Screening For ADHD in Adults
Screening for ADHD typically doesn't require blood tests or brain scans. Instead, you will speak to a healthcare professional and answer questions regarding your symptoms.
Different types of health professionals are able to diagnose ADHD, including psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and neurologists. These providers follow guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association and a book called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Diagnosis
For adults, identifying ADHD is more difficult than for children. It's because the symptoms of ADHD in adults can be similar, but have different consequences. They have to be evaluated in the context of an individual's life and experiences. If a child had difficulty meeting deadlines at school or at work, they may have developed better strategies as an adult. However, this does not mean that they have overcome ADHD.
In a visit to the office The doctor will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and how they have affected their lives. They will also determine if the symptoms are long-standing and how they manifest in different circumstances. ADHD can coexist with other disorders. It is essential to identify any other problems that could be contributing to the person's problems before diagnosing ADHD.
The health care professional recommends the patient to a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologists. A psychologist won't prescribe medication, but he or she can use cognitive behavioral therapy or talk therapy to address and replace unhealthy thoughts and habits that contribute to ADHD symptoms.
During the process of evaluation an expert in mental health may also conduct neuropsychological tests. These tests could include computer-based attention measures and assessment of problem-solving abilities. These tests aren't required to diagnose someone however they can reveal the symptoms and how they affect daily activities. They could also reveal co-existing conditions.
There is a genetic element in ADHD. Some environmental factors, such as exposure to lead during critical developmental periods, also increase the risk. Three times or more likely are those with ADHD siblings to develop it.
It can be difficult for people to contact an expert in health care to receive help for adults with ADHD. However, it is an important step to living a more productive life. Online resources can assist those who have difficulty finding medical professionals to locate an adult ADHD specialist.
Evaluation
If you suspect that you are suffering from ADHD should talk to an expert in mental health or a health care provider who can assess the symptoms. They can also fill out an assessment. adhd in adults test ask questions about a person’s life at home and work, their use or alcohol and how well they get along with their friends and family members. Relationships can be a problem for those with ADHD. They may have difficulty to hold a job or keep one, and often have financial difficulties. They are also more likely to smoke or use drugs. The evaluator needs to know whether the issue began in childhood. Current guidelines state that ADHD must have been present by age 12 years old.
The person evaluating will want to determine how severe the symptoms are. They will assess the level of difficulties a person experiences in working and social interactions, and how long their issues have been going on. They will also determine whether the person has any other disorders that could cause similar issues. This includes anxiety, depression and physical ailments like thyroid disorders.
A specialist will inquire about the person's past as well as any symptoms that may have occurred. They will need old school records and talk with teachers, family members and other people who know them well. They will inquire about the person's academic performance, their driving, work and family background. They will want to know about any past problems with alcohol or drugs.
They will also test the memory of the person, their thinking abilities and physical health. They will probably do some tests that measure the speed and accuracy with which the person can solve problems. They could also take neuropsychological tests, such as spatial and visual tests as well as reasoning tests.
Some doctors ask if you would like to take part in clinical studies. These are studies that aim to find new ways to prevent or treat diseases and disorders. They might be trying to find ways to help people with ADHD or try to find treatments that work for other disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
Treatment
Your doctor must be aware of your medical history in order to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Then, he or she will talk to you about your symptoms and the impact on school, home or at work. The healthcare professional will also inquire about your family history and personal details. The healthcare professional will inquire about your family history and personal background.
The provider will examine and take note of the information you provide. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires and rating scales about your conduct. Then, the person will interview other people who know you well to obtain their opinion.
These sessions will allow the provider to determine whether your your child meets the standard criteria for ADHD. These criteria include having six or more established symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity over the past 6 months. The symptoms must be present at least two times and cause significant problems at home, at school, or at work. The symptoms must be related to ADHD and not due to another condition.
A physical exam as well as an examination of the neurologic or psychological aspects will be performed. These tests are intended to exclude other conditions, such as anxiety and depression that could trigger similar symptoms as ADHD. They can also assist doctors find out whether the symptoms are caused by other medications or certain lifestyle factors.
Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan is developed. For adults, treatment may include psychotherapy (sometimes called cognitive behavioral therapy) and prescriptions for medications. Always follow the advice of your doctor. NIMH offers tips for talking to your doctor about ADHD in case you're not sure what to do. Contact your insurance company to find out if they've got an inventory of specialists who can conduct ADHD assessments.
You could be eligible to participate in a clinical study which examines new methods of treating ADHD. These studies won't directly benefit you, but they may result in better treatments for other people in the near future.
Support
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a vital step to managing symptoms that can cause issues at home and at work. The process of evaluating ADHD doesn't usually involve blood tests or brain scanning, but may consist of a lengthy interview and behavioral and psychology testing. Some health professionals require documents from the patient's childhood and may want to talk to people who knew the patient well as a child. The reason for this is that current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD stipulate that symptoms must be present since childhood in order to be classified as ADHD.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy that they now have a reason for the challenges they're experiencing and have hope that treatment can help them improve their lives. They may be frustrated or angry for not being diagnosed and treated sooner.
The good news is that there are many services available to people suffering from ADHD. Some support services are provided by the health care system, while others are available in the community. For instance there are programs that offer yoga-based techniques to increase an awareness of balance and tranquility. Other supports can be found by talking to family members and friends or joining an organization for support. Some adults with ADHD find it helpful to inform supervisors and coworkers about their issues. This can help them obtain accommodations at work, such as more time to complete tasks or a quiet place to work in.
Certain people suffering from ADHD would like to take part in clinical trials to learn more about the treatment for the disorder. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical study. They should also consult the NIMH's clinical trials website for information about the latest research studies on ADHD. If they decide to participate in a clinical trial, participants must be sure to read the entire details before signing up. The NIMH's site for clinical trials includes links to information on the potential risks and benefits of participating in a study, as well as possible side effects.