How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is through a professional ADHD assessment. Self-assessment may be helpful, but cannot replace a consultation with a specialist.
An ADHD assessment should include a review to determine if you have other mental health issues that may coexist or mimic ADHD symptoms. You should also consider if your symptoms started before the age of 12. The process may also include additional neuropsychological or psychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment tool is a form of assessment that focuses on certain traits or symptoms. These tools are used by clinics, research studies, and health websites to check for ADHD. Some self-assessments can be quite short and yield thorough results at the conclusion of the test, whereas others are more comprehensive and require the participation of important people in the individual's life (such as a spouse or family member). These tools can be used to determine if a person should consider getting an ADHD assessment.
There are numerous online ADHD screening and assessment questionnaires however, the majority of them aren't scientifically verified or standardized. It is not recommended to use these tests without the help of medical professionals, since they can lead incorrect diagnoses. It could also lead to unnecessary specialist referrals for ADHD assessments of people who aren't likely to be suffering from the disorder. This can waste healthcare resources, create distress for the person being referred to, and result in long wait for an in-depth examination.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD created an easy survey dubbed the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale Screener. The ASRS is a questionnaire of six items that examines adults' experiences with the most typical symptoms of ADHD. This screener is useful for determining if an individual needs further clinical analysis.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners abbreviated symptom assessment and the CBCLAP. These scales are both highly accurate in terms of diagnosis and have a moderate level of sensitivity and specificity. However it is crucial to remember that any of these tests cannot replace the need for a thorough medical examination by a certified psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms can be a bit different than the experiences of men and that's why a number of the self-assessments available are specifically designed for women with behavioural challenges. These specific tools for women are an effective way to help people determine if they're likely to require a professional diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the primary care physician will refer the patient to an ADHD specialist psychiatrist or neurologist. A specialist will usually talk to the patient to determine how the symptoms affect daily functioning. The clinician will ask the patient to complete an inventory of symptoms or a rating scale. They will also go over the patient's medical and mental health history from childhood to the present. adhd assessments for adults will also examine other disorders that may mimic ADHD like depression and anxiety.
When looking at adults, it's more important to look at the degree of impairment rather than focusing on symptom count or the severity. People suffering from ADHD are often unable to meet school, work and expectations of relationships. It's recommended to inform your bosses at work as well as your teachers at school and your loved ones about the challenges you have to deal with every day. It isn't easy for patients to talk about these concerns. But, it's crucial to share the information to receive the help they require.
A neurologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD can begin by interviewing the child and using an DSM-5 checklist of symptoms that is specifically designed to help diagnose children. The doctor will inquire about the patient's emotional, psychiatric, and social history, and also how ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. A lot of doctors ask the patient's spouse or other close friends about their observations of the person's behavior and whether they see any symptoms of ADHD. This personal insight can reveal information that is not available through surveys or ratings.
In some instances psychologists who are certified in cognitive behavioral therapy can make an ADHD diagnosis. However psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is typically given by a psychiatrist or neurologist. adhd assessment adult trained to treat ADHD can teach the patient strategies to manage symptoms, for example, managing time and money and organizational strategies. These therapies are available in person or through the internet, such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults should include a diagnostic interview as well as information from independent sources such an intimate partner or close family member. The clinician might ask the patient to complete one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires use research to examine the behavior of people who suffer from ADHD to those of people without it and help determine if there is an issue. Certain clinical psychologists conduct cognitive tests to determine if someone has ADHD or other disorders like an anxiety disorder or a learning disorder.
The physician will also look at the patient's symptoms and determine if they interfere with daily functioning at work, school or in relationships. The patient may be unable to keep track of bills, appointments or organize thoughts and possessions. Many adult patients also have low self-esteem, resentment or low self-esteem because of the pattern of constant academic failure, job losses and conflicts in relationships. A mental health professional may recommend individual talk therapy or a program to help the patient learn to manage and cope with their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical issue such as seizures or thyroid issues are contributing to ADHD symptoms, he'll conduct a physical examination. He will inquire about any prior health issues, and also if the patient has been injured or had an accident. A thorough medical history can help the clinician determine whether the patient has been diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other neurological or psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Many adults have shaky or hazy memories of their childhood and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The doctor will ask anyone who is important to the life of the patient such as family members, spouse or an employer to provide a more precise assessment. This is a way to gain an impartial view of the person's behavior and also to avoid the potential bias that could be present in the evaluation.
A complete ADHD evaluation should also include a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests measure a person's intelligence and working memory, as well as other cognitive capabilities. These tests will help the clinician determine if ADHD contributes to the individual's difficulties in working, learning, or dealing with.
Support
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to perform at work or school. They may have trouble keeping on top of their daily activities as well as organizing their personal belongings and retaining important details. They may also have difficulties in their relationships or find it difficult to keep appointments.
Talking to your primary care doctor is the first step towards receiving an ADHD diagnosis. The doctor will be able to provide recommendations for referrals or refer an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Some psychiatrists or graduate psychology programs as well as private therapists have specialized training in the evaluation of the psychological aspects of ADHD.
During the assessment, the mental health professional will typically use standard scales of rating for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult meets diagnostic criteria for the disorder. A number of different ratings scales are available for use, including the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales and the Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report (CAARS). A mental health professional can also employ cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales in order to assess the abilities of an adult's executive function spatial and visual abilities, and working memory.
If a mental health professional determines that the patient has ADHD the professional will discuss the treatment options with the patient. There are many strategies to treat ADHD symptoms, including therapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Many adults with ADHD have reported improved performance when they take stimulant medication that improve alertness and concentration. Certain adults could also benefit from nonstimulant medications to help reduce depression or anxiety as well as therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
It can be a challenging and upsetting encounter to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. However with the right support and guidance, people suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms, and lead fulfilling lives. It is essential to be honest with your doctor and don't be afraid to speak about anything because of shame or fear. You can also inform your co-workers and teachers about ADHD. They might be more understanding if they are aware about your struggles and provide you with accommodations, like extra time to complete assignments.