Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
In the majority of cases, a comprehensive ADHD diagnosis is expected to take at least two hours. It will typically involve an interview that is semistructured, psychoeducation (in an easily understood language), and discussion about the impact of these symptoms in education or employment and also in social/family life.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD are characterized by difficulties in paying attention and staying organized as well as controlling emotions. These issues can affect all aspects of life like school or work and relationships with friends or family. 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 must also cause significant impairment to two or more aspects of daily life.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association contains clinical guidelines for diagnosing adults with ADHD. A qualified psychiatrist or psychologist will ask the person to provide a full history of symptoms, including their time of onset and duration. They will also ask about the issues the symptoms caused in their work, school and social life.
In addition to assessing the main ADHD symptoms Screening for other mental illnesses that can are in conjunction with ADHD or resemble the symptoms is crucial (e.g. depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder). In particular, the assessment should include questions regarding the person's mood, medical history and prior medication use.
The patient can also be screened in order to determine whether they suffer from any physical or somatic conditions that may be similar to ADHD. These include headaches, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues. These conditions are usually found to be comorbid.
It is important to ensure that the symptoms of ADHD are not better explained by other factors such as a mood disorder, a medical condition or substance misuse. If it is not diagnosed, ADHD in adults can cause long-term stress, low self-esteem and other issues.
Some adults with ADHD struggle to receive a proper diagnosis because their symptoms are misinterpreted or not reported, especially in schools or workplaces which do not provide accommodations for people with ADHD. When people finally receive the correct diagnosis, they can feel an array of emotions, from joy to regret over missed opportunities.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD the first step is to seek an assessment of your ADHD by a professional who is qualified. A competent professional will be willing to talk about their experiences and training in working with adults suffering from ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information is to be considered a red flag and may be an indicator that you should think about hiring a different professional.
The assessment will involve an in-depth interview that will review your development history, medical and psychiatric history, current functioning and risk assessment. It will also elicit symptoms and their effects. In addition, the therapist will explore possible co-morbidities (e.g. an underlying psychiatric disorder that is coexisting or learning disability) and conduct an assessment of your interpersonal, social and work-related functioning.
The test will comprise a detailed evaluation of the way ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. This will include the effects on your school, work and leisure activities, as well as close family or friends and the effects on your self-image. It is suggested that the assessment is performed by a number of individuals to obtain a complete picture of how you function. However, given practicalities it's not always possible to have multiple people participating in assessments, therefore requesting an informal written report from one or more of your informants pre-assessment is usually very beneficial [highly recommended]
It is important to determine if your symptoms meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This will involve an examination of the way you're dealing with your symptoms as they affect your daily life. It will also explore whether you have had these symptoms since the age of a child and, if so for how long. The assessment will also consider how your symptoms impact your daily life and ability to reach your goals and dreams.
Being diagnosed with ADHD could indicate that you are struggling in organising and prioritising your tasks. You are prone to losing things easily and you are prone to blurt out inappropriate thoughts without thinking of the consequences. This can cause anger, when appointments are missed and tasks are left unfinished. Your time and attention will be occupied by things that aren't important.
Treatment
Ask your doctor to assess your symptoms if ADHD create problems at work or school. They will be able to advise you on the best method to manage these symptoms. If needed, they will refer you to a specialist. If you choose to take part in a clinical trial, your provider will discuss the risks and benefits. These trials help researchers find new methods to prevent and treat diseases, diagnose them or treat them and conditions.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is much more complicated than that of children, and the symptom checklists used to determine the severity of ADHD in children are generally invalid for adults. A good diagnosis emerges from an attentive clinical interview conducted by a trained clinician who takes his or her time with the assessment.
Your doctor will inquire with you and someone else who knows you well such as parents or spouses, for example -- about your symptoms and how they've impacted your life. Doctors will also use standard ADHD rating scales to evaluate your behavior with that of people who don't have the disorder. The doctor may also offer you a physical examination as well as a neurological exam, including tests for balance and motor coordination.
Based on the requirements of your situation You may also be subject to additional neuropsychological or psychological tests. These tests can detect any co-existing conditions which may cause your ADHD symptoms. They can also show how your ADHD affects different aspects of your life, such as academic performance and interpersonal relationships.
Sleep disorders often go hand with ADHD and getting an adequate night's sleep can greatly improve your symptoms. Your doctor will probably prescribe a bedtime and wake-up schedule to ensure that you get enough rest to function. They might also suggest that you avoid caffeine, nicotine and sugary food, which could make your ADHD symptoms worse.
Some adults with ADHD might benefit from taking part in a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies that test the effectiveness of treatments on healthy or healthy subjects. They are conducted both at NIMH as well as at other sites. iampsychiatry seeks to find more efficient and effective ways to identify, prevent or treat diseases.
The following is a list of preventatives.
If you had ADHD when you were a child it is likely your symptoms will continue into adulthood. Symptoms may interfere with work, school and relationships. Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from therapy and medication. It is essential to find a health care professional who can conduct an assessment for ADHD in adults. You can ask your doctor for a referral or speak with your insurance company. You may also request a referral from an ADHD support group in your community.
During an ADHD assessment, the health professional will ask you questions and collect details about your family, friends, and coworkers. The professional will employ standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you satisfy the criteria of ADHD. The doctor may also conduct psychometric tests to test your working memory, executive functions (abilities like planning and decision-making) as well as spatial and visual thinking abilities.
The person who will conduct your assessment will determine the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will ask open-ended questions as well as real-world examples to help you explain your symptoms. You should be able give examples of your symptoms, and how they impact your daily functioning. It is important to discuss any conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety or depression.
Many people with ADHD struggle with remembering their childhood behavior, so the health care professional or mental health specialist will likely interview someone who knows you well, such as an intimate family member, partner, or another family member. They may also request your parents to fill out a retrospective ADHD profile describing your childhood behavior.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD are employed by large companies, and they may not wish to discuss their condition to co-workers or supervisors. It is, however, generally best to be honest with your teacher or employer. They may be willing to make accommodations for you in your workplace or offer you extra time to complete assignments. You could also think about participating in a clinical trial to try out new treatments for adults with ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and other research institutions conduct these studies with volunteers.