What to Expect From an Adult ADHD Assessment
It is possible that people who show symptoms of ADHD are not diagnosed with the condition. A thorough examination by a health care provider or mental health professional is essential.
The evaluator can interview the person, as well and others who are familiar with them, using rating scales and examine school records. The psychiatric professionals employ questions specifically to detect ADHD symptoms among adults.
Symptoms
It's not uncommon for signs of ADHD to show up after the age of adulthood. The signs of developmental disorders, like autism or intellectual disability, typically manifest in childhood, while those of ADHD generally manifest in late adolescence and early adulthood as the demands and obligations increase.
When ADHD symptoms are severe, it can affect the daily activities of a person. They may have difficulty at work or school and have difficulty developing and maintaining relationships with their family and friends. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine if you have ADHD.
Your doctor will obtain a complete medical history and perform a physical exam. The doctor might also ask you complete an ADHD rating scale and ask questions about the symptoms that have affected your life. The doctor will also inquire about your drinking or use of alcohol or drugs as well as any medical conditions that may be similar to ADHD (such as a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder).
There are a variety of scales of rating available to aid in assessing the symptoms of adult ADHD. Some, such as the Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Screening Questionnaire, are free online. Others, such as the 40-item Adult ADHD Symptom Scale, are only available through healthcare experts and must be read and evaluated by them.
The DSM-5 specifies that for a diagnosis of ADHD, a person must have "symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that are persistent and impair functioning in multiple settings. "3 The person should have these symptoms for at least six months to be diagnosed with the condition.
People with ADHD are at a higher risk of suffering from anxiety and depression. If these disorders go undiagnosed and untreated, they could cause significant distress in the individual's life and hinder their ability to manage their ADHD symptoms. They can also have a negative impact on self-esteem as they are constantly told that they should be able to achieve more than they actually do. This can create an endless cycle of anger and stress that can be self-fulfilling.
Diagnosis
You could request the person being assessed to complete one or several standardized behavior rating scales. These questionnaires are built on research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD and those without it. These questionnaires help professionals determine if there are symptoms and how severe they may be. When completing these questionnaires, it is crucial to be honest. In some cases the expert may ask the person's spouse or significant other to fill out these scales as well. This isn't meant to check their answers, but rather to get a better picture of how the person's ADHD symptoms impact their relationship.
The doctor will also require the full medical history of the patient and a detailed description as to how the symptoms manifested themselves throughout adulthood. The examiner may also inquire whether the individual had similar problems as a kid and how they were treated.
Certain evaluators may require medical tests to determine if there are other conditions that can sometimes mimic ADHD symptoms, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. They might also speak with family members and coworkers for insights into the person's behavior at home and at work.
During the evaluation, the evaluator will discuss severity of symptoms, their impact on relationships, performance, school or social life. The evaluation will determine whether the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. Mild symptoms are those that satisfy the ADHD criteria but are not affecting daily functioning. Moderate indicates that the symptoms interfere with everyday tasks, while severe means that the symptoms cause major disruptions.
In some cases, an evaluator may recommend that the patient attend psychotherapy (the technical term used to describe mental health therapy) or make changes to the environment or routines to accommodate ADHD-related problems. Many health insurance plans will help locate a health professional who is qualified. The person evaluating the patient will usually be willing to provide details about their education and expertise in treating adults with ADHD. However, if they are reluctant to divulge such information, it is worthwhile to consider finding a different professional.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD can receive a wide range of treatments. There are many treatment options that are available to adults suffering from ADHD. The right treatment plan can help a person suffering from ADHD live a happier, more productive life.
It is more difficult to identify ADHD in an adult than it is for the case of a child. The DSM-V is a child-friendly diagnostic tool. Most experts agree that a thorough interview with a professional who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults can provide a precise diagnosis. The specialist will inquire about your symptoms in the last six months, and how they have impacted your personal and professional life. She might also ask about your symptoms as a child and if any members of your family suffer from ADHD.
Some professionals use cognitive behavioral therapy to help those with ADHD learn how to manage their issues and improve their relationships. Family or marriage counseling could be suggested to help your loved ones better recognize their challenges and how to help you. Many people with ADHD also suffer from depression or anxiety. Additionally, people who suffer from ADHD often have physical health problems such as eating disorders or chronic pain conditions, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
If your symptoms aren't severe, it is possible that you don't require medication. If you have moderate symptoms, medications may decrease them enough to allow you to concentrate on your work or social interactions. If you have severe symptoms, your doctor might prescribe a higher dose of medication or recommend a mixture of medications.
To determine whether you have an actual diagnosis of ADHD Your doctor may ask to see your school report cards and talk with your parents. They will be looking for any remarks that might be indicative of ADHD or other issues, such as poor academic performance or behavioral issues. They might also ask whether you've experienced any problems at work or in your relationship.
Researchers utilize several tests to measure your attention and control of impulses. adult adhd assessment private utilize computerized comparisons to compare your results with those of other people who do not suffer from ADHD. Some tests, like the Test of Variable Attention Test (TOVA) will test your ability to complete tasks without distraction.
Support
There are many supports available in the event that you suffer from ADHD. Some of these are provided by experts, while others are free. Online resources are also available. These can help you comprehend your symptoms and treatment options, as well as provide information about how to support a loved one who suffers from ADHD.
CHADD is the most popular national support group for people who suffer from ADHD. The CHADD website contains the list of local affiliate organizations. It also has educational materials and the names of professionals who offer coaching, assessment, and therapy. The site includes a search feature that allows you to search by state or area to find a group near you.
Another option is to seek out a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. There are numerous directories available on the internet that provide therapists who specialize in ADHD. Therapists who specialize in ADHD will teach you how to use strategies for managing your behavior to control ADHD symptoms. They can also provide insight and understanding.
Some support groups meet to share personal stories and to give each other encouragement. They can also provide educational sessions, guest speakers, and coping-skills training. Many groups are led by mental health professionals, while others are peer-led. You can find a local group on CHADD or talk to an expert in mental health who specializes in ADHD.
The evaluation will consider many factors, such as the person's mood and medical history. The examiner may also inquire if the person has other conditions that could cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like depression, anxiety, and physical illness. The evaluator may also request to see childhood report cards and speak with family members.
If you are considering the possibility of an ADHD evaluation, it is important to be as honest as you can to your mental health professional. They should be aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing in order to evaluate you accurately. If you're not willing to disclose all the symptoms you're experiencing and experiences, you could feel that the assessment is less thorough and even frustrating. The examiner may decide to conduct neuropsychological tests or performance-based tests. These are designed to collect information regarding a person's executive functioning deficits and can be done in conjunction with a medical interview to help evaluaters gain confidence in their observations.