Screening For ADHD in Adults
Screening for ADHD typically doesn't involve blood tests or brain scans. You will instead be asked to talk to an expert in healthcare about your symptoms.
Different types of health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists and neurologists, can diagnose ADHD. They adhere to the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association and a book referred to as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Diagnosis
For adults, identifying ADHD can be more difficult than it is for children. This is due to the fact that many of the same symptoms can be found in adulthood, but they have different consequences and must be evaluated in the context of the individual's life situation and the experiences they've had. For testing for adult adhd , a person who has trouble keeping on top of school or work deadlines in their childhood might find better ways to manage those tasks as an adult, but that doesn't necessarily mean they've overcome their ADHD.
In a visit to the office the doctor will ask the patient to explain the symptoms they experience and how they impact their lives. They will also determine if the symptoms are long-standing and how they manifest in different situations. ADHD can coexist with other ailments. It is important to identify any other problems that may be contributing to a person's difficulties before diagnosing ADHD.
The health care professional refers the patient to a specialist that specializes in adult ADHD. This could be a neurologist, psychiatrist or psychologist. A psychologist is not able to prescribe medications however, they may use cognitive or talk therapy therapy to address and change unhealthy patterns of thinking and habits that contribute to ADHD symptoms.
During the process of evaluation the mental health professional will also conduct a variety of neuropsychological tests. These tests could include computer-based attention tests and problem-solving assessments. These types of tests are not necessary to determine a diagnosis, however, they can shed light on how the symptoms of a person impact their daily lives and could help to identify coexisting disorders.
It is thought that there is a genetic component to ADHD, and some environmental factors may increase the risk, such as lead exposure at key times of development. Siblings with ADHD are between two and three times more likely to suffer from it by themselves.
It can be difficult for people to get in touch with an expert in health care to receive help for adults with ADHD. However it is an essential step towards living a more fulfilling life. If you're having a hard time reaching out to a health care provider, there are online resources that can help find an expert who specializes in adult ADHD.
Evaluation
A person who believes they have ADHD should talk to an expert in mental health or a health professional who will evaluate the symptoms. They can also take an assessment. These questionnaires include questions about the person's life at home and work and their alcohol use and how they get along with friends and family. People with ADHD can have trouble with relationships. They may find it difficult to get a job, or keep one, and often struggle with financial problems. They are also more likely to smoke and abuse drugs. The evaluator needs to know whether the problem started in the early years of childhood. Current guidelines suggest that ADHD must be present by the age of 12.
The person evaluating will want to know how severe a person's symptoms are. They will consider the level of difficulties a person experiences in social and work interactions, and how long their issues have been ongoing. They will also look into whether there are other issues that can cause similar problems such as anxiety or depression or physical conditions such as a thyroid disorder.
A specialist will ask questions about the person's childhood and any symptoms that occurred then. They will require old school records and talk with family members, teachers and others who knew them well. They will want to know how a person has done in school, and about their work, driving and family background. They will want to know whether you've ever had any problems with alcohol or other drugs.
They will also assess the mental capacity of the individual, his memory and physical health. They may also conduct timed tests to determine how fast a person can solve problems. They might also conduct neuropsychological tests such as visual and spatial testing and reasoning tests.
Some doctors will ask if the person would like to take part in a clinical trial. These are studies designed to find new ways to prevent and treat diseases and disorders. They could be seeking ways to aid those with ADHD or they may be trying to find solutions for other disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Treatment
To determine if you have ADHD the doctor will need an extensive medical history. The doctor will then interview you to determine the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life at home, school, or work. The healthcare professional will ask you about your family history and background. In addition to the details you provide, the healthcare professional may also want to rule out other medical conditions that exhibit similar symptoms to ADHD, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders.
The service provider will look over and note down the information you provide. You will be asked to complete questionnaires and rating scales about your behavior. Then, the provider will interview other people who know you well to get their opinion.
These sessions will assist the doctor in determining whether your or your child is in line with the standardized criteria for ADHD. These criteria include having six or more established symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity over the past 6 months. Symptoms must be present in two or more settings and must cause serious problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms must be ADHD-related and not due to another condition.
A physical exam, as well as an examination of the neurologic or psychological aspects will be taken. These tests are designed to rule out other conditions, like anxiety and depression that could trigger similar symptoms as ADHD. These tests can also help doctors determine whether the symptoms are caused by other medications or other lifestyle factors.
After a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan is developed. Adults may be offered psychotherapy (also known as cognitive behavior therapy) or a prescription for medication. Always adhere to the instructions of your doctor. If you are unsure of how to proceed with your physician, NIMH has tips for discussing with your healthcare provider about ADHD. You should also contact your insurance company to find out if your plan has an inventory of specialists who can perform ADHD assessments.
You might also be able to take part in a clinical study which is examining new methods to treat ADHD. These studies will not directly benefit you, but they could result in better treatments in the future.
Support
Being diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial step in managing symptoms that can cause problems at home and at work. The process of evaluation does not usually include brain scans or blood tests however, it could comprise a lengthy interview as well as psychological and behavioral testing. Some health care professionals might also request documents from the patient's childhood, and they may want to talk to people who knew them well as children. The reason for this is that current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD stipulate that symptoms must be present since childhood to qualify as ADHD.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel a sense of relief that they finally have an explanation for their problems and are hopeful that treatment will assist them to live a better life. They can also experience anger or frustration that the condition wasn't identified and treated earlier, and sadness that untreated ADHD has hampered their personal and professional goals.
There are a variety of support services available to those who suffer from ADHD. Certain support services are offered by the health care system, while others are available in the community. There are programs that teach yoga techniques to promote peace and balance. Other support options can be found by talking to family and friends or joining a support group. Some adults with ADHD discover that telling coworkers or supervisors about their symptoms is helpful. This can help them obtain accommodations at work, for example more time for work or a quiet area to work in.
A few people suffering from ADHD are interested to participate in clinical trials to find out more about the treatments available for the disorder. They should talk to their health care professionals about the advantages and disadvantages of being involved in a clinical trial. For information on current research studies in ADHD you can go to the NIMH website dedicated to clinical trials. If they decide to participate in a clinical study, the individuals should be sure to read the entire information provided before signing up. The NIMH clinical trials website offers links to information on the risks and benefits associated with taking part in a study. It also provides information on possible adverse effects.