Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
A complete ADHD diagnosis should take up two hours in most cases. This usually involves an interview with a semistructured format as well as psychoeducation (in easily understood language) and discussion on the impact of core symptoms on employment or education as well as in family and social life.
Signs and symptoms
ADHD symptoms include problems with attention, organization, and emotional control. These issues affect many aspects of life, such as working or school and relationships with family members or friends 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 are also expected to 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). adhd treatment adults trained psychologist or psychiatrist will ask the patient to provide a detailed account of the symptoms, including their time of onset and duration. They will also inquire about the problems these symptoms caused in the person's work, school or social life.
In addition to assessing primary ADHD symptoms, screening for other mental disorders that frequently occur alongside ADHD or mimic the symptoms is important (e.g. depression anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder). In particular, the evaluation should include questions regarding the person's mood, medical history, and previous medications used.
A person may be examined for somatic or physical conditions that may be a symptom of ADHD symptoms, like sleep disturbances, headaches and digestive issues. These conditions are often diagnosed as comorbid.
It is important to make sure that the symptoms of ADHD are not caused by other factors, such as a mood disorder or abuse of substances. Undiagnosed ADHD in adults can cause chronic stress, low self-esteem and other issues.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD struggle to receive a proper diagnosis, because their symptoms are misinterpreted and/or not properly reported. This is especially true in workplaces or schools which do not offer accommodations for people with ADHD. When they finally get a proper diagnosis, they can feel an array of emotions, ranging from happiness to sadness over missed opportunities.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD the first step is to seek an assessment of your ADHD from a trained professional. A competent professional will be willing to talk about their experience and education in working with adults with ADHD. If you're hesitant to provide this information, it's an indication that you should think about finding another professional.
The assessment will include an in-depth interview that will look at your developmental history, medical history and the psychiatric background, your current functioning and risk assessment. It will also elicit symptoms and their effects. In addition, the clinician will explore possible co-morbidities (e.g. a coexisting psychiatric disorder, or learning disability) and perform an evaluation of your social, interpersonal and work functioning.
The test will consist of a detailed evaluation of the way ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. This will include work, school and leisure activities, as well as close family or friends, as well as the effects on your self-image. It is ideal that the assessment be performed by a number of individuals to obtain a complete picture of your performance. It isn't always feasible to have multiple informants participate in assessments. Therefore the written report of one or more informants is extremely beneficial.
It is essential to determine that your symptoms match the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This will include an examination of how you are struggling with your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. It will also determine if you have had these symptoms since the age of a child and, if so, for how long. The assessment will also examine how your symptoms affect your daily functioning, and your ability achieve your goals and desires.
Having ADHD could be a sign that you struggle in organising and prioritising your tasks. You can lose things easily and you are prone to blurt out thoughts that aren't considering the consequences. This can lead to frustration as appointments are missed and tasks are not completed. Your attention and time will be focused on distractions that are irrelevant.
Treatment
If the symptoms of ADHD are causing problems at school or work it might be worth asking your doctor for an evaluation. They can advise you on the best way to cope with these symptoms. They can also refer you specialists, if required. Your provider will explain to you the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical study. These trials help researchers discover new ways of diagnosing the onset, treatment and prevention of diseases.
Adult ADHD diagnosis is more complicated than it was in childhood, and the symptom lists used to identify children aren't applicable to adults. A valid diagnosis is made through a careful clinical interview conducted by a trained clinician who takes his or his or her time in the assessment.
Your doctor will inquire with you and someone who is familiar with you -- a spouse or parent, for example -- about your symptoms and how they've affected your life. Doctors also employ standardized ADHD rating scales to assess your behavior with that of people who do not have the disorder. The doctor could also give you a physical exam and an examination of your neurological system, which includes tests for motor coordination and balance.
Depending on your needs, other psychological or neuropsychological testing could be performed in addition. These tests can reveal any co-existing disorders that could trigger your ADHD symptoms. They can also show how your ADHD affects different areas of your life, such as academic performance and interpersonal relationships.
Sleep disorders are often found with ADHD and a good night's rest can greatly improve your symptoms. Your doctor is likely to suggest a schedule for sleeping and waking up that will help you get enough rest to perform. They might also advise you to avoid smoking, caffeine, and sugary food, which can worsen your ADHD symptoms.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from taking part in clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that examine the effectiveness of treatment methods in healthy volunteers or patients. They are conducted both at NIMH and other sites. The goal of a clinical study is to discover better, more effective ways to identify, treat or prevent disorders and illnesses.
Prevention
If you suffered from ADHD when you were a child it is likely your symptoms will continue into adulthood. Symptoms may interfere with work, school and relationships. Adults diagnosed with ADHD can benefit from treatment, which includes psychotherapy and medication. Finding a health professional who can assess ADHD in adults is essential. Ask your physician for a recommendation or call your insurance provider for assistance. You may also request a referral from an area ADHD support group.
During an ADHD evaluation, the health care provider will ask you questions and gather information about your family, friends, and colleagues. The professional will likely use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to help determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. The professional might also use psychological tests to evaluate your working memory, executive functioning abilities (abilities like decision-making and planning) as well as spatial and visual reasoning skills.
The person who conducts the assessment will evaluate your symptoms to determine their severity and the impact on your life. You will be asked open-ended questions and presented with examples from your life to help you describe your symptoms. You should be able to give examples of your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning. It is crucial to discuss any conditions that could contribute to the symptoms of ADHD like depression or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble remembering their childhood behavior, so the health care provider or mental health professional will likely interview someone who is familiar with you, such as a close family member, partner, or a family member. They may also request your parents fill an retrospective ADHD profile describing your childhood behavior.
Certain adults with ADHD work in large companies and may not wish to inform their coworkers or supervisors about their condition. It is, however, generally best to be honest with your teacher or employer. They might be willing to accommodate in your work environment or give you extra time on assignments. You might also think about participating in a clinical study to try new treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and other research institutions conduct these trials with volunteers.