What to Expect From an Adult ADHD Assessment
Many people with symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed in childhood however it is possible to not be diagnosed until an adult. A thorough assessment is required by an expert in mental health or health care provider.
The examiner may speak to the person and others who know them well and may use rating scales and look over school records from the past. Psychologists often ask questions specifically designed to reveal ADHD symptoms in adults.
Symptoms
It's not common to see ADHD symptoms to manifest in adulthood. Autism or intellectual disability are developmental disorders that usually manifest in childhood. ADHD symptoms, however usually occur in late adolescence or early adulthood, when responsibilities and obligations increase.
When the symptoms of ADHD are severe, they can have profound effects on someone's life. They may be struggling at school or at work and have problems creating and maintaining relationships with friends and family. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is worth consulting a doctor to determine if you have ADHD.
Your doctor will request an extensive medical history and perform an examination of your body. They will also take a mental health assessment, which typically involves completing an ADHD rating scale and asking questions regarding how the symptoms have affected your life. Your doctor will ask you about your alcohol or drugs usage, as well as any medical issues (such thyroid disorders or seizures disorder) that could be a sign of ADHD.
There are a variety of scales of rating available to aid in assessing the symptoms of adult ADHD. Some, such as the Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Screening Questionnaire, are free online. Some, like the 40-item Adult ADHD Scale is only obtained from healthcare professionals. They must interpret and score the scale.
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 can be diagnosed.
People with ADHD are at a higher risk for depression and anxiety. When these conditions go undiagnosed and untreated, they could cause significant stress in the individual's life and hinder their ability to manage their ADHD symptoms. These conditions can also negatively affect their self-esteem since they are constantly told they must perform better. This can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, which creates a cycle of frustration and stress.
Diagnosis
You can ask the person being evaluated to complete one or more standardized behavior rating scales. These questionnaires are based on research that compares behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those without. They can help professionals determine if there are any symptoms and how they are. It is essential to be honest when filling out these questionnaires. In some cases professionals may request the person's partner or spouse to fill in the scales. This isn't a way to verify their answers, but to get a fuller understanding of how the individual's ADHD symptoms affect their relationship.
The professional will also request a detailed medical history that includes a description of to how symptoms have been manifested throughout the years of adulthood. adult adhd assessments might also inquire whether the individual was experiencing similar issues when they were children and how they addressed.
Some evaluators may request medical tests in order to determine if there are other conditions that may be a source of ADHD symptoms, like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. They can also request to speak with family members or coworkers to gain information about the person's performance at home and at work.
During the interview the assessor will discuss the severity of the symptoms and how they affect relationships, job performance, school or social life. The evaluation determines if the symptoms of ADHD are mild, moderate, or severe. Mild symptoms are those that satisfy the ADHD criteria but are not affecting the daily activities. Moderate means that the symptoms affect daily functions, and severe indicates that the symptoms cause significant disruptions.
In some cases the evaluator may suggest that the person engage in psychotherapy (the technical name for mental health therapy) or make adjustments to their routine or environment to accommodate ADHD-related difficulties. Many health insurance plans will help locate a health professional who is qualified. The evaluator will usually be willing to share information regarding their training and experience in treating adults with ADHD. However should they be reluctant to provide such information, it is worthwhile to consider finding a different professional.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments available for adults with ADHD. These include medication, therapy and family support. The right treatment plan can help an adult with ADHD live a happier and more productive existence.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than identifying it in children. The DSM-V is designed specifically for children. Most experts agree that a thorough interview with someone who has experience diagnosing ADHD in adult patients will give a reliable diagnosis. The specialist may inquire about your symptoms in the past six months, and how they impact your home and work life. She might also inquire about your symptoms as a child, and whether any members of your family suffer from ADHD.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is used by some professionals to assist people suffering from ADHD learn how to manage their problems, improve their relationships and better comprehend their ADHD. Counseling for families or marriage may be suggested to help you or your loved ones understand your challenges and learn how to help you. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. People who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health problems, such as chronic pain or eating disorders, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
If your symptoms are mild it is possible that you don't require medication. For moderate symptoms, medication may help reduce symptoms so that you are able to concentrate at work or social interactions. For severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of medication or recommend a combination of medications.
Your doctor may ask to examine your report cards from school and speak to your parents in order to determine if you suffer from ADHD. They will look for any comments that may be indicative of ADHD, such as poor academic performance or behavioral problems. They may also ask whether you have experienced any problems in your work or in your relationship.
Some researchers use a variety of tests to assess your attention and impulse control. Certain tests utilize computerized comparisons to compare your results against those of other people who do not suffer from ADHD. Certain tests, such as the Test of Variable Attention Test (TOVA) will test your ability to complete a task without distraction.
Support
There are many options for support in the event that you suffer from ADHD. Some are free, while others are provided by professional services. You can also find resources online. They can help you understand your symptoms and treatment options, as well as give you information on how to support a loved one who suffers from ADHD.
CHADD is the largest national support group for those who suffer from ADHD. Its website features a directory of local affiliate organizations. It also has educational materials and a listing of coaches, professionals and other specialists who offer coaching, assessment and therapy. The site includes the ability to search for groups that let you to filter by state or location to locate a group close to you.
Another option is to seek out a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. Numerous directories available on the internet provide therapists who specialize in ADHD. Therapists who specialize in ADHD will teach you how to use strategies for managing your behavior to control ADHD symptoms. They can also provide guidance and empathy.
Certain support groups meet regularly to discuss personal stories and offer each other encouragement. They might also provide information, guest speakers and coping skills training. A lot of groups are run by mental health professionals, while others are peer-led. You can find an area-specific group using CHADD or talk to an expert in mental health who is specialized in ADHD.
A specific ADHD evaluation will take into consideration a variety of aspects, including the person's mood and medical history. The examiner will also consider whether the person has any other ailments that could produce symptoms that resemble ADHD like anxiety, depression or physical illness. The evaluator might also ask to see school report cards and talk to family members.
It is essential to communicate with your mental health professional if you are considering an ADHD assessment. They must be aware of the signs you are experiencing so as to evaluate you accurately. If you're reluctant to discuss all your symptoms and experiences, you could feel that the assessment is less thorough and a bit frustrating. The examiner is likely to conduct neuropsychological testing or performance-based measures. These are designed to solicit information about a person's executive functioning weaknesses and can be conducted in conjunction with a medical interview to help evaluaters gain confidence in their observations.