Screening For ADHD in Adults

Screening for ADHD usually doesn't involve blood tests or brain scans. Instead, you will talk to a healthcare professional and answer questions regarding your symptoms.

Different kinds of health professionals are able to diagnose ADHD which includes psychotherapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and neurologists. They follow the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association and a book referred to as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Diagnosis

Adults can have a more difficult time diagnosing ADHD than children. It is because adult ADHD symptoms may be similar, yet have different consequences. They have to be evaluated within the context of a person's life and experiences. If a child had difficulty managing school or work deadlines it is possible that they have learned better strategies as an adult. However it doesn't mean that they have overcome ADHD.


When visiting the doctor's office, a diagnostician may ask the patient about their symptoms and their impact on their daily life. The doctor will also inquire about the severity of the symptoms and how they manifest themselves in different situations. Because ADHD is a condition that can co-exist with other conditions, it's important to identify other problems that could be causing the person's problems (for instance, depression or anxiety) before a diagnosis of ADHD is made.

The health care professional sends the patient to a specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD. This can be a psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologists. A psychologist isn't able to prescribe medication, but can use cognitive behavioral therapy or talk therapy to deal with and eliminate bad habits and thoughts that cause ADHD symptoms.

A mental health professional will typically also conduct a few neuropsychological tests during the evaluation process. These tests may include computer-based timed attention and measures for problem-solving. These kinds of tests are not necessary to make a diagnosis, however they can provide insight into the way that a person's symptoms affect their daily functioning and could help to identify coexisting disorders.

There is a genetic element in ADHD. Certain environmental factors, like exposure to lead during critical developmental times, can also increase the risk. Siblings with ADHD are between two and three times more likely to suffer from it themselves.

It can be difficult for people to reach out to an expert in health care to receive help for adults with ADHD. However, it is an important step in living a more fulfilling life. For those who have a hard time finding an expert in health care, there are online resources that can help find an expert specializing in adult ADHD.

Evaluation

A person who believes they are suffering from ADHD should talk to an expert in mental health or a health professional who can assess the symptoms. They can also complete surveys. These questionnaires will inquire about a person's job and private life, as well as their drinking or use of alcohol and how they interact with their family and friends. Relationships can be a problem for those with ADHD. They may find it difficult to hold a job or keep one, and they often have financial issues. They are also more likely to smoke and abuse drugs. The evaluator must know if the problem began in the early years of childhood. Current guidelines state that ADHD must be present by the age of 12 years old.

The evaluator wants to know the extent of the symptoms a person is experiencing. The evaluator will consider the degree of difficulty for a person to work and interact with other people, and how long they have had these issues. They will also consider whether the person has any other disorders that could cause similar issues. This includes anxiety, depression and physical ailments like thyroid disorders.

A specialist will inquire about the person's past as well as any symptoms that may have occurred. They will need old school records, and they will also speak to teachers, family members and other people who knew the person well. They will inquire about the person's academic performance, their driving, family and work history. They will want to know whether you've ever been in trouble with alcohol or other drugs.

The person will also be tested on their memory, mental abilities as well as their physical health. They may also conduct tests that measure how quickly and accurately an individual solves problems. They could also take neuropsychological tests like spatial and visual tests as well as reasoning tests.

Some doctors ask if you would like to take part in a clinical study. These are studies that aim to discover new methods to prevent, diagnose or treat diseases and disorders. They could be seeking ways to assist those who suffer from ADHD or they may be trying to find treatments for other disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Treatment

Your doctor must know your medical history in order to diagnose ADHD. Then, he will interview you about your symptoms and the impacts on your school, home or work. The doctor will also inquire about your family and personal history. In addition to the details you provide, your medical professional might want to rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms to those of ADHD such as seizures and thyroid disorders.

The provider will examine and take note of the information you provide. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires and rating scales about your behavior. Then, the service provider will also interview people who know you well to get their opinion.

These sessions will assist the doctor in determining whether your your child meets the standard 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 more than one setting and must cause serious difficulties at home, school or at work. The symptoms must be ADHD-related and not due to another disorder.

A physical exam as well as an examination of the brain or psychological is also performed. These exams are designed to rule out other health issues, like anxiety or depression, which might cause the same symptoms as ADHD. test for adult adhd will also allow doctors to determine whether the symptoms could be caused by other medications, or certain lifestyle factors.

A treatment plan is designed after a diagnosis is established. For adults, treatment may include psychotherapy (sometimes called cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders) and the prescription for medication. Always adhere to the advice of your healthcare provider. NIMH offers tips on how to speak to your doctor about ADHD in case you're not sure how to do it. Check with your insurance company to see if they have the list of specialists who can conduct ADHD assessments.

You might also be able to take part in a clinical study which is examining new ways to treat ADHD. These studies will not directly benefit you, but they may provide better treatment options for other patients in the future.

Support

Getting diagnosed with ADHD is a crucial step in managing issues that can arise at home and at work. The process of evaluating ADHD doesn't typically require blood tests or brain scans however it could involve a lengthy interview and behavioral and psychological testing. Some health care professionals also require documents from the time of a patient's birth and may want to talk to people who knew the person well as when they were children. The reason for this is that current diagnostic guidelines require that the symptoms be present from childhood in order to be considered ADHD.

Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are relieved to now have a reason for the difficulties they are experiencing and have hope that treatment can assist them in improving their lives. They may also feel anger or frustration over the fact that the condition wasn't detected and treated earlier, and sadness that untreated ADHD has hindered their personal and professional goals.

The good news is that there are numerous options for those suffering from ADHD. Some support services are part of the health system, and others are community-based. There are yoga programs that teach techniques to help improve balance and calm. Talking to family and close friends, or joining a support network could help you find other resources. Some adults with ADHD discover that telling coworkers or supervisors about their issues is helpful. This can allow them to receive accommodations at work, like more time to finish tasks or a quiet area to work.

Many people with ADHD want to participate in clinical trials to gain knowledge about the treatment of the disorder. Talk to your health care doctor about the potential risks and benefits of participating in a clinical study. They should also talk to the NIMH's website for clinical trials for information about current research studies in ADHD. If they decide to take part in a clinical trial participants should go through all the information provided before signing up. The NIMH's clinical trials website contains links to information about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in a research study, including potential side effects.