Screening For ADHD in Adults
Screening for ADHD typically doesn't involve brain scans or blood tests. Instead, you'll consult with medical professionals and answer questions regarding your symptoms.
Different types of health professionals, such as neurologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, can diagnose ADHD. These providers follow guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association and a book referred to as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Diagnosis
For adults, diagnosing ADHD is more difficult than it is for children. This is because many of the same symptoms can be seen in adulthood, but they have different consequences and must be assessed in the context of a person's current life and their experiences. For example, a person who struggles to keep track of work or school deadlines in the early years may find better ways to manage those tasks as an adult however that doesn't mean they've overcome their ADHD.
In a visit to the office, the diagnostician will ask the individual to describe their symptoms and how they have affected their lives. The diagnostician will also ask about the severity of the symptoms and how they manifest themselves in different situations. ADHD can coexist with other disorders. It is essential to identify any other problems that could be causing the symptoms of a person prior to diagnosing ADHD.
The health care provider will usually refer the individual to a specialist specializing in adult ADHD. This could be a psychiatrist, psychologist or neurologists. A psychologist isn't able to prescribe medication, but he or she can employ cognitive behavioral therapy or talk therapy to address and replace unhealthy habits and thoughts that contribute to ADHD symptoms.
A mental health professional will typically also perform some neuropsychological testing during the assessment process. These tests may include computer-based attention tests as well as assessment of problem-solving abilities. These tests aren't necessary to determine a person's condition however they can to identify their symptoms and how they impact daily functioning. They may also uncover co-existing conditions.
It is believed that there is a genetic cause to ADHD and that some environmental factors also increase risk, like exposure to lead at critical stages of development. People with siblings who have ADHD are two to three times more likely to have it themselves.
It can be difficult for people to get in touch with an individual health professional to seek help for adult ADHD. However it is an essential step towards living a more fulfilling life. For those who have difficulty getting in touch with an expert in health care, there are online sources that can help you find an expert in adult ADHD.
Evaluation
If you think you have ADHD, it is important to consult a mental health professional. They can help you assess your symptoms. They can also complete an assessment. These questionnaires will inquire about a person's work and home life, their use of drugs or alcohol and how they get together with their family and friends. Relationships can be a problem for people with ADHD. They may have difficulty to hold a job or keep one, and often struggle with financial problems. They are also more likely to smoke and use drugs. The person evaluating the test must determine if the problem began in the early years of childhood, as current guidelines state that for ADHD to be considered a diagnosis it must have caused difficulties at the age of 12 years old.
The person evaluating will want to determine how severe the symptoms are. They will consider the level of difficulty a person has in working and social interactions, as well as how long their issues have been ongoing. They will also consider whether there are other issues that can cause similar problems such as anxiety or depression, or physical conditions such as thyroid disorders.
A specialist will inquire about the person's past and any signs that might have occurred. They will need to have documents from the past and speak with family members, teachers and other people who knew them well. They will ask about a person's performance at school, their driving, work history and family background. They will need to know about any previous issues with drugs or alcohol.
The person will also be tested on their memory, mental abilities and physical health. They will likely do some tests that measure the speed at which a person is able to solve problems. They might also conduct neuropsychological tests, such as spatial and visual tests as well as reasoning tests.
Some doctors ask you if you would like to be part of clinical studies. These are studies designed to find new ways to prevent and treat disorders and diseases. They may be looking for ways to help people who have ADHD or looking for treatments for other disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Treatment
In order to diagnose ADHD, your doctor will require an extensive medical history. The doctor will then interview you to determine your symptoms and how they impact you at home, school, or work. The doctor will inquire about your family history and personal background. The healthcare professional will also inquire about your family and personal background.
The person who will review and take note of the information you provide. He or she will also ask you to complete rating scales and questionnaires about your conduct. The person who conducts the interview will ask people who are familiar with you to get their opinion.
These interviews will help the doctor determine if you or your child meet the 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 twice and cause significant issues in the home, at school or at work. The symptoms must be related to ADHD and not a different condition.
A physical exam as well as a psychological or neurologic exam will be taken. These exams are designed to rule out any other health issues, like anxiety or depression that may cause the same symptoms as ADHD. They can also help doctors determine if the symptoms are caused by other medications or certain lifestyle factors.
Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan is developed. For adults, treatment could include psychotherapy (sometimes called cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders) and a prescription for medication. You should always adhere to the advice of your physician. If you are unsure of how to approach the discussion with your physician, NIMH has tips for discussing with your healthcare provider about ADHD. Check with your insurance company to find out if they've got an inventory of specialists who can perform ADHD assessments.
You might be able to participate in a clinical study which examines new methods to treat ADHD. These trials won't directly benefit you, but they could lead to better treatments in the future.
Support
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, you can manage symptoms that may cause problems at work and at home. The evaluation process doesn't usually involve blood tests or brain scanning however, it could comprise a lengthy interview as well as behavioral and psychology testing. Some health care professionals also request records from a patient's childhood and may want to talk to those who knew the patient well as a child. testing for adhd in adults is because current guidelines for diagnosing ADHD stipulate that symptoms must have been present since childhood for them to qualify as ADHD.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relief that they have finally found an explanation for their difficulties and have hope that treatment will allow them improve their lives. They might be frustrated or angry over not being diagnosed and treated earlier.
The good news is that there are a variety of supports available to those with ADHD. Certain support services are provided by the health care system, and others are community-based. For example there are programs that teach yoga-based techniques to increase the sense of calm and balance. Talking to your family and close friends or joining a support network could help you find other supports. Many adults with ADHD find it beneficial to tell co-workers and supervisors about the symptoms they experience. This can help them obtain accommodations at work, such as more time to complete tasks or a quiet space to work in.
Some people with ADHD are interested in participating in clinical trials to learn more about treatments for the disorder. They should speak with their healthcare doctors about the advantages and disadvantages of being involved in the course of a clinical trial. They should also consult the NIMH's website for clinical trials to learn more about current research studies in ADHD. Before registering for a study in a clinical setting, individuals should carefully go through the entire information. The NIMH's site for clinical trials contains links to information about the potential risks and benefits of participating in a study, including potential side effects.