How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
A professional ADHD assessment is the most effective method to get an accurate diagnosis. Self-assessment may be helpful, but is not a substitute for a consult with an expert.
A thorough ADHD assessment should look for other mental health conditions that may be present alongside or mimic symptoms of ADHD and should be able to determine if your symptoms began before age 12 years old. Additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing might be required.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment tool is a form of assessment that examines particular traits or symptoms. These tools are often used in clinical studies, research studies and by health websites to help patients screen for ADHD. Self-assessments may be short and yield thoughtful results at the end of the test, but others are more thorough and require participation from significant people in the person's life (such as family members or spouses). These tests can be used to determine if someone should take the time to get an ADHD assessment.
There are a variety of online ADHD screening tests and assessments However, they have not been scientifically validated or standardized. It is not recommended to use these assessments without consulting an experienced healthcare professional as they can lead incorrect diagnosis. It could also result in unnecessary specialist referrals for ADHD assessments of people who are not likely to suffer from the disorder. This could waste healthcare resources, cause distress for the person being referred and lead to long waiting 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 an 6-item survey that examines the experiences of adults suffering from the most frequent ADHD symptoms. This test is useful in to determine if a person requires more clinical analysis.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. Both of these scales are highly precise in diagnosing and offer a moderate level of sensitivity and specificity. However it is crucial to keep in mind that these tests cannot replace the need for a thorough examination by a certified psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are different from those of men and this is the reason why some of the self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific problems. adhd assessment adult for women can be helpful in helping people determine if they should seek a professional diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the initial step in determining the severity of the problem is to speak with a primary care physician who might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or a neurologists who specialize in ADHD. A specialist will usually talk to the patient to determine how their symptoms affect their daily life. The physician will request the patient to fill out the symptom list or rating scale. They will also go over the patient's medical and psychiatric histories from childhood until the present. The clinician may also consider whether other disorders that resemble ADHD could be causing the patient's symptoms, including depression and anxiety.
When looking at adults, it's more important to consider the degree of impairment than at symptom count or severity. Individuals with ADHD struggle to meet the expectations of their schools, at work as well as in relationships. It's generally an excellent idea to discuss the facts with people who supervise you at work, teachers at school, and your family members to ensure they are aware of your everyday struggles. It can be difficult for patients to talk about such problems. But, it's crucial to share the information to receive the help they need.
A neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD can begin by interviewing the child, and then using the DSM-5 symptom checklist specifically designed to help diagnose children. The clinician will also ask about the patient's personal emotional and mental health background, as well as how his or her ADHD symptoms interfere with everyday functioning. Many doctors also like to ask the patient's spouse or other close family members about their experiences with the patient's behavior and if they see any symptoms of ADHD. Such personal insight can uncover details that are not available from ratings or questionnaires.
In some cases psychologists who are trained in cognitive behavioral therapy may be able to provide an ADHD diagnosis. However psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is usually administered by a psychiatrist, or neurologists. A therapist who is trained in treating ADHD can teach the patient strategies to manage symptoms, such as managing time and money and methods for organizing. These therapies are available both in person and via online services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults must include a diagnostic interview and information from sources outside of the clinic, such as the spouse or a close relative. The clinician may ask the person to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires are based on research and analyze the behavior of people with ADHD with that of people without it. They aid in determining whether there is a problem. Certain clinical psychologists conduct cognitive tests to diagnose ADHD or other issues, such as anxiety or a learning disorder.
The physician will also look at the patient's symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning at work, in school or in relationships. For instance, the patient may have difficulty keeping track of bills and appointments or organizing belongings and thoughts. Additionally, many adult patients have low self-esteem and resentment toward persistent patterns of academic failure loss of jobs and relationship conflict. A mental health professional may recommend individual talk therapy or a program that assists the person learn how to manage and cope with their ADHD symptoms.
If the clinician suspects that a medical issue such as seizures or thyroid issues is contributing to ADHD symptoms, he'll conduct a physical exam. He will ask about any prior health issues, and also if the patient has been injured or suffered an accident. A thorough medical history can aid the physician in determining whether the patient has been diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other neurological or psychiatric problems such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Many adults have a poor or shaky recall of their childhood, and might forget that they were identified as ADHD children. In order to gain a more precise picture, the clinician will interview a person who is significant to the life of the patient like their spouse or a family member or employer. This is an effective way to get a more impartial view of the person and to avoid bias.
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation should also include a psychological or neuropsychological assessment. These tests evaluate the level of intelligence and working memory, among other cognitive abilities. The doctor will utilize the results of these tests to determine whether ADHD is contributing to the person's difficulty learning, working or managing.
Support
Many adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD struggle to perform at school or at work. They may have difficulties keeping track of their daily tasks, organizing their belongings, and remembering important information. They may also experience issues in their relationships or have difficulty to schedule and keep appointments.
The first step in getting a diagnosis of ADHD is speaking with the primary care physician. They can provide referral options or recommend a mental health professional for an evaluation. Some psychiatrists and graduate programs in psychology and private therapists are trained in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the examination of the mental health professional, they typically uses standardized scales of rating for ADHD symptoms to determine whether an adult is able to meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. There are a number of different rating scales, including the Barkley Adult ADHD Scales and Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report (CAARS). In addition to these ratings scales a mental health professional will typically employ cognitive tests to assess an adult's working memory ability, executive functioning capabilities and spatial and visual skills.
If a mental health professional determines an individual has ADHD the professional will then discuss treatment options with the patient. There are a variety of strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, such as therapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Many people with ADHD have reported better functioning after taking stimulant medications, which increase concentration and alertness. Some adults can also benefit from nonstimulant medication to help reduce depression or anxiety and therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is often difficult and upsetting, however with the right support, people living with the condition can be taught to manage their symptoms and lead life that is fulfilling. The key is to be open with your healthcare provider and not be afraid to speak up because of shame or fear of judgment. You can also inform your teachers and coworkers about ADHD. If they know about your struggles, they may be more understanding and provide accommodation such as additional time for assignments.