Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
A complete ADHD diagnostic assessment will take at least two hours in the majority of cases. This will typically involve a semi-structured interview and psychoeducation regarding the condition (including in a language that is easily understood) and a discussion about the impact of symptoms on education, employment and social/family life including driving.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms include difficulties with attention, organization and control of emotions. These difficulties impact different aspects of daily life, including school or work and relationships with friends or family 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 must also result in significant impairments to two or more aspects of daily life.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for identifying adults suffering from ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A qualified psychiatrist or psychologist will ask the patient to give a detailed history of symptoms, including their time of onset and duration. They will also inquire about what difficulties these symptoms caused the person's job, school or social life.
In addition to assessing the core ADHD symptoms Screening for other mental disorders that frequently coexist with ADHD or resemble the symptoms is crucial (e.g. depression anxiety disorders, depression, or bipolar disorder). In particular, the assessment should include questions regarding a person's mood, medical history and past medication use.
The patient can also be screened to see whether they suffer from any physical or mental conditions that may be similar to ADHD. These could include headaches, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues. These conditions are often found to be comorbid.
It is essential to make sure that the symptoms of ADHD can't be explained by other factors, such as a medical disorder or addiction to drugs. Undiagnosed ADHD in adults can cause long-term anxiety, low self-esteem, and other problems.
Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to get an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that their symptoms are misinterpreted or not reported, especially in schools or workplaces that do not offer accommodations for those with ADHD. When they finally get an accurate diagnosis, they might experience a range of emotions, ranging from joy to regret over missed opportunities.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may be suffering from ADHD and are concerned, you should seek a medical diagnosis. A good practitioner should be willing to provide details about their education and experience in working with adults with ADHD. Reluctance to do so should be viewed with suspicion and may be an indicator that you should consider looking for a different professional.
The test will consist of an in-depth interview that will examine your development background, medical history, mental health history, current functioning and risk assessment. The assessment will also reveal symptoms and their impact. In addition, the therapist will look into possible complications (e.g. an underlying psychiatric disorder that is coexisting or learning disability) and carry out an assessment of your interpersonal, social and work functioning.
A key aspect of the assessment will be to evaluate how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. This includes the effects on your school, work, leisure and family/close relationships and the effect on self-image. The ideal scenario is that the assessment be carried out by more than one person, allowing for an informed account of your day-to-day functioning. However, given practicalities it's not always possible to have multiple people participating in assessments, therefore requesting an informal written report from one or more of your informants pre-assessment is often very helpful [highly recommended]
It is vital to determine whether your symptoms meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This will include an explanation of how your symptoms are affecting your daily life. It will also determine if you have experienced these symptoms since your childhood and, if yes for how long. The examination will also examine how your symptoms affect your daily functioning and your ability to meet your goals and aspirations.
ADHD can cause you to have problems with organisation in deciding on priorities and avoiding losing things. You could also be prone to expressing unintentionally without thinking about the consequences. This can cause anger, when appointments are missed and tasks are left unfinished. Your attention and time will be occupied by distractions that are irrelevant.
Treatment
Ask your doctor to assess your symptoms if ADHD create difficulties at school or at work. They will be able to offer guidance on how to manage the symptoms. They can also refer you specialists, if required. Your physician will explain to you the potential risks and benefits of taking part in a clinical trial. These trials enable researchers to discover new methods of diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases.
Adult ADHD diagnosis is more complicated than it was in childhood and the lists of symptoms used to identify children aren't valid for adults. A qualified clinician will conduct a thorough interview and take the time to come up with a diagnosis.
Your doctor will ask you, and someone you know well (a parent or spouse, for example) about your symptoms and the impact they've had on your life. The doctor will typically use standardized rating scales for ADHD that compare your behavior to the behavior of people without the disorder. The doctor could also give you a physical examination as well as an examination for neurological disorders, including tests for motor coordination and balance.
Based on your requirements depending on your needs, other neuropsychological or psychological tests could be conducted, too. These tests can identify any co-existing conditions that may cause your ADHD symptoms. They can also help you understand how ADHD affects your academic performance and interpersonal relationships.
Sleep disorders often go hand in hand with ADHD and getting an adequate amount of sleep can greatly improve your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe a schedule for bedtime and waking time to help you get enough rest to perform. They may also suggest that you avoid nicotine, caffeine and sugary food, which could cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from joining a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies which examine the effectiveness of treatments on patients or healthy volunteers. They are conducted both at NIMH and other locations. The purpose of a clinical study is to find more efficient, effective methods to treat, prevent or detect illnesses and disorders.
Prevention
If you had ADHD as a kid it is likely your symptoms will continue throughout your adulthood. The symptoms can affect work, school and relationships. Adults diagnosed with ADHD may benefit from treatment options, such as psychotherapy and medications. Finding a health professional who can evaluate ADHD in adults is essential. You can ask your doctor for a referral or contact your insurance company. You can also request a referral through a local ADHD support group.
During an ADHD evaluation, the health care professional will ask you questions and collect information about your family members, friends, and colleagues. The specialist will likely use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to help determine if you meet criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. The doctor may also conduct psychometric tests to test your working memory, executive function abilities (abilities like decision-making and planning) and visual and spatial thinking skills.
The person who will conduct your assessment will determine the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will employ open-ended questions and real-life examples to help you describe your symptoms. You should be able give examples of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. It is also important to discuss any comorbid conditions that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms, like anxiety, depression and substance use disorders.
Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble remembering their childhood behaviors and, therefore, the health care provider or mental health professional will probably interview someone who is familiar with you for example, your close family member, partner, or another family member. how to get treated for adhd in adults might ask your parents to fill in an ephemeral ADHD Profile that describes your childhood behavior.
Certain adults with ADHD work in large organizations and may not want to inform their coworkers or managers about their condition. It is recommended to be upfront with your employer or professor. They may be willing to make accommodations for you in your workplace or grant you additional time to complete assignments. You may also be able to participate in a clinical trial to test new treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and other research institutions conduct these studies with volunteers.