What to Expect From an Adult ADHD Assessment
It is possible that people who show symptoms of ADHD aren't diagnosed with the condition. A thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is essential.
The evaluator may interview the person, as well as others who are familiar with them, use ratings scales, and review school records. Psychiatric professionals use questions designed specifically to detect ADHD symptoms among adults.
Symptoms
It's not uncommon for signs of ADHD to show up a little later in adulthood. Autism or intellectual disability are developmental disorders that typically manifest in childhood. ADHD symptoms, however, typically occur in late adolescence or early adulthood, as the burdens and responsibilities increase.
If the symptoms of ADHD are severe, they can result in major impacts on a person's life. They might have difficulties at work or school, and they may also have trouble forming and maintaining relationships. If you are experiencing these effects should consider seeing a doctor to see whether they have ADHD.
Your doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct an examination of your body. He or she might also ask you to complete an ADHD rating scale and ask you questions about the symptoms that have affected your life. Your doctor will ask you about your alcohol or drugs use and also any medical conditions (such a thyroid disorder or seizures disorder) which may resemble ADHD.
There are a variety of ratings scales that can be used to assess 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 by healthcare professionals. They must interpret and score the scale.
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 condition.
People with ADHD have a higher risk of suffering from anxiety and depression. When these conditions go undiagnosed and untreated, they may create a lot of stress in the individual's life and hamper their ability to manage their ADHD symptoms. They can also have a negative effect on self-esteem as they are constantly told that they should be able to perform better than they do. This can result in a cycle of frustration and anxiety that self-fulfills.
Diagnosis
You may request the person being assessed to complete one or several standardized scales for assessing behavior. adhd assessment adults are based on research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD with those who don't have the disorder. These questionnaires help professionals determine whether symptoms are present and how severe they could be. When answering these questionnaires it is essential to be honest. In certain instances the doctor may ask the person's spouse or significant other to complete these scales, too. This is not to confirm the answers, but rather to gain a better understanding of the effect ADHD symptoms can have on their relationship.
The evaluator will also take a detailed history, including a description of the symptoms as they manifested throughout adulthood. The examiner may also inquire whether the individual had similar problems as a child and how they were treated.
Certain evaluators may require medical tests to rule out other conditions which can sometimes mimic ADHD symptoms, like seizures or thyroid disorders. They might also speak to family members and colleagues for information about the person's performance at home and at work.
During the interview the examiner will discuss the severity of symptoms and their impact on relationships, work performance and social or school life. The evaluator will then determine if the symptoms of ADHD are mild or moderate. Mild means that the symptoms meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, but do not hinder the normal functioning of a person. Moderate means that the symptoms interfere with everyday tasks, while severe means that the symptoms cause severe disruptions.
In some cases an evaluator might suggest that a patient take part in psychotherapy (the technical term for mental health therapy), or make adjustments to the environment or routines in order to accommodate ADHD-related problems. Many health insurance plans can assist you in finding a qualified health care provider. The evaluator will usually be able to provide details regarding their training and experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If they're not willing to share the information you require, you may think about finding a different expert.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD are able to receive a broad variety of treatment options. There are many treatments available for adults with ADHD. A well-planned treatment plan can help an adult with ADHD lead a healthier, more productive life.
It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults than it is for children. The DSM-V is designed for children. Many experts agree that a thorough interview with someone who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adult patients will give a reliable diagnosis. The specialist may inquire about your symptoms over the past six months and how they impact your daily life at work and at home. She might also ask about your childhood symptoms and if you have any family members with ADHD.
Certain professionals employ cognitive behavioral therapy to help people suffering from ADHD improve their skills in managing their problems and improve their relationships. They may also suggest marriage or family counseling to assist your loved ones to understand your struggles and learn to better help you. Many people who suffer from ADHD also have anxiety or depression. People with ADHD are also more likely to have physical health problems like chronic pain conditions or eating disorders, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
If your symptoms aren't severe, you may not need medication. For moderate symptoms, medication might reduce your symptoms enough that you are able to concentrate at work or in your social interactions. If you are suffering from severe symptoms, your physician may prescribe an increased dose of medication or suggest a combination of medications.
To determine if you've received a true diagnosis of ADHD Your doctor may request to look over your school report cards and talk to your parents. They will search for remarks about behavior issues or poor academic performance which could be a sign of ADHD. They may also inquire whether you've had any problems at work or with your partner.
Researchers use a variety tests to measure the ability to control impulses and attention. Some of these tests are computer-based and compare your results with those of people who do not have ADHD. Other tests, like the Test of Variable Attention (TOVA) test your ability to complete tasks without distraction.
Support
There are many supports available in the event that you suffer from ADHD. Some are free, while others are provided by professional service providers. Online resources are also available. These can help you understand your symptoms and treatment options, as well as provide advice on how to support a loved one who suffers from ADHD.
The largest national support group for people suffering from ADHD is CHADD. CHADD's website includes the list of local affiliate organizations. It also has educational materials and a listing of professionals who offer therapy, assessment and coaching. The site has a search feature that allows you filter by state or location to find a local group near you.
Another option is to seek out a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. Many directories on the Internet list therapists that specialize in ADHD. They will show you how to employ behavioral strategies to deal with ADHD symptoms. They can also offer insight and empathy.
Some support groups meet to share personal stories and give each other support. Some groups offer educational opportunities, guest lecturers, and coping skill 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 a mental health professional who is specialized in ADHD.
The evaluation will take into consideration a variety of factors, such as the person's mood and medical history. The examiner will also look at whether the patient has other medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD like depression, anxiety or physical illness. The evaluator might also ask to see childhood report cards and speak with family members.
It is crucial to be open with your mental health practitioner in the event that you are contemplating an ADHD assessment. To ensure that they can accurately assess you, they need to be aware of all your symptoms. If you're not willing to reveal all your symptoms, the test might not be as thorough and may be more difficult for you. The examiner may decide to conduct neuropsychological tests or performance-based tests. These are designed to collect details about an individual's executive functioning weaknesses and are often conducted in combination with a clinical interview to help evaluaters gain confidence in their findings.