Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
A complete ADHD diagnostic assessment will take two hours in the majority of cases. It will typically involve an interview with a semistructured format as well as psychoeducation (in easily understood language), and discussion about the impact of core symptoms on employment or education and also in social/family life.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms include issues in attention, organization and emotional control. These difficulties can affect many aspects of life such as work or school, and relationships with family or 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 also must cause significant impairments in two or more situations in daily life.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association contains clinical guidelines for diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. A certified psychologist or psychiatrist will talk to the patient to obtain a detailed background of their symptoms including when they began and for how long they've been occurring. They will also inquire about the problems these symptoms caused in the person's school, work or social life.
In addition to assessing the main ADHD symptoms, screening for other mental illnesses that can occur alongside ADHD or resemble the symptoms is crucial (e.g. depression anxiety disorders, depression, or bipolar disorder). Particularly, the test should include questions regarding the person's mood, their medical history, and previous medications used.
A person can also be screened to determine whether they have any physical or mental conditions which could mimic ADHD. These include headaches, sleep disturbances, and digestive problems. This is because these conditions are frequently found to be in conjunction with ADHD.
It is important to ensure that the symptoms of ADHD can't be explained by other factors such as a mood disorder or abuse of substances. Making sure adult adhd diagnosis and treatment have a thorough assessment is essential because the undiagnosed ADHD can cause issues, such as depression and chronic stress for adults, particularly when they are constantly being told to do better or that their mistakes are their own fault.
Some adults with ADHD have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis because their symptoms are often misinterpreted and/or not properly reported. This is especially the case in schools or workplaces that do not provide accommodations for people with ADHD. In these situations individuals can be confronted with a range 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 obtain an assessment of your ADHD from a qualified professional. A reputable professional will be able to share details regarding their training and experience working with adults with ADHD. Reluctance to do so should be considered suspicious and may be an indicator that you should consider hiring a different professional.
The assessment will involve an extensive interview which reviews your development history as well as your medical and psychiatric history as well as your current functioning and risk assessment. It will also elicit symptoms and their impact. Additionally, the doctor will look into possible comorbidities (e.g. a coexisting psychiatric disorder, or learning disability) and carry out an assessment of your social, interpersonal and work performance.
An important part of the test is to assess how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. This includes work and school as well as family/close connections as well as the effect of ADHD on your self-image. The ideal scenario is that the assessment be completed by more than one person, allowing for an accurate and detailed account of your day-to-day functioning. It isn't always feasible to have multiple informants participate in assessments. Therefore writing a summary written by one or more informants can be very helpful.
It is crucial to determine if your symptoms match the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This will involve an examination of the way you're dealing with your symptoms as they currently impact on your daily life. It will also consider whether you have had these symptoms since your childhood and, if yes how long. The test will also consider the way your symptoms impact your daily activities and ability to reach your goals and aspirations.
If you suffer from ADHD can mean that you have difficulty in managing your time and prioritising your tasks. You are prone to losing things easily and you are prone to blurt out thoughts that aren't thinking of the consequences. This can lead to a lot of frustration as appointments are missed, tasks remain unfinished, and your attention and time are spent on distractions that are not important.
Treatment
If symptoms of ADHD cause problems at work or school it might be worthwhile to ask your doctor for an assessment. They will be able to advise you on the best approach to cope with them. If needed, they'll refer you to an expert. Your doctor will explain to you the potential risks and benefits of participating in a clinical study. These trials allow researchers to discover new ways of diagnosing and treating diseases, as well as preventing them.
Adult ADHD diagnosis is more complex than that of childhood and the lists of symptoms used to determine the diagnosis of children are not valid for adults. A valid diagnosis is made through an in-depth clinical interview conducted by a qualified professional who takes his or his time during the assessment.
Your doctor will inquire and someone you are familiar with (a spouse or parent for example) about your issues and the impact they have had on your life. The doctor will typically employ standardized rating scales for ADHD that measure your behavior to the behavior of people with no disorder. You could also undergo an examination for your brain, including tests of motor coordination and balance.
Based on your requirements depending on your needs, other neuropsychological or psychological tests could be conducted, too. These tests can detect any co-existing conditions that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. They can also reveal how your ADHD affects different aspects of your life, such as academic performance as well as interpersonal relationships.
Sleep disorders are often associated with ADHD. A good night's rest can help to reduce the symptoms. Your doctor is likely to recommend a bedtime and wake-up schedule that will ensure you get enough rest to function. They might also suggest that you stay away from caffeine, nicotine and sugary food, which can cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from taking part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that examine the efficacy of treatment methods for healthy or ill volunteers. They are conducted at NIMH and at other sites. A clinical trial seeks to find more efficient and effective ways to identify, prevent or treat diseases.
Prevention
If you've experienced an history of ADHD as a child and are experiencing symptoms, they are likely to be present all through adulthood. Symptoms may interfere with school, work and relationships. Adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from psychotherapy and medication. It is important to locate a health care professional who can perform an evaluation for ADHD in adults. You can request a referral or speak with your insurance company. You may also request a referral through a local ADHD support group.
During an ADHD assessment, your health care provider or mental health professional will ask questions and gather details from you, 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 doctor may also conduct psychometric tests to assess your working memory, executive functions (abilities like decision-making and planning) and visual and spatial thinking skills.
The person who will conduct your assessment will assess the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life. They will employ open-ended questions and real-life examples to help you understand your symptoms. You must be able to provide clear examples of your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning. It is important to discuss any medical conditions that could contribute to the symptoms of ADHD such as anxiety or depression.
Many people with ADHD struggle with recalling their childhood habits So, your health care provider or mental health professional is likely to interview someone who knows you well for example, an intimate family member, partner, or another family member. They might also ask that your parents fill an retrospective ADHD profile describing your childhood behaviors.
A few people with ADHD work in large companies and may not wish to inform their coworkers or supervisors about their condition. It's best to be upfront with your employer or professor. They may be willing to make accommodations for you in your workplace or grant you extra time to complete assignments. You can also consider participating in a clinical trial to test new treatments for adult ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and other research institutions conduct these studies with volunteers.