Screening For ADHD in Adults
Brain scans and blood tests are not usually used to screen for ADHD. Instead, you will consult with an expert in healthcare and ask questions regarding your symptoms.
Different types of health care professionals can diagnose ADHD which includes psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists and neurologists. These providers follow guidelines laid out by the American Psychiatric Association and a manual called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Diagnosis
Adults may have a more difficult in identifying ADHD than children. This is because many of the same symptoms are present in adulthood, but they come with different effects and must be evaluated within the context of a person's current life and their experience. For example, a person who struggles to keep on top of school or work deadlines in their childhood might find better ways to manage those tasks as an adult but that doesn't mean they've overcome their ADHD.
In a visit to the office the doctor will ask the individual to describe the symptoms they experience and how they impact their lives. They will also inquire if the symptoms are long-standing and how they manifest in different situations. ADHD can coexist with other ailments. It is crucial to identify any other problems that could be contributing to the symptoms of a person prior to diagnosing ADHD.
The health care professional refers the patient to a specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist. A psychologist will not prescribe medications, but they can use talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy to help identify and replace unhealthy patterns of thinking and habits that cause ADHD symptoms.
During the process of evaluation an expert in mental health will also conduct some neuropsychological tests. These tests could include computer-based timed attention or problems-solving tests. These tests aren't required to diagnose someone, but can help to identify their symptoms and how they impact the way they function in their daily lives. They could also reveal co-existing disorders.
It is thought that there is a genetic cause to ADHD and that certain environmental factors can also increase the risk, such as lead exposure at key moments of development. Three to four times more likely are people who have ADHD siblings to develop it.
It can be difficult for individuals to take the first step to seek treatment for adult ADHD however it is essential to live a more productive and fulfilling life. If you're having difficulties getting in touch with an expert in health care There are online sources that can help you find an expert specializing in adult ADHD.
Evaluation
If you think you have ADHD, it is important to consult a mental health professional. They can help you determine the severity of your symptoms. They could also complete the questionnaire. These questionnaires will inquire about a person's job and home life, their use of drugs or alcohol and how they interact together with family members and friends. People who suffer from ADHD are often troubled by relationships. They may have trouble keeping their jobs and are frequently confronted with financial problems. They are also more likely to smoke and use drugs. The examiner must know whether someone's problem started in the early years of childhood, as current guidelines state that for ADHD to be considered a diagnosis it must have triggered difficulties before the age of 12 years old.
The person evaluating will want to determine how severe the symptoms are. They will consider how much difficulties a person experiences in working and social interactions, and how long their problems have been going on. They will also determine if a person has other disorders that could cause similar issues, such as anxiety or depression or physical conditions such as a thyroid disorder.
A specialist will ask questions about the person's childhood and any issues that were present at the time. They will need to have documents from the past and speak with family members, teachers and others who knew them well. They will ask about a person's school performance, their driving, work history and family background. They will want to know about any past issues with drugs or alcohol.
They will also examine the mental capacity of the individual, his memory and physical health. They will probably do some tests that test the speed and accuracy with which a person solves problems. They could also take neuropsychological tests, such as visual and spatial testing and reasoning tests.
Some doctors ask you if you would like to participate in clinical studies. These are research studies that aim to find new ways to prevent, diagnose or treat disorders and diseases. They may be looking for ways to help people who suffer from ADHD or trying to find solutions for other disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Treatment
To determine if you have ADHD your doctor will require a thorough medical history. The doctor will then interview you to assess the severity of your symptoms and how they affect you at home, school, or work. The doctor will inquire about your family history and background. In adhd testing adult to the details you provide, your healthcare professional may also want to rule out other conditions that have symptoms similar to those of ADHD like seizures and thyroid disorders.
The provider will examine you and take notes on the details you provide. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires and rating scales about your conduct. The provider will then interview people who are familiar with your behavior to obtain their opinions.
These sessions can help the provider determine if you or your child meet the standardized criteria for ADHD. These criteria include having six or more established symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity over the past 6 months. Symptoms must be present in at least two different settings and must cause serious problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms must be related to ADHD and not related to another disorder.
A physical exam, as well as an examination of the neurologic or psychological aspects will be performed. These tests are designed to rule out other health problems, such as anxiety or depression, which might cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These tests can also aid doctors in determining whether the symptoms could be caused by other medications or a particular lifestyle factor.
After a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan is developed. For adults, treatment may include psychotherapy (sometimes called cognitive behavioral therapy) and a prescription for medication. Always follow the instructions of your doctor. NIMH offers suggestions on how to speak to your doctor about ADHD when you're not sure how to proceed. It is also advisable to check with your insurance company to find out if your plan has an index of specialists who can perform ADHD evaluations.
You may also be able to take part in a clinical study that is looking at new methods to treat ADHD. These studies will not directly benefit you, but they could lead to better treatments in the near future.
Support
Diagnosed with ADHD, you can manage symptoms that can cause issues at work and at home. The process of evaluation doesn't usually involve brain scans or blood tests however, it could include an extensive interview, as well as psychological and behavioral testing. Some health professionals seek documents from the time of a patient's birth and may want to talk to people who knew the patient well as when they were children. This is because current diagnostic guidelines require that symptoms be present since childhood to qualify as ADHD.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel a sense of relief that they now have an explanation for their struggles, and hope that treatment will help them to improve their lives. They might also feel anger or frustration over not being diagnosed and treated sooner.
There are a variety of support services for people with ADHD. Certain support services are part of the health system, and others are based in the community. For instance there are programs that provide yoga practices to help promote a sense of calm and balance. Talking to your family and close friends or joining a support network could help you find other supports. Many adults with ADHD find it helpful to tell co-workers and supervisors about the symptoms they experience. This can assist them in receiving adjustments at work, such as more time to complete their tasks or a quiet space to work.
A few people suffering from ADHD are interested to participate in clinical trials to discover more about treatments for the disorder. They should speak with their healthcare professionals about the advantages and disadvantages of participating in an experimental study. For information on the latest research studies on ADHD and related disorders, they should visit the NIMH website dedicated to clinical trials. Before signing up for a study in a clinical setting it is recommended that participants go through the entire details. The NIMH's site for clinical trials contains links to information about the risks and benefits of taking part in a research study, including possible adverse effects.