Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
In most cases, a complete ADHD diagnosis will take at minimum two hours. This will usually involve an interview that is semistructured as well as psychoeducation (in easily understood language), and discussion about the impact of symptoms in education or employment as well as in family and social life.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms include difficulties with attention, organization and control of emotions. These difficulties can affect all aspects of life like school or work, and relationships with family and friends. For a diagnosis of adult ADHD, several inattentive symptoms and at least one hyperactive-impulsive symptom must have been present before age 12. The symptoms must also cause significant impairment to two or more areas of daily living.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing adults with ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A certified psychologist or psychiatrist will talk to the person for a thorough history of their symptoms, beginning with the date they first began and how long they've been recurring. They will also inquire about what problems these symptoms caused in the person's school, work or social life.
In addition to assessing main ADHD symptoms screening for any other mental conditions that often coexist with ADHD or resemble the symptoms is important (e.g. depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder). Particularly, the test should include questions about the person's mood, their medical history and past medication use.
A person can also be screened in order to determine if they have any physical or somatic conditions which could mimic ADHD. These could include headaches, sleep disturbances and digestive issues. This is because these conditions are frequently found to be in conjunction with ADHD.
It is important to ensure that the signs of ADHD cannot be explained by other factors such as a medical disorder or addiction to drugs. If it is not diagnosed, ADHD in adults can cause chronic stress, low self-esteem and other problems.
Some adults with ADHD struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that their symptoms are misinterpreted or not reported, especially in workplaces or schools which do not provide accommodations for those suffering from ADHD. In untreated adhd in adults relationships may be confronted with a range of emotions that range from joy to sadness over missed opportunities, when they finally get an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have ADHD, you should seek out a professional diagnosis. A reputable professional will be able to provide details about their education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. Reluctance in this regard should be viewed with suspicion and could indicate that you need to consider looking for a different professional.
The test will include a detailed interview that reviews your development history, medical and psychiatric history, current functioning and risk assessment. It will also inquire about your symptoms and their impact on you. The doctor will also look into any comorbidities, like learning disabilities or coexisting mental disorders. a coexisting psychiatric disorder or learning disability) and carry out an evaluation of your interpersonal, social and work-related functioning.
A key aspect of the assessment will be to assess how ADHD symptoms are affecting your daily life. This will include work and school, leisure, family/close relationships as well as the effect of ADHD on your self-image. Ideally, the assessment will be conducted by more than one person in order to allow for an informed account of your day-to-day functioning. It isn't always feasible to have multiple people attend assessments. Therefore writing a summary written by one or more informants is very helpful.
It is crucial to determine if your symptoms are in line with the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This will involve an examination of how you're struggling with your symptoms as they impact your daily life. It will also consider whether you've experienced these symptoms since your childhood and, if yes how long. The assessment will also examine how your symptoms affect your daily functioning, and how you can achieve your goals and desires.
Having ADHD can mean that you have difficulty in organising and prioritising tasks, you may lose things easily, and tend to spit out thoughts that aren't thought-provoking, without thinking of the consequences. This can lead to frustration, when appointments are missed and tasks are not completed. Your time and attention will be occupied by distracting thoughts that aren't relevant.
Treatment
Ask your doctor to evaluate your symptoms if ADHD can cause issues at school or at work. They will be able to advise you on the best approach to cope with them. If necessary, they can refer you to a specialist. Your provider will explain to you the risks and benefits of taking part in a clinical trial. These trials allow researchers to discover new methods of diagnosing the onset, treatment and prevention of diseases.
Adult ADHD diagnosis is more complex than it was in childhood and the symptom lists used to identify children aren't applicable to adults. A trained professional will conduct a thorough clinical interview and will take the time to come up with an accurate diagnosis.
Your doctor will inquire and someone you know well (a spouse or parent for example) about your issues and the impact they've had on your life. Doctors may also use standard ADHD rating scales to evaluate your behavior with that of people who do not suffer from the disorder. You may also be offered an examination for your brain, including tests of balance and motor coordination.
Based on your requirements depending on your needs, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests could be conducted in addition. These tests can identify any co-existing conditions that could cause your ADHD symptoms. They can also reveal how ADHD affects your academic performance and interpersonal relationships.
Sleep disorders usually go hand in hand with ADHD and getting an adequate amount of sleep can greatly reduce the symptoms. Your doctor will likely suggest a schedule for sleeping and waking to help you get enough sleep to perform. They might also advise you to stay away from the use of nicotine, caffeine and sweet foods, which can worsen your ADHD symptoms.
Some adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from taking part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that investigate the efficacy of treatment methods for healthy or ill volunteers. They are conducted at NIMH as well as other locations. The goal of a clinical study is to find better, more efficient ways to treat, prevent or detect illnesses and disorders.
The following is a list with preventions.
If you've experienced a history of ADHD as when you were a child and are experiencing symptoms, they will likely to be present throughout adulthood. The symptoms can cause problems with relationships, work and school. Adults with ADHD might benefit from psychotherapy and medication. It is essential to find a health care professional who can perform an evaluation for ADHD in adults. Ask your physician for a recommendation or contact your insurance provider to get assistance. You can also seek a referral from an area ADHD support group.
During an ADHD evaluation, the health care provider will ask you questions and gather information about your family members, friends, and co-workers. The professional will employ standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for ADHD. The professional may also use psychological tests to evaluate your executive functioning capabilities (abilities such as decision-making and planning) as well as spatial and visual reasoning abilities.
The person who conducts your assessment will evaluate the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. You will be asked questions that are open-ended and presented with examples from your life to help you identify your symptoms. You must be able to provide specific examples of your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. It is essential to discuss any medical conditions that may contribute to the symptoms of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
They may ask a close family member or friend to explain your childhood behavior. They may request your parents to fill out a retrospective ADHD Profile describing your childhood behaviors.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD are employed by large corporations and they might not want to reveal their condition to their coworkers or supervisors. It is recommended to be upfront with your professor or employer. They may be willing make accommodations for you at your workplace or offer you extra time to complete assignments. You may also want to consider taking part in a clinical study to try new treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and other research institutions conduct these trials with volunteers.