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It is essential to receive an accurate diagnosis to receive the treatment you need. It is possible that you require psychotherapy, medication or the combination of both.
Your healthcare professional will conduct an interview with you to discuss your symptoms and your family history, as well as your general functioning. The ADHD symptoms are measured by using a variety of standard rating scales and questionnaires.
Symptoms
You may want to discuss ADHD with your doctor if experiencing issues with relationships and keys, or if you have difficulty finishing work projects. You can start the conversation by describing your symptoms and seeking a referral to an expert in treating ADHD in adults. Many primary care physicians recognize the symptoms of this disorder and can refer you to a mental health professional for an assessment. You may also seek a an appointment from your school counselor, who may frequently check your child for issues that affect their academic performance.
If you're visiting an expert to have an ADHD assessment done they'll be able to provide a detailed description of your symptoms and behavior. They'll go over your experiences at school, at home and at work and use ratings scales to determine if that you meet the standardized criteria for ADHD. They'll also do a physical exam to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like seizures and thyroid issues.
Adults suffering from ADHD often mask their symptoms and have learned to manage their symptoms, so the process of determining if they have ADHD isn't easy. The process of evaluation involves conducting an interview and collecting information from your family members as well as teachers, coworkers, and friends. They'll also use rating scales and checklists as well as conduct a physical exam and offer additional tests.
A healthcare professional will then determine if your symptoms are related to ADHD, which type you have (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined) and what comorbid conditions, such as sleep disorders and learning disabilities, you have. They'll also pinpoint the risk factors that can cause ADHD like having a family history of the condition, as well as the use of alcohol or drugs. This information will inform your treatment plan.
Diagnosis
The first step in managing ADHD symptoms is to get an accurate diagnosis. People who suspect they have adult ADHD should consult their primary care doctor or a mental health professional. They can provide self-assessment questionnaires and rating scales that can help them determine if their symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD. They may also refer patients to a social worker or psychologist who is specialized in treating mental health challenges, especially for adults.
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation consists of a series of virtual or in-person sessions. These sessions can run from to six hours, based on the individual's level of attention and requirements. During this time, the doctor will assess the symptoms and how they impact the person's daily routine. The doctor will ask about the person's mood, history of mental health problems, and physical health issues. Additionally, the doctor will perform a physical exam to rule out other diseases or conditions that might cause similar symptoms.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5 is used by psychologists and psychiatrists to make an assessment. It sets specific criteria for identifying the three types of ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive, and Combined. It is essential for people to discuss their symptoms in a candid and honest manner and candidly, as well as their frustrations and challenges caused by their behavior.
Most of the time, people with ADHD are not aware of how their behavior impact their loved ones. This can lead to tension in relationships. If it is possible, it can be beneficial for clinicians to interview family and close friends as part of the diagnostic process. This will help the individual and their loved ones to be aware of the symptoms and collaborate to improve their quality-of-life.
Treatment
The first step in tackling symptoms that make it hard for people to function in both their personal and professional life is to obtain a diagnosis of adult ADHD. Adults who suspect they have the disorder should consult their primary physician, who can refer them to a specialist in mental health. The specialist could be a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist or psychologist trained to treat ADHD. They might be able to prescribe medications to help reduce the symptoms of ADHD.
During the examination, the specialist may ask questions regarding a person's past behaviour and school experiences that date back to their childhood. They will also ask the individual about stressors and how ADHD affects them. They will use standardized ratings scales to determine whether the person is in compliance with a set of ADHD criteria. In addition, they'll look for other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD such as a mood disorder or thyroid disease.
Psychologists are specifically trained to diagnose people with issues that affect their thinking and emotions. They can provide cognitive behavioral therapy and talk therapy to help adults overcome unhealthy habits of thinking and behaviours that can exacerbate or cause symptoms of ADHD. Psychologists can recommend or offer various treatment options, including lifestyle adjustments as well as organizational tools and strategies, and medications.
In the course of your in-person assessment, you will be asked to take part in a series of psychological tests and questions. These include self-assessment scales and checklists for assessing behavior and neuropsychological exam. These tests will help the doctor determine the severity of your symptoms and rule out other conditions that resemble ADHD, such as an anxiety disorder or a seizure disorder.
Medication
If you are an adult who wants to obtain an ADHD diagnosis, it's crucial to talk to a mental health professional. Psychiatrists and psychologists specialize in treating mental health disorders and can assist you in identifying the underlying causes of your symptoms. They can also suggest therapies and accommodations to help you deal with your symptoms.
A thorough examination will require a series of in-person or online appointments. Bring any documents that you believe could be helpful, such as medical reports and school report cards. You'll also need to fill out an assessment questionnaire to evaluate your symptoms. Our evaluator will use this information to determine whether you meet the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have six or more established symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity for at least a month. The evaluator employs standard rating scales and other sources of information to determine if you meet the criteria.
The evaluator also looks at your current symptoms and how they impact your daily life. This could include your social life, work and relationships. They will also determine whether your condition is moderate, mild or even severe. In severe cases, symptoms can be accompanied by difficulties with driving, work performance and relationships.
A psychologist or psychiatrist can treat adult ADHD with psychotherapy or medication. Behavioral therapy can help you manage your ADHD symptoms by teaching you how to improve your organizational skills and using tools such as daily planners, lists and planners. Certain medications can help reduce the impulsivity and inattention such as Ritalin or Strattera. Other medications can reduce anxiety, like atomoxetine (Prozac). They can also increase your alertness and help you focus on the tasks at hand.
Counseling
In addition to offering an accurate diagnosis, a counselor or life coach can help you get into a better routine and help you develop positive coping skills. They may, for example, help you establish better sleeping habits or establish a regular exercise routine to increase brain serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels. They can also help you learn strategies to manage and reduce your ADHD symptoms. For instance, they could teach you how to manage tasks or improve your listening skills. They may also work with spouses and partners to assist them in understanding and empathizing with the effects of an ADHD diagnosis on their relationship.
In a thorough assessment your psychologist will ask you questions about your ADHD symptoms. He or she will apply a series of standardized behavior rating scales to compare your responses with the responses of people with ADHD. These tests aren't diagnostic in themselves, but they can offer valuable additional information when combined with self-assessments, direct observations, and other information from your history and physical exam.
The evaluator can also talk about any mental health issues that could impact your functioning such as depression and anxiety. These symptoms can make it difficult to cope with everyday challenges and cause distress.
Typically the evaluator will offer treatment options and consult with other healthcare professionals before formulating a prescription. This process can take a few hours in person or over two to three virtual evaluation sessions. Your therapist may also recommend non-pharmacological therapies, such as dialectical behavior therapy, neurofeedback or cognitive behavioral therapy. They may refer you to a specialist in the treatment of ADHD such as a neurologist or psychiatrist, or another mental health providers. You can also ask your primary care physician for a recommendation or consult your insurance plan's directory of specialists.