How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to receive an accurate diagnosis is by taking an expert ADHD assessment. Self-assessment tools can be useful, but they can't replace a consultation and evaluation by a qualified expert.
An ADHD assessment should include a check to determine if you suffer from other mental health conditions that could be coexisting or resemble ADHD symptoms, and it is important to consider whether your symptoms began before the age of 12. The process may also include additional psychological or neuropsychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment tool is a questionnaire that focuses on certain traits or symptoms. These tools are often used in clinical studies, research studies, and by health websites to assist people detect ADHD. Some self-assessments can be quite short and yield an insightful result at the end of the test, whereas others are more thorough and require the participation of significant people in the person's life (such as spouse or family members). These tools can help to determine whether or not the individual might be interested in getting an assessment for ADHD.
There are a variety of online ADHD screening questionnaires and assessments however the majority of them aren't validated or standardised. It is not recommended to use these assessments without consulting a healthcare professional, as they could lead to inaccurate diagnosis. It can also result in unnecessary specialist referrals for ADHD assessments of individuals who aren't likely to be suffering from the disorder. This can result in a waste of healthcare funds and cause distress to the person being referred and cause long waiting time for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD have developed a brief survey referred to as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS). The ASRS is a 6-item questionnaire that assesses the experiences of adults with the most typical symptoms of ADHD. This test is useful in the determination of whether an individual requires an additional clinical examination.
Other more comprehensive self-assessments include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. Both scales have been found to have high diagnostic accuracy and moderate specificity and sensitivity. However it is essential to keep in mind that any of these tests can't substitute for a thorough clinical assessment by a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are different from men's, which is why some self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific challenges. These tools for women can assist people decide if they want to seek a professional ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many cases the primary medical doctor will refer the patient to an ADHD-specialist neurologist or psychiatrist. A specialist will typically interview the patient to determine how symptoms affect daily functioning. The doctor might ask the patient to complete the symptom checklist or rating scale, and will likely look over the medical and psychiatric history of the patient from childhood to the present. The clinician will also examine other disorders that could be akin to ADHD like anxiety and depression.
When assessing adults, it is more important to consider the functional impairment of the adult, rather than the number or severity of symptoms. People with ADHD aren't able to meet their expectations at school, work and in relationships. It's a good idea for you to tell your supervisors at work, your teachers at school, and your family about the challenges you face every day. Patients might be uncomfortable bringing up these concerns, but it's important to speak up in order to receive the assistance you require.
Typically, the psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient. They will likely use an assessment tool for symptoms from the DSM-5 which is designed for diagnosing children. The clinician will ask about the patient's psychiatric, emotional and social history, as well how ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. A lot of doctors will also inquire about the patient's spouse or other close family members about their observations and if they notice any indications of ADHD. Such personal insight can uncover information that cannot be gleaned from ratings or questionnaires.
In some cases, a psychologist who is certified in cognitive behavioral therapy could give an ADHD diagnosis. However psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is usually provided by a psychiatrist or neurologist. A therapist who is trained to treat ADHD can help the patient learn techniques that can help manage symptoms, such as managing time and money and organizational strategies. These therapies are available in person and through telemental health services, such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults must include a diagnostic interview as well as information from sources outside of the clinic, such as the spouse or a close relative. The doctor may ask the person to complete one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These tests are based on research and examine the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with that of people who are not. They help determine if a problem exists. Based on the situation certain clinical psychologists might also conduct cognitive tests to aid in diagnosing ADHD or other issues like a learning disability or anxiety disorder.
The doctor will also assess the patient's symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning at work, school or in relationships. For instance, the patient might be struggling to keep the track of appointments and bills or organizing their thoughts and belongings. In addition, many adult patients have low self-esteem and resentment over chronic patterns of academic failure loss of jobs and relationship conflict. A mental health professional might suggest individual therapy, or a program that can assist the patient to cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that a medical issue, such as thyroid problems or seizures, that are responsible for the ADHD symptoms the doctor will conduct an exam. He will also ask the patient about their previous health issues and whether they've had any accidents or injuries. A thorough history will enable the clinician to determine if a person has been diagnosed with ADHD or other psychiatric and neurological problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Many adults have weak or blurry memories of their childhood, and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. In order to get a more accurate picture, the therapist will interview someone who is important in the person's life, such as their spouse or family member or even their employer. This is an effective method of gaining an objective perspective of the individual and avoid bias.
A complete ADHD assessment should include a neuropsychological or psychological test. These tests assess the level of intelligence and working memory, among other cognitive abilities. These tests can help the clinician determine whether ADHD contributes to the person's difficulties in learning, working or coping.
Support
Many adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD struggle to be productive at work or school. They may have difficulty managing their daily tasks, arranging their belongings and retaining important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or have difficulty to keep appointments and make them.
Talking with your primary care doctor is the first step towards receiving an ADHD diagnosis. The doctor can provide referral options or recommend mental health professionals for an assessment. Certain psychiatrists as well as graduate programs in psychology, and private therapists are trained to perform the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the assessment of the mental health professional, they will typically use standard rating scales for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult is able to meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. A number of different ratings scales are available and include the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales and the Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report (CAARS). A mental health professional could also employ cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales in order to assess the executive functioning abilities of an adult spatial and visual abilities, and working memory.
If a mental health professional is able to determine that a patient suffers from ADHD they will discuss the treatment options with them. There are many strategies for managing ADHD symptoms, including treatment, therapy and lifestyle modifications. Many adults with ADHD report improved functioning with the help of psychostimulants, stimulant medications that increase alertness and focus. Some adults also benefit from non-stimulant medications that reduce anxiety or depression as well as therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
It can be a difficult and stressful experience to be given the diagnosis of ADHD. However with the right help and guidance, those suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms and live full lives. The key is to remain open with your health care provider and not hold back because of fear or shame of judgment. Visit Home Page can also tell your teachers and colleagues about ADHD. They might be more understanding if they know about your struggles and offer accommodations such as extra time to complete assignments.