Screening For ADHD in Adults
Screening for ADHD usually doesn't involve brain scans or blood tests. Instead, you'll be asked to talk to an experienced healthcare professional about your symptoms.
Different types of health care professionals can diagnose ADHD, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and neurologists. They adhere to the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association and a book referred to as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Diagnosis
Adults can have a difficult time diagnosing ADHD than children. This is due to the fact that many of the same symptoms can be seen in adulthood, but they come with different implications and should be evaluated within the context of the individual's life situation and their experience. For instance, someone who has trouble keeping on top of school or work deadlines in childhood may find better ways to manage these tasks in adulthood but that doesn't mean they have overcome their ADHD.
During a visit to the doctor's office, a diagnostician may ask the patient about their symptoms and how they impact on their daily life. The doctor will also inquire about the severity of the symptoms and how they manifest themselves in various situations. ADHD may coexist with other disorders. It is crucial to recognize any other issues that could be contributing to a person's difficulties before diagnosing ADHD.
The health professional sends the patient to a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD. This can be a psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologists. A psychologist won't prescribe medications however, they may use talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy to help address and change unhealthy patterns of thinking and habits that contribute to ADHD symptoms.
During the process of evaluation, a mental health professional will also conduct a variety of neuropsychological tests. These tests could include computer-based attention tests and problem-solving assessments. adults adhd test of tests aren't necessary to determine a diagnosis, but they can shed light on how a person's symptoms affect their daily functioning and could help to identify coexisting disorders.
There is a genetic component in ADHD. Certain environmental factors, like exposure to lead during critical developmental periods, also increase the risk. Siblings with ADHD are two to three times more likely to suffer from it themselves.
It isn't easy for people to reach out to an individual health professional to receive help for adults with ADHD. But, it is an important step to living a more productive life. If you're having difficulties finding the health professional There are many online resources that can assist you in finding an expert who specializes in adult ADHD.
Evaluation
If you think you have ADHD, it is important to speak with an expert in mental health. They can assist you to determine the severity of your symptoms. They can also complete a survey. These questionnaires inquire about a person's work and personal life, their use of drugs or alcohol, and how they get together with family members and friends. Relationships can be a challenge for those with ADHD. They may have difficulty to hold a job or keep one, and they often struggle with financial problems. They are more likely to smoke or use drugs, as well. The evaluator must know if the problem began in childhood. Current guidelines state that ADHD must have been present by age 12.
The examiner will want be aware of how severe a person's symptoms are. They will consider how much difficulty a person has in social and work interactions, and how long their problems have been ongoing. They will also determine if there are other issues that could cause similar issues such as depression or anxiety, or physical conditions such as a thyroid disorder.
A specialist will ask questions about the person's childhood and any signs that were present at the time. They will need to have documents from the past and speak with family members, teachers and other people who know them well. They will want to know what the person's performance was in school, and about their driving, work and family background. They will ask if you have ever experienced any issues with alcohol or other drugs.
They will also test the mental capacity of the individual, his memory and physical health. They will likely do some timed tests to determine the speed at which a person is able to solve problems. They could also take neuropsychological tests, such as visual and spatial testing and reasoning tests.
Some doctors may ask if a person would like to participate in a clinical trial. These are studies designed to discover new methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and disorders. They may be seeking ways to aid those with ADHD or they may be trying to find solutions for other disorders like anxiety and depression.
Treatment
To diagnose ADHD your doctor will need a thorough medical history. Then, he will interview you about your symptoms and the impact on school, home or work. The doctor will also inquire about your family history and personal details. In addition to the details you provide, the medical professional might want to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms to those of ADHD, such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
The examiner will look over you and make notes on the information you provide. You will be asked to complete questionnaires and scales of rating regarding your conduct. The service provider will then interview those who are familiar with you to get their opinion.
These sessions will help the doctor determine whether you or your child meets the criteria that are standard for ADHD. These criteria include having six or more established symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity over the past 6 months. Symptoms must be present in two or more settings and must cause serious problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms must be related to ADHD and not a different condition.
A physical exam and neurological or psychological exam will also be performed. These exams are designed to rule out any other health problems, such as anxiety or depression, which might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These tests will also allow doctors to determine if the symptoms may be caused by other medications, or certain lifestyle factors.
Once a diagnosis is made, a treatment plan will be developed. For adults, treatment could include psychotherapy (sometimes called cognitive behavioral therapy) and prescriptions for medications. Always follow the advice of your doctor. NIMH offers tips on how to talk to your doctor about ADHD in case you're not sure what to do. Contact your insurance company to find out if they have a list of specialists who can perform ADHD assessments.
You might be able to participate in a clinical study which examines new methods of treating ADHD. These studies will not directly benefit you but they could result in better treatments in the near future.
Support
Being diagnosed with ADHD is an important step to managing issues that can arise at work and home. The process of evaluation doesn't usually involve blood tests or brain scanning however, it could include a long interview and tests for psychology and behavior. Some health care professionals also seek documents from the patient's childhood and may also want to talk to those who knew the patient well as an infant. This is because current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD stipulate that symptoms must be present since childhood to qualify as ADHD.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relief that they have finally found an explanation for their problems and have hope that treatment will assist them to live a better life. They may also feel anger or frustration that the condition wasn't identified and treated earlier, as well as sadness that not being treated for ADHD has hindered their personal and professional goals.
There are many support services for people with ADHD. Some support services are offered by the health system while others are provided in the community. There are programs that teach yoga techniques to help improve balance and calm. Talking with family and close friends, or joining a support network can help you find other supports. Some people with ADHD find that telling their coworkers or supervisors about their problems is helpful. This can help them receive adjustments at work, such as more time to complete tasks or a quiet space to work.
Some people with ADHD are interested in participating in clinical trials to discover more about treatments for the disorder. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical study. For more information about current research studies related to ADHD and related disorders, they should go to the NIMH website dedicated to clinical trials. Before registering for a study in a clinical setting people should go through the entire details. The NIMH's clinical trials website provides information about the potential risks and benefits of participating in a research study, including possible adverse effects.