Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
In most cases, a complete ADHD diagnosis should take at least two hours. It will typically involve a semistructured interview and psychoeducation (in an easily understood language) and a discussion of the impact of symptoms in employment or education as well as social/family life.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD are characterized by difficulty in staying focused, staying organized and controlling emotions. These issues affect many aspects of daily life, including working or school and relationships with family members or friends members. 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 are also expected to cause significant impairment to two or more aspects of daily life.
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 psychologist or psychiatrist will interview the patient to obtain a detailed background of their symptoms beginning with the date they first began and for how long they have been occurring. They will also inquire about what issues these symptoms have caused in the person's job, school or social life.
In addition to assessing the core ADHD symptoms it is important to check for other mental health conditions that frequently co-occur with ADHD or mimic the symptoms (e.g., anxiety disorders, depression and bipolar disorder). In particular, the assessment should include questions about the person's mood, medical history and prior medication use.
The person could be examined for somatic or physical conditions that could be a symptom of ADHD, such as sleep disturbances, headaches and digestive issues. These conditions are often discovered to be co-morbid.
It is crucial to ensure that the symptoms of ADHD are not better explained by other factors such as an underlying mood disorder, medical condition or substance misuse. Undiagnosed ADHD in adults can cause chronic stress, low self-esteem and other problems.
Some adults with ADHD have difficulty getting an accurate diagnosis because their symptoms are not properly understood and/or not properly reported. This is especially the case in workplaces or schools which do not offer accommodations for people with ADHD. In these instances, people can feel a variety of emotions that range from joy to sadness over the loss of opportunities when they finally get a diagnosis.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you may have ADHD, the first step is to get an assessment of your ADHD by a professional who is qualified. A good practitioner will be able to share details regarding their training and experience working with adults with ADHD. Reluctance in this regard should be considered suspicious and could indicate that you need to consider hiring a different professional.
The test will include an in-depth interview that will review your developmental history, medical and psychiatric history as well as your current condition and risk assessment. It will also identify symptoms and their effects. In addition, the therapist will investigate possible co-morbidities (e.g. an underlying psychiatric disorder that is coexisting or learning disability) and carry out an assessment of your interpersonal, social and work-related functioning.
The test will consist of a detailed evaluation of the way ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. This will include work, school and leisure, close relationships with family or friends as well as the effect of ADHD on your self-image. The ideal scenario is that the assessment be carried out by more than one person, allowing for an informed report of your day-to-day activities. However, due to practical constraints, it is not always feasible to have multiple individuals attending assessments, so requesting an informal written summary from one or more of your informants pre-assessment is often very helpful (highly recommended)
It is crucial to determine if your symptoms meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This will include an assessment of how you're struggling with your issues and how they impact your daily life. The assessment will also determine whether or not you have been suffering from these symptoms since your childhood, and if so and for how long. The assessment will also examine the impact of your symptoms on your daily activities, and your ability to achieve your goals and dreams.
Being diagnosed with ADHD could indicate that you are struggling in managing your time and prioritising your tasks. You may lose things easily, and you tend to blurt out thoughts that aren't thought-provoking, without considering the consequences. This can lead you to frustration when appointments are missed and tasks are left unfinished. Your time and attention will be diverted by things that aren't important.
Treatment
Ask your doctor to assess you if the symptoms of ADHD create issues at school or at work. They can provide advice on the best method to deal with them. If needed, they will refer you to an expert. If you decide to participate in an experimental study, your provider will explain the risks and benefits. These trials help researchers discover new methods of diagnosing and treating diseases, as well as preventing them.
Adult ADHD diagnosis is more complicated than in childhood and the lists of symptoms used to diagnose children are not suitable for adults. A trained professional will conduct a thorough interview and will take the time to come up with the diagnosis.
The doctor will ask you, and someone you know well (a parent or spouse for instance), about your symptoms and the impact they have had on your life. The doctor may also use standardized rating scales for ADHD which compare your behavior with that of people who don't have the disorder. You may also be given an examination of your neurological system, which includes tests of motor coordination and balance.
Based on the requirements of your case You may also be subject to other psychological or neuropsychological tests. These tests can reveal any co-existing conditions that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. They can also reveal how your ADHD affects various aspects of your life, including academic performance and interpersonal relationships.
Sleep disorders are often connected to ADHD. A good night's sleep can help to reduce the symptoms. Your doctor is likely to recommend a bedtime and wake-up routine that will ensure you get enough sleep to perform. They may also recommend that you avoid nicotine, caffeine, and sugary foods, which could cause ADHD symptoms worse.
Clinical trials may be beneficial for adults suffering from ADHD. Clinical trials are research studies that study the effectiveness of treatment strategies for healthy or ill volunteers. They are conducted at NIMH as well as at other locations. I Am Psychiatry seeks to find more efficient and effective ways to identify, prevent or treat diseases.
Prevention
If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child It is likely that your symptoms will persist into adulthood. The symptoms can cause problems with relationships, work, and school. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD may benefit from treatment, including psychotherapy and medications. Finding a healthcare professional who can evaluate ADHD in adults is important. Ask your physician for a recommendation or contact your insurance company to get assistance. You could also request a referral through a local ADHD support group.
In an ADHD evaluation, the health care provider will ask you questions and collect information about your family members, friends, and coworkers. The professional will utilize standardized behavior ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you satisfy the criteria for ADHD. The doctor might also use psychometric tests to evaluate your working memory, executive function capabilities (abilities such as planning and decision-making) and spatial and visual thinking skills.
The person conducting the test will examine your symptoms to determine their severity and impact on your life. They will employ open-ended questions as well as real-world examples to help you describe your symptoms. You must be able to provide clear examples of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. It is crucial to discuss any conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms of ADHD such as depression or anxiety.
Many people suffering from ADHD struggle with remembering their childhood behaviors and, therefore, the health care provider or mental health professional will probably interview someone who knows you well like an intimate family member, partner, or other family member. They may request your parents to fill out a retrospective ADHD Profile that describes your childhood habits.
Some adults with ADHD are employed by large companies, and they may not want to reveal their condition to their coworkers or supervisors. It is recommended to be upfront with your employer or professor. They may be willing to make accommodations for you in your workplace or give you extra time to finish assignments. You may also be able to participate in a clinical study to test new treatments for adult ADHD. These studies are conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and other research institutions with volunteers.