What to Expect From an Adult ADHD Assessment
It is possible that people who show symptoms of ADHD are not diagnosed. A thorough examination is required by an expert in mental health or health care provider.
The evaluator may interview the person and other people who know them well and may use rating scales and analyze history school records. Psychiatric professionals use questions designed specifically to identify ADHD symptoms in adults.
Signs and symptoms
It's not uncommon for signs of ADHD to start showing up after the age of adulthood. Signs of developmental disorders, like autism or intellectual disability, typically manifest in childhood, while those of ADHD generally appear in late adolescence and early adulthood, as commitments and responsibilities increase.
If the symptoms of ADHD are severe, they can cause significant effects on a person's life. They may have difficulty working or at school and may have trouble forming and maintaining relationships. People who are experiencing these issues should consider seeing a doctor to see whether they suffer from ADHD.
Your doctor will request a complete medical history and conduct a physical examination. The doctor will also conduct an assessment of your mental health which typically involves completing an ADHD rating scale and asking questions regarding how the symptoms have affected your life. The doctor will also inquire about your use of drugs or alcohol, and about any medical conditions that may look like ADHD (such as a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder).
There are assessment of adult adhd for rating that can aid in assessing the symptoms of adult ADHD. Some, such as the Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Screening Questionnaire, are free online. Others, like the 40-item Adult ADHD Scale, can only be obtained through healthcare professionals. They must interpret and score the scale.
The DSM-5 specifies that for a diagnosis of ADHD, a person must have "symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that are persistent and impair functioning in multiple settings. "3 The patient must have these symptoms for at least six months before they can be diagnosed with the disorder.
People with ADHD are at a higher risk for depression and anxiety. Untreated and assessment for adhd in adults can cause significant stress in an individual's life and hinder their ability to manage ADHD symptoms. These issues can also negatively affect their self-esteem because they are constantly told that they need to perform better. This can be a self-fulfilling saga that can lead to a continuous cycle of stress and frustration.
Diagnosis
The person being evaluated might be asked to fill out one or more of the standardized behavior rating scales. These tests are built on research that compares behaviors of people with ADHD and those without it. These questionnaires can assist professionals determine whether symptoms are present and how severe they could be. When answering these questionnaires it is essential to be honest. In some instances professionals may request the person's partner or spouse to fill in the scales. This is not to confirm their answers, but to gain a better understanding of the effect ADHD symptoms have on their relationship.
The professional will also require the full medical history of the patient that includes a description of to how the symptoms been manifested throughout the years of adulthood. The examiner may also inquire whether the patient was experiencing similar issues as a child and how they treated.
Some evaluators will ask for medical tests to exclude other conditions that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD like seizures or thyroid disorders. They can also ask to talk with family members or coworkers to gain insight into the performance of the person at work and at home.
During the interview the assessor will discuss the severity of symptoms and their impact on relationships, job performance and school or social life. The evaluator will then decide whether the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. Mild indicates that the symptoms meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis, but do not hinder the normal functioning of a person. Moderate indicates that symptoms pose an issue for daily functioning and severe means that symptoms cause significant disruptions.
In some instances, an evaluator may recommend that the person go to psychotherapy (the technical term used for mental health therapy) or make changes to the environment or routines to address ADHD-related issues. A variety of health insurance plans can help locate an accredited health care provider. The person who is evaluating you will typically be able to provide details regarding their training and expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. However, if they are reluctant to share this information, it is worthwhile to consider finding a different professional.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments available for adults with ADHD. They include therapy, medication, and family support. A good treatment plan will help an adult with ADHD lead a healthier and more productive life.
It is more difficult to recognize ADHD in an adult than in children. The DSM-V is designed for children. The majority of experts agree that a thorough clinical interview with a professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults will give a reliable diagnosis. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms over the past six months and how they have affected your work and personal life. She might also inquire about your child's symptoms, and whether anyone in your family has ADHD.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a method used by some experts to help those suffering from ADHD learn to manage their problems, improve their relationships and better understand their ADHD. Counseling for families or marriage may be suggested to help you or your loved ones better comprehend the challenges they face and to help you. Many people with ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD often have physical health conditions, such as eating disorders or chronic pain conditions, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
If your symptoms are not severe, you might not need medication to treat them. If you experience moderate symptoms, medications may reduce them enough to allow you to concentrate on your work or social interactions. For severe symptoms, your doctor might prescribe a higher dosage of medication or recommend the use of a combination of medicines.
Your doctor might ask to examine your school report cards and talk to your parents in order to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will be looking for remarks about behavior problems or academic failure which could be a sign of ADHD. They might also ask if you have had any issues at work or in your relationship.
Researchers may utilize various tests to gauge your ability to control impulses and attention. Certain tests employ computerized comparisons to compare your results with the results of others who do not suffer from ADHD. Some tests, like the Test of Variable Attention Test (TOVA) will test your ability to finish tasks without distraction.
Support
There are a variety of support options available if you have symptoms of ADHD. Some of these are offered by professionals and some are completely free. Online resources are also available. These resources can help you better understand your symptoms and treatment options, as well as how to support someone who has ADHD.
CHADD is the most popular national support group for those with ADHD. The CHADD website contains an inventory of local affiliate groups. It also contains educational materials and a list of professionals who offer assessment, coaching therapy, and assessment. The site includes an option to search that lets you filter your search by state or region to find a local group to you.
Another option is to seek out a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. There are numerous directories on the internet that provide the therapists who specialize in ADHD. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can teach you how to employ behavioral strategies to control your ADHD symptoms. They can also provide insight and understanding.
A few support groups meet to share personal stories and give each other encouragement. Some groups provide lectures, education and coping-skills training. Some groups are led by mental health professionals whereas others are peer-led. You can locate a local group via CHADD or reach out to mental health specialists who specialize in ADHD to inquire about local groups.
A specialist ADHD assessment will take into account many factors, including the person's mood and medical history. The examiner will also consider whether the person experiences other conditions that can produce symptoms that resemble ADHD like anxiety, depression, or physical illness. The evaluator might also ask to see childhood report cards and speak with family members.
If you're considering the possibility of an ADHD evaluation It is essential to be as transparent as you can to your mental health provider. They should be aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing in order to assess you in a precise manner. If you're hesitant to reveal all your symptoms, the test could be less thorough and more frustrating for you. The evaluator will likely want to conduct neuropsychological testing or performance-based measures. These are designed to solicit information regarding a person's executive functioning weaknesses and can be done in conjunction with a medical interview to aid in gaining confidence in their findings.