ADHD Diagnostic Assessment For Adults
Ask your primary care physician to refer you to a health professional that performs ADHD assessments if you suspect you may have ADHD. You can also contact your insurance company or local support group for recommendations.
The evaluator will collect an in-depth look at your life and symptoms. They may use one of the many behavior rating scales that contain the most common ADHD symptoms.
The Evaluation Process
Typically, a test for ADHD is comprised of a variety of steps. The examiner will first get an in-depth account of your health, including your birth and growth from your childhood. The examiner also wants to know about your work, school and relationships. You will be asked questions such as if you are frequently late for appointments and meetings, if you have difficulty keeping track of your expenses and schedule as well as how often you misplace your keys or phone and if your sleep patterns are normal.
The examiner may employ various standardized rating scales in the interview that compare the behavior of people who don't have ADHD. These scales aren't diagnostic however they can help in determining whether you suffer from ADHD. The evaluator will also likely ask you and your significant other to fill out these rating scales.
The evaluation will also include a physical exam. The evaluator might want to know if you suffer from any medical issues like thyroid problems or seizures that may mimic the symptoms ADHD. This information will help the evaluator rule out those conditions.
The evaluator must determine that your symptoms are significant to your life in order to diagnose ADHD. It can be difficult to identify particularly if the symptoms are not severe. For instance, you may be having trouble organizing your time or working to deadlines however it's not certain if this is a result of your ADHD or something else like anxiety or depression.
The examiner will make use of the results of the standardized scales for rating and your interview to determine if you have ADHD. They will also take into account any other psychiatric disorders or learning disabilities that you may have, as they can often coexist alongside ADHD.
Do your research before booking an appointment to ensure that you choose the right specialist. Talk to previous clients and former patients about the specialist's qualifications and academic degrees. Examine the cost and whether your insurance covers it.
Getting a Diagnosis
A diagnosis can make a massive impact on how people view themselves. It will also help them understand why they have struggled so much in their lives, both personally and professionally. For instance, if keep losing your keys or forgetting things at work, or your relationships are suffering because of your difficulty with attention and impulse control, receiving the right diagnosis could transform your life.
In addition to a thorough patient interview, doctors use checklists or questionnaires that inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They also take into consideration your medical and psychiatric history from childhood to the present. Certain professionals will ask for feedback from other people who know you well, such as your spouse or sibling for an adult or a parent coach, teacher or nanny for the child. This provides a greater depth of understanding than a simple questionnaire.
It's crucial to be honest throughout this process. adhd assessment adult have to be present in two areas of the person's life (work or school, and social life) in order for an ADHD diagnosis to be established. Adults have to meet the threshold of symptoms lower than children - 5 out of 9 in the last 6 months -- to receive a diagnosis. Your professional will be interested in knowing about your childhood experiences, so be ready to share any pertinent information.
Following the clinical interview, the evaluator will determine whether ADHD is causing your problems. They will then examine what tests could aid in determining or ruling out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
They include cognitive and behavioral tests, which measure how the brain functions in a variety of situations. Neuropsychological tests, which provide more understanding of weaknesses and strengths, can be helpful as well.
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 find information about medical professionals who specialize in ADHD. A lot of insurance plans list these specialists according to their specialties, and many support groups for adults ADHD sufferers have members who can recommend professionals near you.
Getting the Treatment Plan
You might be asked to take part in an in-depth interview with the clinician. They will ask you questions regarding your life and ability to perform specific tasks. The doctor will likely request you to fill out ADHD symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales. Your evaluator could also wish to speak with those who spend a significant amount of their time with you. This includes your spouse, co-workers and family members. The evaluator might also conduct cognitive tests to determine if you have issues with learning or any other issue that can trigger symptoms that are similar to ADHD. You may require medical tests to rule out specific medical issues, like seizures and thyroid disorders, which may cause the same symptoms as ADHD.
One of the biggest issues in diagnosing adults is that most medical professionals have preconceived notions 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 can make it difficult to identify the proper diagnosis, especially for adults of color, LGBT people, or non-native English people.
Once you have all the information the evaluator will issue an assessment. She will base her determination on how your ADHD symptoms affect your ability to function, such as when you struggle to maintain your job or maintaining an enduring relationship. She'll likely also look at your past and whether you were diagnosed with ADHD before.
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 also suggest other treatments, like therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These treatments are designed to assist you in improving your life quality and gain control over your symptoms. The cognitive component of treatment can help you change your perception of your own health and the issues you face.
Finding a Professional
For adults, diagnosing ADHD is more difficult than it is for children. The DSM-V guide to symptom recognition is essentially useless for adulthood and the disorder is typically diagnosed after a thorough interview by an expert psychiatric professional who is able to take the time to examine the signs.
The evaluator may ask you about your symptoms in the past especially in childhood and how they affected your life over the years. The evaluator might also ask questions of family members and close relatives. This isn't a way to evaluate your responses or be critical; it's just for additional insight. Your evaluator may also ask you to fill out the standardized behavioral rating scores. These questionnaires are used in ADHD evaluations and will assist the evaluator to fill in any gaps that were not found during the one-onone interview.
You may need to undergo other medical tests or cognitive testing to rule out any conditions that cause symptoms similar to ADHD. These conditions include thyroid disorders, as well as anxiety, depression and seizures. You may also be given urine or blood tests to test for nutritional deficiencies.
You might also be asked to disclose any medications you are taking or have recently taken. During the interview the evaluator will decide whether or not your symptoms fit the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis according to the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines.
Once you've been diagnosed, you will receive the support you need to overcome the effects of your disorder on work, relationships as well as your family life and your well-being. Additionally, you can take steps to minimize the impact of your ADHD on those around you.
It's important that you discuss your situation with friends and colleagues, so they are aware of the challenges you face and can offer support when needed. It's also an excellent idea to seek out an ADHD Coach to assist you in managing your symptoms and stay on track.