ADHD Diagnostic Assessment For Adults
If you think you may have ADHD or other disorders, ask your primary care provider for an appointment with a health specialist who conducts ADHD evaluations. You can also contact your insurance provider or local support groups for recommendations.
The evaluator will collect an extensive history of your life and your symptoms. They could use one of the numerous scales for assessing behavior that provide a list of the most common ADHD symptoms.
The Evaluation Process
A typical evaluation for ADHD involves a series of steps. The first step is for the examiner to obtain an exhaustive background on your health including your birth and development since childhood. The evaluator will also ask about your school, work and relationships. You'll be asked questions, such as whether you are often late for appointments or meetings If you have trouble keeping track of your bills and schedule as well as how often you misplace your phone or keys and if your sleeping patterns are normal.
During the interview the evaluator will employ various scales of rating that are standardized to evaluate your behavior versus the behavior of people with ADHD. These scales are not diagnostic, but can be helpful in determining if you have ADHD. You and your partner are likely to be asked to fill out these ratings scales by the evaluation expert.
The assessment will also include a physical exam. The examiner may want to know whether you suffer from any medical issues, such as thyroid problems or seizures that can be similar to symptoms of ADHD. This information will help the evaluator to rule out the possibility of these conditions.
The evaluator must establish that your symptoms have a significant impact on your life in order to determine if you suffer from ADHD. This can be a difficult thing to determine, especially if symptoms are not severe. For instance, you may have difficulty getting organized or meeting deadlines at work, but it is unclear if that is a result of your ADHD or something else, such as anxiety or depression.
The examiner will look at the results of the standardized rating scales and the interviews to make a determination regarding whether you have ADHD. They will also look at any other psychiatric disorders or learning disabilities that you might have, as they are often associated with ADHD.
It is important to choose the right professional for you, so do your research prior to making an appointment. Verify the specialist's certifications and academic degrees and speak with previous clients and patients. Find out the cost and if your insurance covers it.
Making a diagnosis
A diagnosis can make a huge impact on how people see themselves. It can also help people understand the reasons behind why they've had difficulties in their lives both professionally and personally. For instance, if keep losing your keys or getting distracted at work, or your relationships are strained because of your trouble with attention and impulse control, receiving a diagnosis could be life-changing.
In addition to an in-depth patient interview, the doctor will utilize questionnaires or checklists to inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They also consider your medical and psychiatric history from childhood to the present. Some professionals will request feedback from others who are familiar with you, such as siblings or spouses for an adult, or a parent, coach, teacher or nanny for a child. This gives you an information that isn't available using only questionnaires.
It's crucial to be honest during this process. For an ADHD diagnosis symptoms must be evident in at least two different areas of one's life: school, work and social. Adults need to meet the threshold for symptoms lower than children--5 out of 9 in the past 6 months--to receive an assessment. Your physician will want to know about your childhood experiences, so make sure to share any relevant details.
After the clinical interview, the evaluator decides whether ADHD is the cause of your issues. The evaluator then will determine the tests that can to determine or rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
They include cognitive and behavioral tests that assess how the brain works in different situations. Neuropsychological tests, which offer more insight into strengths and weaknesses are beneficial as well.
Ask your primary care physician or a therapy provider you have already seen for recommendations if not sure who to consult for an assessment. You can also find information on the Internet about health professionals who specialize in ADHD. Most insurance plans list the specialists in their specialties and many support groups for people with ADHD have members who recommend specialists in your area.
Getting an Treatment Plan
Your assessment could include a detailed interview with your clinician, who will ask questions regarding various areas of your life, as well as your capacity to complete tasks. The clinician will likely also require you to complete ADHD symptoms checklists and standard behavior rating scales. Your evaluator will also want to speak to anyone who spends lots of time with you, like your spouse, coworkers and other family members. The evaluator may also use cognitive tests to determine if you're suffering from issues with learning or any other issue that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. You may be required to undergo an exam to rule out certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Adults can be difficult to diagnose because medical professionals often have preconceived notions about what ADHD is like. They aren't always willing to assess someone who does not fit into these categories. This can make it difficult to get a diagnosis, especially if you are an adult of color or an LGBT person or a non-native English speaker.
Once your evaluator has all the information she needs, she will make her determination about your diagnosis. She will base her decision on the way in which your ADHD symptoms affect your ability to function, for example, the fact that you are having difficulty maintaining an occupation or an enduring relationship. She will also likely look at your past and determine if you've been diagnosed with ADHD prior to.
The doctor will likely prescribe medication to treat your ADHD symptoms if she decides that it is the best course of treatment for you. Your evaluator may also recommend alternative treatments, like therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies aim to aid you in controlling your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. The cognitive aspect of treatment assists you in changing your perception of yourself and your problems.
Finding a Professional
For adults, identifying ADHD is a lot more difficult than it was for children. The DSM-V guide to symptom recognition is essentially useless for adulthood, and the disorder is typically diagnosed from a thorough clinical interview with a psychiatric professional who takes the time to carefully look at the symptoms.
The evaluator will inquire about your past experiences with symptoms, particularly in childhood, and how they've affected you throughout the years. The evaluator may also interview close relatives and family members. It's not to assess your responses or be critical; it's just for additional insight. The evaluator could also ask you to fill out a set of standardized behavioral rating scales. These types of questionnaires are commonly used in ADHD evaluations, and the evaluator will utilize them to fill in any gaps they are unable to find during the one-on-one interview.
You may also be required to undergo cognitive tests or other medical tests to rule out other conditions that cause symptoms similar to those that are common to ADHD. These include thyroid disorders, depression and anxiety and seizure disorders. You may also be given blood or urinary tests to check nutritional deficiencies.
Full Record could be asked to reveal any medications you are taking or have recently taken. During the interview, the evaluator will determine whether or not your symptoms fit the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis as per the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines.
Once you have been diagnosed, you can receive the support you need to overcome your disorder, its effects on work, relationships as well as your family life and your overall well-being. Additionally, you can take steps to lessen the impact of your ADHD on the people around you.
It is essential to discuss your ADHD with your colleagues and friends, so they are aware of your challenges and can offer support when needed. It's also a good idea to find an ADHD coach to assist you in staying on the right track and manage your symptoms.