Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
In the majority of instances, a thorough ADHD diagnosis will take at minimum two hours. It is usually an interview with a semi-structured format, psychoeducation about the condition (including in easily understood language) and a discussion of the impact of core symptoms on education or employment and social/family life including driving.
Symptoms
ADHD symptoms include difficulties with attention, organization and emotion control. These issues can affect all aspects of life like school or work as well as 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 result in significant impairments in two or more situations in daily living.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for identifying adults suffering from ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A trained psychiatrist or psychologist will ask the patient to provide a full history of the symptoms, including their time of onset and duration. They will also inquire about what problems these symptoms caused in the person's work, school or social life.
In addition to assessing the primary ADHD symptoms screening for any other mental disorders that frequently are in conjunction with ADHD or mimic the symptoms is essential (e.g. depression anxiety disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder). The test should inquire about the person's mood, medical history, and any previous medication use.
A person could also be checked for physical or other conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms, like headaches, sleep disturbances and digestive issues. This is because these conditions are frequently found to be comorbid with ADHD.
It is important to ensure that the symptoms of ADHD are not caused by other factors, such as a medical disorder or abuse of substances. Getting an accurate evaluation is crucial since the absence of a diagnosis for ADHD can lead to problems like anxiety and depression in adults, especially when they are repeatedly being told to do better or that their failings are their own fault.
Certain adults with ADHD struggle to get a proper diagnosis because their symptoms are misinterpreted or not reported, especially in schools or workplaces which do not provide accommodations for those suffering from ADHD. When people finally receive a proper diagnosis, they may experience a range of emotions, ranging from joy to regret over missed opportunities.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you might have ADHD and are concerned, you should seek out a professional diagnosis. A competent professional will be willing to talk about their experience and training in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If you're not willing to share this information, it's an indication that you should think about finding another professional.
The assessment will comprise an in-depth interview that will look at your developmental background, medical history, the psychiatric background, your current functioning and risk assessment. It will also identify symptoms and their impact. Additionally, the doctor will investigate possible co-morbidities (e.g. adhd in adults characterization diagnosis and treatment -existing psychiatric or learning disability illness will be examined. The doctor will also evaluate your interpersonal, social, and work functioning.
The assessment will include a detailed evaluation of how ADHD symptoms impact your daily life. This will include school, work and leisure, as well as family/close connections, as well as the effects on your self-image. It is ideal that the assessment be conducted by multiple individuals to obtain a complete picture of your performance. However, given practicalities that may not be feasible to have multiple individuals participating in assessments, therefore requesting an informal written report from one or more of your informants prior to assessment is usually very beneficial (highly recommended)
It is crucial to determine if your symptoms are in line with the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This will include an examination of the way you're dealing with your issues and how they currently impact on your daily life. The assessment will also consider whether or not you've suffered from these symptoms since childhood, and if so the length of time. The assessment will also look at how your symptoms impact your daily functioning and your ability to meet your goals and aspirations.
Having ADHD could indicate that you are struggling in organising and prioritising your tasks. You may lose things easily, and you tend to blurt out inappropriate thoughts without considering the consequences. This can lead to frustration, when appointments are missed and tasks are not completed. Your time and attention will be occupied by distractions that are irrelevant.
Treatment
Ask your doctor to evaluate your symptoms if ADHD can cause difficulties at school or at work. They can give you suggestions on how you can manage the symptoms. If needed, they'll refer you to a specialist. Your doctor will explain to you the risks and benefits of joining a clinical study. These trials help researchers find new ways of diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases.
Adult ADHD diagnosis is more complex than in childhood, and the symptom lists used to identify children aren't applicable to adults. A valid diagnosis is made through a careful clinical interview conducted by a qualified doctor who takes his time during the evaluation.
The doctor will ask you and someone you are familiar with (a parent or spouse for instance) about your issues and the impact they've had on your life. Doctors also employ standardized ADHD rating scales to compare your behavior with people who do not suffer from the disorder. You could also undergo an examination for your brain, including tests of balance and motor coordination.
Depending on the needs of your particular situation depending on the needs of your case, you could also undergo additional neuropsychological or psychological tests. These tests can help identify any co-existing conditions that may cause your ADHD symptoms. They can also show how your ADHD affects different areas of your life, like academic performance and interpersonal relationships.
Sleep disorders are often related to ADHD. A good night's rest can help to reduce the symptoms. Your doctor is likely to recommend a bedtime and wake-up routine that will ensure you get enough rest to perform. They might also suggest that you avoid the use of nicotine, caffeine and sweet foods, which can exacerbate your ADHD symptoms.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD may benefit from joining a clinical trial. Clinical trials are research studies which examine the effectiveness of treatments for patients or healthy volunteers. They are conducted at NIMH and at other sites. A clinical trial is designed to find more effective and efficient ways to detect, prevent or treat diseases.
Prevention
If you suffered from ADHD as a child it is likely your symptoms will continue throughout your adulthood. The symptoms can affect relationships, work, and school. Adults suffering from ADHD might benefit from medication and psychotherapy. It is important to locate a medical professional who can conduct an evaluation for ADHD in adults. Ask your physician for a recommendation or call your insurance company to get assistance. You may also request recommendations from an ADHD support group in your local area.
During an ADHD assessment, the health care professional or mental health specialist will ask questions and gather information from you, your family members, colleagues and friends. The professional will likely use standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to help determine if you meet the requirements for the diagnosis of ADHD. The doctor may also conduct psychological tests to look at your working memory, executive functioning capabilities (abilities like decision-making and planning) and spatial and visual reasoning skills.
The person conducting the assessment will assess your symptoms to determine the severity and impact on your life. You will be asked open-ended questions and will be given examples from the real world to help you explain your symptoms. You should be able to provide examples of your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning. It is also important to talk about any comorbid conditions which could be causing your ADHD symptoms, like anxiety, depression and substance use disorders.
They can ask a family member or a friend to explain your childhood behavior. They might also ask your parents to fill out a retrospective ADHD profile of your childhood behaviors.
A few people with ADHD are employed by large corporations, and they may not want to reveal their condition to co-workers or supervisors. It is, however, generally best to be honest with your professor or employer. They may be willing make accommodations for you in your workplace or offer you extra time to complete assignments. You can also consider participating in a clinical study to test new treatments for adult ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and other research institutions conduct these studies with volunteers.