ADHD Assessment For Adults
If you think you or your child is suffering from ADHD The first step is to obtain an assessment. The doctor will ask you questions about your health, developmental and family history. They might also ask your partner, your friends or your teachers to help them get a better picture of your symptoms.
The evaluation will ask you to rate your symptoms using rating scales. Make sure that you answer honestly for the most accurate results.
Diagnosis
Mental health professionals will examine the symptoms and their impact on the person's daily life to determine ADHD. They will ask about the person's life experiences, including those from school and at work. They may also use standardized questionnaires and scales to determine the extent to which ADHD symptoms are present. They also talk to family members, friends and others who know the individual well.
A thorough evaluation for ADHD can take anywhere from one to three hours. It is crucial for the patient to be prepared with a list of symptoms and their impact on their lives. Also, they should bring their medical history and any other health issues. It is also advisable to check with your insurance company to determine whether ADHD tests are covered.
It is essential for the patient to be honest and transparent during the evaluation. The doctor may request permission to speak with other people, such as the spouse or close friend of the individual, to get a complete picture of their experiences. They can also request their permission to speak with the person's parents or teachers to learn more about their childhood experiences and how they behave.
Adults may suffer from ADHD but they are not identified if they did not have symptoms as a child (technically prior to the age of 12). This is because ADHD doesn't usually go away. It is essential that the physician understands how the symptoms affect the patient's life, and in what situations they occur.
ADHD is diagnosed when symptoms are so severe that they hinder the performance of an individual in at least two different areas of their lives, such as school and at home. The symptoms have to persist despite attempts to overcome them. Consult your doctor if you suspect that you may have ADHD. It is also an excellent idea to contact other people with ADHD and discuss your issues with them. They may have some suggestions and advice for you that could help you to manage your condition more effectively.
Treatment
A thorough ADHD assessment can range between one and three hours. It is crucial that the person undergoing the test take the time to answer all questions and provide the doctor the information they need. The evaluator can inquire questions about the patient's medical, developmental, and psychiatric experiences. He or she might also ask other people to be interviewed such as relatives, teachers and other care providers.
As part of the assessment the evaluator will inquire about whether the patient experienced any difficulties at school or at work. The doctor will also look at the ways in which the symptoms of ADHD impact the person's life at home and in relationships.
Depending on the results of the initial test the evaluator could suggest further testing. The tests are designed to detect other conditions, like learning disabilities and personality disorders which may exhibit similar symptoms as ADHD. In addition, the examiner will screen for seizure disorders and thyroid disorders.
Many individuals who are evaluated for ADHD also have other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. In these instances the evaluator might discuss the options for psychotherapy. This will usually include cognitive behavioral therapy that is designed to help people develop strategies for self-medicating and control. CBT can be delivered in an individual or group setting.
Some experts believe that people with ADHD should receive psychotherapy as a supplement to medication. The majority of studies show that ADHD is best treated using medication alone. It is crucial to conduct a thorough ADHD assessment to determine the most effective treatment plan for each person.
If you are looking for an ADHD evaluation, contact your insurance company to find out if they have specialists in ADHD diagnosis. You may also ask your family physician for an opinion. You can also contact your local chapter or the mental health professional association to find out who in your area is a specialist in ADHD. You can also seek referrals from support groups, for instance those for those suffering from depression or bipolar disorder.
Counseling
A qualified mental health professional can be able to talk with you for a long time about the issues you are having, and the ways you've tried to address the issues. She will also inquire about your family and professional life, as well as other issues like alcohol or drug abuse, and emotional traumas. She might also interview people close to you -- such as a spouse or other important person, or a teacher, coach or nanny who has known you from your childhood -- to get their insights into your past and current functioning. This is especially important for adults since their memories of past behavior might be influenced by the presence or absence of ADHD symptoms.
You may need to have additional tests based on your situation in order to rule out other possible causes of your problems. This could include cognitive testing to determine if you have learning or intellectual limitations; medical tests like thyroid disorders or seizure disorder, which can cause symptoms that look like ADHD; and psychological counseling (psychotherapy) to help you deal with emotions like depression or feelings failure, which can intensify or conceal your ADHD symptoms.
Psychotherapy can be a valuable tool for ADHD adults, as it helps you cope with the effects of ADHD at work and home. It will help you improve your organizational skills and learn strategies to improve your concentration as well as impulse control and executive function. It can also help improve your relationships with others as well as reduce your stress.
Many mobile and online services can help you find a therapist that specializes in adult ADHD. They let you pick from a list licensed providers, such as psychiatric nurse and social workers who have been rated good, very good, or excellent by their clients. They can assist you in finding the best schedule for your lifestyle and your budget.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for determining ADHD in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. During the examination doctors will evaluate symptoms to those listed in the manual to determine if you have ADHD. A diagnosis is made if symptoms are present in more than one setting, such at work or at school, and are debilitating and persistent, and begin in childhood.
Support
For some adults, the idea of having ADHD is a source of shame, and it is easy to dismiss the symptoms as "just being me." Many people will stay away from seeking treatment for a long time because they don't want to admit that they have problems keeping the track of their activities, staying organized, or meeting deadlines. A thorough evaluation by a mental health professional or health care provider is usually the first step in treatment. This process examines the person's mood and medical history, as well as how symptoms impact work, relationships with family and friends and other aspects of everyday life.
A thorough ADHD assessment can take several hours. The most important part is a thorough interview. The examiner asks standard questions to ensure all symptoms are addressed and then compares them to the ADHD diagnostic criteria. The examiner will look over old school reports, questionnaires, and brain imaging, when it is available.
The report will help to identify any comorbidity. If a patient is also suffering from anxiety or depression symptoms, they may be a part of ADHD. The report will also highlight any other factors that may contribute to the difficulties of a person, such as medical or learning disabilities.
When a diagnosis of ADHD is confirmed, the next step is to locate an experienced psychiatrist or therapist who can treat the disorder. Contact your insurance company to find out if they cover providers who are experts in treating ADHD. If there aren't, they should consult patients who have been successfully treated to refer them to a specialist and request recommendations from local groups.
One great source of assistance is CHADD the national organization with chapters throughout the U.S. Their website has an abundance of information about ADHD as well as lists of professionals who have been certified to treat the disorder. You can also find groups on social media platforms like Facebook for people suffering from ADHD. Just be iampsychiatry to make sure that the group you join isn't an enterprise for profit.