What to Expect From an Adult ADHD Assessment
It is possible that adults who exhibit symptoms of ADHD aren't diagnosed with the condition. A thorough examination is required by an expert in mental health or health care provider.
The evaluator may interview the individual, as well with other people who are familiar with them, and use rating scales and analyze school records. Psychologists often ask questions that are specifically designed to identify ADHD symptoms for adults.
Symptoms
It's not uncommon for the symptoms of ADHD to start showing up a little later in adulthood. Autism or intellectual disability are developmental disorders that typically manifest in childhood. ADHD symptoms, however, typically appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, when the responsibilities and obligations grow.
When the signs of ADHD are severe, they can cause profound effects on someone's life. They may have difficulty at work or school and have difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with their family and friends. People who are experiencing these effects should consider visiting a doctor to determine whether they have ADHD.
Your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform an examination of your body. He or she will also take a mental health assessment, which often includes completing an ADHD rating scale and asking questions about how the symptoms have affected your life. Your doctor will also inquire about your drinking or use of alcohol or drugs and any medical conditions that might look like ADHD (such as seizure disorder or thyroid disorder).
There are many different scales of rating available to help you assess the symptoms of adult ADHD. Some, such as the Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Screening Questionnaire, are free online. Others, such as the 40-item Adult ADHD Symptom Scale, are only available through healthcare experts and must be read and scored by them.
The DSM-5 specifies that for a diagnosis of ADHD, a person must have "symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that are persistent and impair functioning in multiple settings. "3 A person must exhibit these symptoms for a minimum of six months before they are able to be diagnosed.
People suffering from ADHD are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. When these conditions go undiagnosed and untreated, they can cause significant stress in a person's life and interfere with their ability to manage their ADHD symptoms. These conditions can also impact their self-esteem as they are constantly told that they need to perform better. This can lead to a cycle of frustration and stress that can be self-fulfilling.
Diagnosis
You can request the person being assessed to complete one or more standardized scales for assessing behavior. These tests are built on research that compares behavior of those with ADHD and those without. These questionnaires help professionals determine if there are symptoms and how severe they might be. When answering these questionnaires it's important to be truthful. In some cases a professional might ask the person's partner or loved ones to fill out the scales. This is not to confirm the answers, but rather to get a clearer picture of the impact ADHD symptoms can have on their relationship.
The professional will also take a detailed history, including a description of the symptoms as they manifested throughout adulthood. In addition, the person evaluating will be looking to determine whether they had similar issues as a child, and if so how they were dealt with at the time.
Some evaluators may request medical tests to exclude other conditions that could be the cause of ADHD symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid disorders. They can also ask to speak with family members or coworkers to gain insight into the behavior of the individual at home and work.
During the interview the assessor will discuss the severity of symptoms and their impact on relationships, work performance and social life or school. The evaluator will then decide if the symptoms are mild, moderate or severe. Mild means that the symptoms are in line with the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis, but do not affect the daily functioning. Moderate indicates that the symptoms affect daily functions, and severe indicates that the symptoms cause severe disruptions.
In adult adhd assessments , the evaluator will suggest that the person engage in psychotherapy (the technical name for mental health therapy) or make changes to their environment or routines to accommodate ADHD-related difficulties. A lot of health insurance plans will help you find a health professional who is qualified. The evaluator is usually willing to discuss their experience and training in treating adults with ADHD. If they are unwilling to provide the information you require, you may think about finding a different expert.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD can benefit from a wide variety of treatment options. They include therapy, medication and family support. The right treatment plan can help an adult with ADHD live a more enjoyable and more productive existence.
It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults than it is in the case of a child. The DSM-V is a child-friendly diagnostic tool. Most experts agree that a thorough interview with a person who has had experience diagnosing ADHD in adults can provide a precise diagnosis. The doctor may inquire about your symptoms in the past six months and how they affect your daily life at work and at home. She may also ask about your childhood symptoms and if any other family member suffers from ADHD.
Some experts use cognitive behavior therapy to help people suffering from ADHD learn how to manage their issues and improve their relationships. Marriage or family counseling may be suggested to help you or your loved ones recognize their challenges and how to help you. Many people with ADHD have other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. People with ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health issues such as chronic pain or eating disorders, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
If your symptoms aren't severe, you may not need medication. For mild symptoms, medication could help alleviate your symptoms so that you can focus at work or in your social interactions. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, your doctor might prescribe a stronger dose of medication or suggest an array of medications.
To determine if you've received an actual diagnosis of ADHD, your doctor might ask to see your school report cards and speak to your parents. They will look for any signs that could be indicative of ADHD, such as poor academic performance or behavior problems. They may also inquire whether you've had any issues at work or in your relationship.
Some researchers use several tests to assess your ability to control impulses and attention. Certain tests employ computerized comparisons to compare your results against those of people who don't suffer from ADHD. Other tests, like the Test of Variable Attention (TOVA), measure your ability to perform a task without distraction.
Support
If you're suffering from symptoms of ADHD, there are many different kinds of support available. Some of these resources are provided by experts and others are available for free. You can also find resources online. These tools can help you be aware of your symptoms, treatment options and how to help someone who has ADHD.
CHADD is the most popular national support group for people who suffer from ADHD. CHADD's website includes the list of local affiliate groups. It also has educational materials and an extensive list of professionals who offer coaching, assessment therapy, and assessment. The site also has a search function that allows you to search by region or state to locate a service close to you.
Another option is to seek out a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. Many directories on the Internet include therapists who specialize in ADHD. These therapists will teach you how to use behavioral strategies to deal with ADHD symptoms. They can also provide insight and empathy.
A few support groups meet to share personal stories and to give each other support. Some groups provide education, guest lecturers and coping skills training. A lot of groups are run by mental health professionals, but others are led by peers. You can find a local group through CHADD or call mental health specialists who specialize in ADHD to ask about local groups.
A specialized ADHD assessment will take into consideration a variety of factors, including the individual's mood and medical history. The evaluator will also determine if the patient has other medical conditions that can cause symptoms that look like ADHD like anxiety, depression or physical ailments. The evaluator could also request reports from childhood and to talk to family members.
It is essential to communicate with your mental health professional in the event that you are contemplating an ADHD assessment. To be able to evaluate you, they need to be aware of all your symptoms. If you're hesitant to reveal all of your symptoms, the assessment might not be as thorough and more frustrating for you. The evaluator will likely want to conduct neuropsychological tests or performance-based tests. These are designed to solicit details about an individual's executive functioning weaknesses and can be conducted in combination with a clinical interview to help evaluaters gain confidence in their findings.