Screening For ADHD in Adults
Blood tests and brain scans are not typically used to test for ADHD. You will instead be asked to speak with a healthcare professional about your symptoms.
Different kinds of health care professionals can diagnose ADHD which includes psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists and neurologists. They adhere to the guidelines set forth by the American Psychiatric Association and a manual referred to as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Diagnosis
Adults may have a more difficult time diagnosing ADHD than children. This is due to the fact that many of the same symptoms can be seen in adulthood, but they come with different consequences and must be assessed in relation to a person's current life and their experiences. For example, a person who struggles to keep on top of school or work deadlines in their childhood might develop better methods for managing these tasks as an adult but that doesn't mean they have overcome their ADHD.
During a visit to the doctor's office, the medical professional might ask the patient to describe their symptoms and the impact they have on their daily life. They will also consider whether the symptoms are long-standing and how they manifest in different situations. Because ADHD can be a co-occurring disorder with other conditions, it is essential to find other issues that could be causing the person's issues (for instance depression, anxiety or depression) before a diagnosis of ADHD is made.
The health care professional recommends the patient to a specialist who specializes in adult ADHD. This could be a neurologist or psychiatrist, or psychologist. A psychologist will not prescribe medication but they can utilize talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy to help identify and correct unhealthy habits and patterns of thought that cause ADHD symptoms.
During the evaluation process the mental health professional will also conduct some neuropsychological tests. These tests may include computer-based timed attention or problem-solving measures. These types of tests aren't required to establish a diagnosis however they can help to understand how the symptoms of a person impact their daily lives and can help identify co-existing disorders.
There is a genetic component in ADHD. Certain environmental factors, like exposure to lead during critical developmental times, can also increase the risk. Three times or more likely are people with ADHD siblings to develop it themselves.
helpful site
Links to an external site. can be difficult for individuals to make the first step to seek treatment for adult ADHD however it is a crucial step to living an enjoyable and productive life. Online resources can help those who are having trouble reaching out to a healthcare provider find an adult ADHD expert.
Evaluation
If you think you have ADHD and are concerned, it is essential to talk to a mental health professional. They can help you determine the severity of your symptoms. They can also take an assessment. These questionnaires include questions about the person's work and family life as well as their alcohol or drug use and how well they interact with their friends and family members. Relationships can be a challenge for people suffering from ADHD. They may find it difficult to hold a job or keep one, and often have financial difficulties. They are also more likely to smoke and abuse drugs. The evaluator will need to determine if the problem began in childhood, since the current guidelines suggest that in order for ADHD to be recognized, it must have caused problems at the age of 12.
The evaluator will want to be aware of how severe a person's symptoms are. They will look at the level of difficulty a person has in working and social interactions, and how long their difficulties have been lingering for. They will also consider whether the person has any other conditions that could cause similar issues. This includes anxiety, depression, and physical conditions like thyroid disorders.
A specialist will ask about the person's past and any symptoms that may have occurred. They will need to have documents from the past and speak with family members, teachers and others who knew them well. They will ask about the person's academic performance as well as their driving habits, work history and family history. They will need to know about any past problems with alcohol or drugs.
They will also assess the person's memory, thinking skills and physical health. They will likely do some tests that measure the speed at which a person is able to solve problems. They may also perform neuropsychological tests such as spatial and visual tests as well as reasoning tests.
Some doctors will ask if the person would like to join an experimental study. These trials are designed to uncover new methods to treat, diagnose or prevent diseases and disorders. They could be trying to find ways to help people who suffer from ADHD or trying to find treatments for other disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Treatment
In order to diagnose ADHD the doctor will need a thorough medical history. The doctor will then interview you to determine the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life at school, home, or work. The provider will ask you about your family history and background. In addition to the information you provide, the medical professional might want to rule out other medical conditions that exhibit symptoms similar to those of ADHD, such as thyroid disorders and seizure disorders.
The person who examines you will ask questions and take notes on the details you provide. He or she will also request you to fill out questionnaires and rating scales on your conduct. Then, the person will also interview people who are familiar with you to gather their opinion.
These sessions will help the provider identify whether your or your child meets standardized 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 issues at home, at school, or at work. The symptoms must be ADHD-related and not due to a different condition.
A physical exam as well as an examination of the brain or psychological will also be conducted. These exams are designed to rule out any other health issues, like anxiety or depression that might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. They can also help doctors find out if the symptoms are caused by other medications or by certain lifestyle factors.
A treatment plan is created once the diagnosis is established. For adults, treatment might include psychotherapy (sometimes called cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders) and the prescription for medication. Always follow the guidelines of your physician. NIMH offers tips on how to talk to your doctor about ADHD when you're not sure how to do it. You should also check with your insurance provider to determine whether your plan offers an inventory of specialists who can perform ADHD evaluations.
You might also be able to participate in a clinical trial that is investigating new ways to treat ADHD. These studies won't directly benefit you, but they could result in better treatments in the near future.
Support
Being diagnosed with ADHD is an important step to managing symptoms that can cause issues at home and work. The process of evaluation doesn't usually involve any brain scans or blood tests, but it may include a lengthy interview and psychological and behavioral testing. Some health care professionals might also ask for records from the patient's childhood and they might also speak to people who were close to them as children. The reason for this is that the current diagnostic guidelines specify that symptoms must be present since childhood to be classified as ADHD.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are relieved to now have a reason for the challenges they're experiencing and are hopeful that treatment will aid in their improvement. They can also feel anger or discontent that the disorder wasn't recognized and treated earlier, as well as regret that untreated ADHD has hindered their professional and personal goals.
There are a variety of support services for people who suffer from ADHD. Certain support services are part of the health care system and others are based in the community. There are programs that teach yoga techniques to help improve balance and calm. Other supports can be accessed by speaking to family and friends, or by joining an organization for support. Many adults with ADHD find it helpful to tell co-workers and supervisors about their issues. This can help them receive adjustments at work, such as more time to complete their tasks or a quiet area to work.
Some people with ADHD would like to take part in clinical trials to better understand the treatment for the disorder. They should speak with their healthcare doctors about the benefits and potential risks of participating in a clinical trial. They should also talk to the NIMH's website for clinical trials for information about the latest research studies on ADHD. Before signing up for a study in a clinical setting, individuals should carefully go through the entire information. The NIMH clinical trials website contains links to information about the potential risks and benefits that come when participating in a research study. It also includes possible side effects.