Why We Why We Diagnose ADHD (And You Should, Too!)

How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD

A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some feel relief in realizing their struggles, whereas others feel grief for having missed out on opportunities in life due to symptoms that went untreated for so long.

A health professional or mental health specialist can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the mood of a person as well as their past and current medical and mental health conditions, and their childhood behavior and school experiences. The evaluation often includes ADHD symptoms checklists and the standardized rating scales.

Signs and symptoms

People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require mental focus or focus on detail. Most of the time, these issues result from other underlying issues like depression or substance use disorders. The first step in controlling symptoms that cause havoc on a personal and professional level is to get an accurate ADHD diagnosis.

ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood and persist throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must result in significant impairment in at least two areas of a person's life (home school, home, and work). To meet the criteria, they must have lasted at least six months and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder, personality disorders.

In addition to looking into the person's symptoms, the health care provider will also review their medical history and mental health history. The doctor will also interview the patient as well as, if possible, family members to get perspective on childhood behavior. The health professional will also speak to the patient's teachers and go over their current work and home settings.

The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines to diagnose ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, a person must have six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to hinder their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:

A thorough psychiatric evaluation is usually enough for a healthcare professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. This will include an extensive interview with the individual as well as their family members, caregivers and teachers, in addition to taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care provider may examine the patient's medical, psychiatric or family history and refer the individual to a physical exam in order to determine the cause of symptoms. They will look at the person's sleep patterns, diet, and workplace and home environments to identify stressors that may be causing their symptoms.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you have ADHD, it's important to visit a health care specialist who is trained in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They will likely want to know how many times you have difficulties finishing tasks, how often you lose things or forget where you have put your keys, and whether these problems create stress at home, at work or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over the medical history and physical exam. This information can help your doctor rule out other conditions which may mimic the symptoms of ADHD like depression, sleep disorders anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety.

It's likely your health care provider will question family members or other caregivers about your behavior.  diagnosed with adhd  will also discuss your behavior in various situations like at school, at work or with scout or religious leaders. Your doctor might also ask you to fill out an assessment or self-test to evaluate your symptoms. They are available online, however, they shouldn't be used in lieu of an in-person visit with your physician.

Adults must meet an upper threshold than children to be diagnosed with ADHD that is five out of nine symptoms over the course of six months. You must also be able demonstrate a significant impact on your work, school and at home.

If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend neuropsychological or psychological testing to determine if you have the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD. These tests usually look at the ways your brain functions and may help determine if you suffer from co-occurring mental disorders like anxiety or depression.

When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can create a variety of emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger over missed opportunities to relief that she found a clear explanation for her troubles. Ask your doctor or local support group to recommend you to a health professional who can conduct ADHD evaluations on adults. You can also inquire with your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed on their list.

Treatment

The first option for a lot of people with ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are used to increase or balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and behavior. They can help some people with ADHD concentrate better and remain organized, control their impulses and make more reasonable decisions improve communication and relationships, and reduce impulsive behavior.

There are also nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants that are slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for people suffering from ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for a particular person can change over time, which is why it is important to discuss all possible options with your healthcare professional who conducts the test.

A health care professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment that includes an interview with the individual as well as the answers to questionnaires and scales by the person as well as an examination of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, like sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral to a medical examination may be included as well to rule out a possible medical cause for the ADHD symptoms.

The assessment is likely to take a while, especially if the person is an adult who has been struggling to manage symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be comprehensive and therefore, the patient should bring old report cards and copies of their performance evaluations at school or at work. The healthcare professional could ask for permission to speak with close family members or acquaintances to gain an understanding of the person's past behavior and experiences.

A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. People typically experience a variety of emotions, from relief to finally have an answer to their struggles, to grief over the missed opportunities and relationships that result from untreated ADHD. Matlen however, states that following the diagnosis, she was able make changes in her life, including her work and relationships.

Counseling

Finding help from a counselor is a crucial step for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. There are a variety of ways to find a therapist in the area. Start by asking your physician for a referral. He or she may have a list with specialists who are experienced in treating ADHD. You can also try looking for them online. There are many websites that have directories of doctors that include details on their areas of focus and specialty. Asking friends or family for recommendations is another option. You can also contact your local mental health center or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.

It is crucial to be honest when you visit a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. It is crucial to discuss the ways in which ADHD affects your life and the lives of other people. It's also important to discuss your medical history, including your past history. This will help your therapist rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.

In addition to observing an individual's behavior, the therapist will likely conduct interviews and use standardized rating scales to gauge the severity of symptoms. The therapist may solicit feedback from other caregivers, like teachers, Scout and religious leaders, to obtain a complete picture of the person's behavior in different environments.

Adults with ADHD often feel frustrated and ashamed of their condition and are reluctant to discuss them. This can affect the accuracy and reliability of the diagnosis. A therapist who is experienced in working with adults suffering from ADHD is usually able to assist them in overcoming these obstacles.

It is crucial to understand that having a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that the therapist will prescribe medications. While some individuals with ADHD require medication but there are plenty of treatment options that can be efficient, such as treatment for behavioral issues. These treatments can be used in conjunction with medication or as a stand-alone treatment.