Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
In most instances, a thorough ADHD diagnosis is expected to take at least two hours. This will typically involve an interview that is semi-structured and a psychoeducation about the condition (including in a simple language) and a discussion about the impact of core symptoms on employment or education and social/family life including driving.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD are characterized by issues in focusing, staying organized and managing emotions. These difficulties affect different aspects of life, like work or school, and also relationships with family members or friends members. 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 are also expected to cause significant impairment to two or more aspects of daily living.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association contains clinical guidelines to diagnose adults with ADHD. A qualified psychiatrist or psychologist will ask the patient to provide a full history of symptoms, including their onset and duration. They will also ask about the problems that these symptoms may have caused in their school, work and social life.
In addition to assessing primary ADHD symptoms screening for any other mental illnesses that can occur alongside ADHD or mimic the symptoms is essential (e.g. depression anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder). Particularly, the test should include questions about a person's mood, medical history and past medication usage.
The person could also be screened for physical or somatic conditions that may mimic ADHD like sleep disturbances, headaches and digestive issues. These conditions are typically diagnosed as comorbid.
It is important to make sure that the symptoms of ADHD are not explained by other factors like a mood disorder, a drug or medical condition. Undiagnosed ADHD in adults can cause chronic anxiety, low self-esteem, and other issues.
Some adults with ADHD struggle to obtain an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that their symptoms are misinterpreted or are not properly reported, particularly in schools or workplaces which do not provide accommodations for those with ADHD. In these instances, people can feel a variety of emotions that range from joy to sadness over the loss of opportunities when they finally receive the diagnosis.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD the first step is to get an assessment of your ADHD by a professional who is qualified. A good practitioner will be willing to share their experiences and training in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If you are hesitant to provide this information, it is an indication that you need to find another professional.
The assessment will involve an extensive interview which reviews your development history, medical and psychiatric histories as well as your current functioning and risk assessment. It will also identify symptoms and their impact. In addition, the therapist will explore possible co-morbidities (e.g. an underlying psychiatric disorder that is coexisting or learning disability) and carry out an evaluation of your interpersonal, social and work-related functioning.
The assessment will include a detailed evaluation of the way ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. This includes work and school as well as family/close connections and the impact of ADHD on your self-image. The ideal scenario is that the assessment be conducted by more than one person, allowing for a more accurate account of your day-to-day functioning. It is not always possible to have multiple informants attend assessments. Therefore, a written summary by one or more informants is very helpful.
It is crucial to determine if your symptoms are in line with the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This will include an examination of how you're struggling with your issues and how they currently impact on your daily life. The assessment will also consider whether or not you have suffered from these symptoms since the age of a child, and if yes and for how long. doctors who treat adhd in adults will also examine how your symptoms affect your daily activities, and how you can achieve your goals and dreams.
ADHD can cause issues with organization in deciding on priorities and avoiding losing things. You may also be prone to expressing inappropriate thoughts without considering the consequences. This can lead you to anger, because appointments are missed, and tasks are not completed. Your time and attention will be focused on distractions that are irrelevant.
Treatment
Ask your doctor to evaluate your symptoms if ADHD cause problems at work or school. They can give you guidance on how to deal with the symptoms. If needed, they'll refer you to a specialist. If you decide to join an experimental study your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks. These trials enable researchers to discover new methods of diagnosing the onset, treatment and prevention of diseases.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is more complex than that of children, and the symptom checklists used in diagnosing children are largely ineffective for adults. A trained professional will conduct a thorough interview and will take their time to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
The doctor will ask you, and someone you know well (a parent or spouse for instance) about your issues and the impact they have had on your life. The doctor may also employ standardized rating scales for ADHD that compare your behavior to that of people who don't have the disorder. You could also undergo a neurological examination, including tests of balance and motor coordination.
Based on your requirements, other psychological or neuropsychological tests could be conducted as well. These tests can reveal any co-existing conditions that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. They can also reveal how ADHD affects your academic performance and relationships.
Sleep disorders are frequently related to ADHD. A sound night's sleep can assist to reduce the symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a plan for bedtime and waking time to help you get enough rest to function. They may also advise you to avoid smoking, caffeine, and sweet foods, which can worsen your ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials may be beneficial for some adults suffering from ADHD. Clinical trials are research studies which test the effectiveness of treatments for healthy or otherwise healthy participants. They are conducted at NIMH and other places. A clinical trial is designed to discover more efficient and effective methods to identify, prevent or treat diseases.
Prevention
If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a kid it is likely your symptoms will persist into adulthood. The symptoms can affect school, work or relationships. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD can benefit from treatment, which includes medication and psychotherapy. It's important to find an expert in health care who can perform an evaluation for ADHD in adults. You can ask your doctor for a referral or contact your insurance company. You can also request a referral from an ADHD support group in your area.
During an ADHD assessment, the health healthcare professional or mental health specialist will ask questions and collect details from you, your family members, friends and co-workers. The specialist will likely use standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. The doctor may also conduct psychological tests to assess your working memory, executive functioning abilities (abilities such as planning and decision making) and spatial and visual reasoning abilities.
The person conducting your assessment will assess the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will use open-ended questions as well as real-world examples to help you describe your symptoms. You should be able provide specific examples of your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. It is essential to discuss any medical conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms of ADHD, such as depression or anxiety.
Many people who have ADHD have a hard time remembering their childhood behavior and, therefore, the health care provider or mental health professional is likely to interview someone who knows you well, such as an intimate family member, partner, or a family member. They might ask your parents to fill in an ephemeral ADHD Profile describing your childhood habits.
A few people with ADHD work in large corporations and may not want to inform their coworkers or managers about their disorder. It is recommended to be upfront with your teacher or employer. They might be willing to make accommodations for you in your workplace or give you extra time to finish assignments. You might also consider taking part in a clinical study to test new treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. These trials are conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and other research institutions with volunteers.