15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore Diagnose ADHD
How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some people feel relieved that they have finally come to terms with their difficulties while others experience grief because they missed out on opportunities in life due to the symptoms that remained untreated for so long.
A health professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by examining the person's mood and past medical and mental health conditions as well as their childhood behavior and school experiences. The assessment usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized rating scales.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require mental effort over time or paying attention to details. These problems are usually caused by other underlying issues such as depression or abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in gaining control over symptoms that cause havoc in personal and professional life.
The signs of ADHD typically begin in childhood and last into adulthood. To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must cause significant impairment in at minimum two areas of a person's life (home school, home, and at work). For symptoms to meet this criteria they must last for at least six month and cannot be caused by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder or personality disorders.
The health care professional will also look over the patient's mental and medical history. The doctor will speak to the patient, and if possible their family members, to gain an understanding of the behavior of children. The health care professional will also talk to the patient's teachers and review their current home and work environments.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. In general, to be diagnosed with the inattentive type of ADHD, a person must exhibit at least six inattention-related symptoms that are serious enough to hinder their life functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric examination is usually enough for a healthcare professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This involves an extensive interview with the person, his or her parents, as well as any caregivers or teachers, as well as taking questionnaires or scales. The health professional may also examine the person's medical, psychiatric and family history and refer the individual to a physical exam in order to determine the cause of symptoms. They will look at the person's sleeping patterns, diet, the home and work environments to identify stressors that may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, it's important to visit a health care specialist who is trained in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and the effects on your life. They will be looking to find out if you are having trouble completing tasks, if you often lose items, or are unable to remember where you left your keys. They might also inquire about whether or not these issues result in stress at work, at home, or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and conduct a physical exam. This information can help your doctor rule out other conditions that may cause the symptoms associated with ADHD like sleep disorders, depression, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers and friends regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in various situations, such as at school, at work or with scouts or religious leaders. Your doctor may also request you to complete a self-test or rating scale to assess your symptoms. These are available online, but they should not be used in lieu of the face-to-face consultation with your doctor.
adhd in adults diagnosis have to meet an upper threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD -- five of nine symptoms over the span of six months. You must also be able to show significant impact in your school, work as well as your home life.
If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend neuropsychological or psychological testing to determine if you have the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD. These tests usually examine the ways your brain functions and help determine if you suffer from co-existing mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may cause complex emotions. Matlen's emotions ranged from grief at missed opportunities to relief that she had a reason for her troubles. Ask your doctor or support group to send you to a medical professional who is able to conduct ADHD assessments on adults. You can also call your insurance provider to find out which doctors are included.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD medication is the first option for treatment. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine work by increasing or balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate behavior and attention. They can help some people with ADHD focus better and remain organized, control their impulses and make more reasonable decisions improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behavior.
Nonstimulant medicines, such as atomoxetine, or some antidepressants work slower than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating people with ADHD. The kind of medication that is most effective for a person's needs may change over time, which is why it is important to discuss all possibilities with the medical professional who conducts the test.
A health professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that consists of an interview with the person as well as the answers to questionnaires and scales by the person and an examination of family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral for an examination by a doctor could be added to rule out a possible medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.
It is expected that the assessment will take some time. This is especially true in the case of an adult who has had to struggle to deal with symptoms for several years. The evaluation should be thorough and therefore, the patient should bring their old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at school or at work. The healthcare professional could ask for permission to speak with close family members or friends to gain more information about the individual's past behaviors and experiences.
For adults, receiving an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. People typically experience a variety of emotions, ranging from relief to finally having a concrete reason for their problems, to a sense of grief over the missed opportunities and relationships that result from untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she had a diagnosis and was able to start making changes in her life and progress in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people with ADHD find that getting assistance from a therapist can be a crucial step. Finding the right therapist can be challenging. There are a variety of methods to locate a therapist in your area. Start by asking your doctor for a referral. They might have a list of specialists who are familiar with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also search for them online. There are a variety of websites that have directories of doctors, and provide details on their areas of interest and specialization. Another option is to ask for recommendations from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group for recommendations.
If you visit a therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD and other disorders, it is essential to be as transparent as possible. It is crucial to discuss how ADHD symptoms impact your life as well as the lives of other people. It's important to talk about your medical background. This will help your counselor rule out any other conditions that may have similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
In addition to monitoring an individual's behavior, the therapist will likely conduct interviews and use standardized rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist may also ask for input from other caregivers, such as teachers or religious or scout leaders to get an accurate picture of the person's behavior in different situations.
Adults who suffer from ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their issues, and they might be reluctant to discuss them. This can impact the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience working with adults suffering from ADHD can assist them in overcoming these challenges.
It is also important to understand that being diagnosed with ADHD does not mean that the counselor will immediately prescribe medication. While some people suffering from ADHD might require medication however, behavioral therapy is an alternative option that can be very efficient. These treatments can be utilized with medication or as standalone treatments.