, but do not interfere with everyday functioning. Moderate indicates that the symptoms hinder daily functions, and severe indicates that the symptoms cause severe disruptions.
In some cases the evaluator might recommend that the person participate in psychotherapy (the term used to describe mental health therapy) or make changes to their routines or surroundings to address ADHD-related issues. A lot of health insurance plans will assist you in finding a health professional who is qualified. The evaluator will usually be willing to share information regarding their training and expertise in treating adults with ADHD. However, if they are reluctant to divulge such information, it is worth considering finding another professional.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD can benefit from a wide variety of treatment options. There are a variety of treatments available for adults with ADHD. The right treatment plan will aid an adult suffering from ADHD lead a happier and more productive life.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is more challenging than diagnosing it in children. The DSM-V is designed specifically for children. The majority of experts agree that a thorough interview with a person who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults will give a reliable diagnosis. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms in the past six months and how they've affected your personal and professional life. IamPsychiatry may also inquire about your childhood symptoms and whether any other family member suffers from ADHD.
Certain professionals employ cognitive behavioral therapy to help those with ADHD learn how to manage their issues and improve their relationships. They might also recommend counseling for families or marriages to assist your loved ones to understand your challenges and learn how to better assist you. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. In addition, people who suffer from ADHD often have physical health conditions, such as eating disorders or chronic pain conditions, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
If your symptoms aren't severe, you might not require medication. If you have moderate symptoms, medications could help alleviate your symptoms so that you can concentrate on work or in social interactions. If you are experiencing extreme symptoms, your doctor might prescribe a stronger dose of medication or suggest the use of a combination of medicines.
To determine if you've received a true diagnosis of ADHD Your doctor may ask to see your school report cards and speak to your parents. They will be looking for any remarks that might indicate ADHD or other issues, such as poor academic performance or behavioral issues. They may also inquire whether you've experienced any problems at work or with your partner.
Some researchers employ various tests to gauge your attention and impulse control. Some of these tests are computer-based and compare your results with those of others who don't have ADHD. Other tests, like the Test of Variable Attention (TOVA) assess your ability to perform a task without distraction.
Support
If you're experiencing symptoms of ADHD There is various supports available. Some are free and some are offered by professional providers. Online resources are also available. These tools can help you know your symptoms, treatment options and how to help someone who has ADHD.
The most renowned national support organization for those suffering from ADHD is CHADD. The website contains a directory of local affiliate organizations. It also contains educational materials and an extensive list of professionals who offer assessment, coaching, and therapy. The site has an option to search that allows you to filter by region or state to find a local group to you.
Another option is to seek out a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. There are numerous directories available online that list specialists in therapists for ADHD. These therapists can teach you how to apply behavioral strategies to control your ADHD symptoms. They can also provide insight and understanding.
A few support groups meet regularly to exchange personal stories and encourage one other. They can also provide education, guest speakers, and coping-skills training. Many groups are run by mental health professionals, however others are led by peers. You can search for an area-specific group using CHADD or talk to an expert in mental health who is specialized in ADHD.
The evaluation will take into account a variety of factors, such as the person's mood and medical background. The evaluator may also ask whether the person has any other medical conditions that may cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like depression, anxiety, and physical illness. The evaluator may also request to see childhood report cards and speak with family members.
It is essential to be open with your mental health practitioner when you are considering an ADHD assessment. They need to know about all the symptoms you're experiencing in order to accurately assess you. If you're hesitant to share all your symptoms and experiences, you could find the evaluation less thorough and frustrating. The evaluator may want to conduct tests for neuropsychology or performance-based tests. These are designed to collect information regarding a person's executive functioning weaknesses and can be done in conjunction with a medical interview to help evaluaters gain confidence in their findings.