Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
In the majority of cases, a complete ADHD diagnosis should take at least two hours. It is usually an interview that is semi-structured and a psychoeducation on the condition (including in a language that is easily understood) and a discussion about the impact of core symptoms on employment or education and social/family life including driving.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD are characterized by issues in staying focused and staying organized as well as managing emotions. These difficulties can affect all aspects of life such as work or school, and relationships with friends or family. 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 living.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosing adults with ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A certified psychiatrist or psychologist will interview the patient to obtain a detailed background of their symptoms beginning with the date they first began and for how long they've been recurring. They will also inquire about the issues that these symptoms may have caused in their school, work and social life.
In addition to assessing core ADHD symptoms it is important to check for other mental health disorders that are often co-occurring 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, their medical history and prior medication use.
The patient can also be screened to see whether they have any physical or somatic conditions that could be a cause of ADHD. These could include headaches, sleep disturbances and digestive issues. This is due to the fact that these conditions are frequently identified as in conjunction with ADHD.
It is important to make sure that the symptoms of ADHD aren't caused by other causes like a mood disorder, a medical condition, or a substance abuse. Undiagnosed ADHD in adults can lead to chronic stress, low self-esteem and other issues.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting a proper diagnosis, because their symptoms are often misinterpreted and/or not properly reported. This is especially the case in workplaces or schools that do not provide accommodations for people with ADHD. In these instances people may experience a variety of feelings that range from joy to sadness over lost opportunities, when they finally get the diagnosis.
Diagnosis
If you suspect ADHD the first step is to seek a diagnostic assessment by a professional who is qualified. A competent professional will be able to share their experience and training in working with adults who have ADHD. Reluctance to provide this information is to be considered a red flag and could be a sign that you should consider hiring a different professional.
The test will consist of a detailed interview which will look at your developmental background, medical history, mental health history, current functioning, and risk assessment. The assessment will also reveal your symptoms and how they affect you. In addition, the therapist will look into possible co-morbidities (e.g. A co-existing psychiatric or learning disability condition will be investigated. The doctor will also assess your social, interpersonal and work-related performance.
The test will consist of an extensive evaluation of how ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. This will include work, school and leisure, close relationships with family or friends and the impact of ADHD on your self-image. It is ideal to have the test conducted by multiple individuals to get a complete picture of your functioning. However, due to practical considerations it's not always possible to have multiple people attending assessments, so requesting an informal written summary from one or more of your informants pre-assessment is often extremely helpful (highly recommended)
It is crucial to determine if your symptoms match the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This will require an assessment of how you are struggling with your symptoms and how they currently impact on your life. The assessment will also determine whether or not you have been suffering from these symptoms since the age of a child, and if yes and for how long. The assessment will also consider how your symptoms affect your daily functioning, and how you can achieve your goals and aspirations.
Having ADHD could mean that you have difficulty with organisation and prioritising your tasks. You are prone to losing things easily and tend to spit out inappropriate thoughts without thinking of the consequences. This can lead you to frustration, when appointments are missed and tasks are left unfinished. Your attention and time will be diverted by things that aren't important.
Treatment
Ask your doctor to assess you if the symptoms of ADHD cause problems at work or school. They will be able to offer suggestions on how to deal with the symptoms. They can also refer you to a specialist, if necessary. Your doctor will explain to you the benefits and risks of joining a clinical study. These trials aid researchers in discovering new methods to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is a lot more complicated than that of children and the symptom-checklists used to determine the severity of ADHD in children are generally invalid for adults. A trained clinician will conduct a thorough interview and take their time to make the diagnosis.
The doctor will ask you as well as someone you know well (a spouse or parent for example) about your issues and the impact they have had on your life. what happens if adhd is left untreated in adults will typically employ standardized rating scales for ADHD that measure your behavior to the behavior of people with no disorder. The doctor might also give you a physical exam and an examination of your neurological system, which includes tests for motor coordination and balance.
Based on your requirements depending on your needs, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests could be conducted as well. These tests can reveal any co-existing conditions which may be causing your ADHD symptoms. They can also reveal how ADHD affects your academic performance and your relationships.
Sleep disorders often go hand in hand with ADHD and getting an adequate night's sleep can greatly reduce the symptoms. Your doctor may recommend a bedtime and wake-up time that will ensure you get enough sleep to function. They may also suggest that you avoid the use of nicotine, caffeine and sugary food, which could aggravate your ADHD symptoms.
Clinical trials may be beneficial to adults suffering from ADHD. Clinical trials are research studies which evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for healthy or healthy subjects. They are conducted both at NIMH as well as at other sites. A clinical trial is designed to find more effective and efficient ways to identify, treat or prevent illnesses.
The following is a list of preventatives.
If you were diagnosed with ADHD as a child It is likely that your symptoms will continue throughout your adulthood. The symptoms can cause problems with relationships, school and work. Adults diagnosed with ADHD are able to benefit from treatment, which includes psychotherapy and medications. It is essential to find a medical professional who can perform an evaluation for ADHD in adults. Ask your doctor for a recommendation or call your insurance company for assistance. You may also request a referral through a local ADHD support group.
During an ADHD evaluation, the health care professional will ask you questions and collect information about your family, friends, and coworkers. The professional will likely employ standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you meet the requirements for an assessment of ADHD. The professional may also use psychometric tests to evaluate your working memory, executive functions (abilities like decision-making and planning) and visual and spatial thinking skills.
The person who conducts your assessment will determine the severity of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They will use open-ended questions and real-life examples to help you describe your symptoms. You should be able to give clear examples of your symptoms and how they affect your daily functioning. It is also important to talk about any comorbid conditions that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms, like anxiety, depression and substance use disorder.
They may ask a close family member or a friend to describe your childhood behavior. They may also request your parents fill out a retrospective ADHD profile of your childhood behaviors.
A few people with ADHD are employed by large corporations and they might not want to disclose their condition to colleagues or supervisors. It is, however, generally best to be honest with your teacher or employer. They may be willing to make accommodations for you in your workplace or offer you extra time to finish assignments. You may also consider taking part in a clinical study to test new treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD. These studies are conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and other research institutes with volunteers.