ADHD Diagnosis For Adults People with ADHD may suffer from symptoms similar to those experienced by people suffering from anxiety or depression. This is why it's crucial to have an extensive assessment by an expert in mental health or health care provider. Your doctor will inquire about your childhood symptoms. You might be asked to complete questionnaires or take part in interviews with teachers and other professionals who know you. Symptoms The symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to keep up with daily tasks, including managing your schedule and planning ahead. People with undiagnosed ADHD are often unable to perform at their best at work, have trouble staying on top of their studies and also find that their relationships suffer because they tend to miss important dates or arrive late for events. They might also have difficulty paying attention in conversations or seem distracted with an eerie look. The diagnosis of ADHD is dependent on the examination of the symptoms. They should have been present for at minimum six months and caused issues in multiple areas of their lives. Adults with undiagnosed ADHD might not be aware that they are suffering from a disorder, however, everyday stress can cause them to seek help. They may start to lose time at work because they miss deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Their friendships may suffer because they don't follow through with plans or are unable to listen to their friends, and their family life is often a mess due to their inability to stay on track on household chores. In addition to conducting a thorough interview, a qualified professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or learning disabilities tests as needed. Based on the individual's specific issues, these tests may provide valuable information on the ways in which ADHD affects the individual and help determine if comorbid conditions exist. Anxiety can cause symptoms similar to ADHD and depression is frequently associated with ADHD. It is essential to select a specialist who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. Professionals who are certified include physicians, clinical psychologists or clinical social specialists. You can find the right specialist by asking your friends or colleagues for recommendations, but you should conduct some research and ensure that the expert is licensed and certified in the state you reside in. You can also look up the specialist's professional background and request references of past patients or clients. These steps will help you locate a professional who can evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. Many adults feel relieved after receiving the diagnosis. They can stop worrying that their failings result from laziness or a lack of intelligence and instead concentrate on figuring out how to manage their symptoms. Diagnosis It can be difficult for adults to get a diagnosis of ADHD. Many symptoms of ADHD can be attributed other factors, such as stress or medical conditions. Gender, sexes and race may play a part in the diagnosis of a person. Women and people of color are, for instance, likely to be less likely to be diagnosed with the disorder than men and whites. Some adults with ADHD symptoms are diagnosed later in life. A mental health professional confirms the ADHD diagnosis through a thorough review of the person's past of symptoms and behavior. They will ask the person about their symptoms, and they will also speak to those who know them well. For instance, they could ask the person's spouse, parents as well as coworkers and friends about the way that the symptoms impact their lives. The patient will be asked to fill out questionnaires, and may be subjected to several tests, which include a psychological assessment, as well as an interview. To be diagnosed, the person will need to prove that they have suffered from a variety of symptoms for at least 12 months and that they are currently creating impairment in two areas of their lives like work, school, or relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. It's also important for the professional to establish that these symptoms existed before the age of 12. During the evaluation the examiner will look over the person's medical background including family history, anxiety and mood disorders, other mental health issues and substance abuse and other physical conditions. It is not uncommon for these disorders to be a part of ADHD. It is essential to find a professional with experience in treating adults with ADHD. The majority of professionals are willing to provide information regarding their experience and training in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to share this information you should avoid working with them. Treatment In contrast to when a person is a child, the decision of whether or not to treat ADHD as an adult is up to the person. While the diagnosis can be daunting, there are many options for adults who wish to improve their functioning and manage their symptoms. Most health care providers will employ a thorough evaluation process to assess the condition of an individual. This may include a description of the symptoms provided by the person himself or by his close friends, family members, and teachers; the completion of scales and questionnaires; a full medical and psychiatric history; and sometimes the referral to a doctor for a physical exam. A doctor will apply the diagnostic guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) that requires that a patient show at least five indicators of inattention, hyperactivity or an impulsive behavior. Symptoms must also have been present prior to age 12. The evaluation will focus on how the symptoms impact the person's daily life. Examples of impairment include losing a job due problems at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial issues or not making payments in time. A complete evaluation could include, in addition to the interview with a psychologist, psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function (abilities such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning abilities. These tests can be conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist with expertise in ADHD treatment. For some people, behavioral therapy can be beneficial in managing their symptoms. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains the person to develop strategies to control his own behavior and improve his self-esteem. It also helps the individual learn how to deal with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse. Some people suffering from ADHD decide to participate in a clinical study, which is a research study designed to test the effectiveness of new ways to prevent and treat diseases and conditions. Talk to your healthcare doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking part in a clinical trial. Counseling Many adults diagnosed with ADHD have been living with the disorder for a number of years. If it's discontent with their job or relationships or stress from living with ADHD can finally make someone realize they need professional help. If you're an adult who's been diagnosed with ADHD and need help, you can seek counseling through a therapist who is specialized in the disorder or through a psychiatrist or neurologist who can prescribe medication for you. If you're not sure where to find these health care specialists, consult your primary physician or the organization CHADD for recommendations. During the initial evaluation an expert in mental health will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The therapist may also review your medical history to determine whether physical or emotional problems could have contributed to the onset of your ADHD. They will then conduct an interview with you and your significant other, if applicable. It is essential that both partners or spouses take part in the test to get a better understanding of the other's ADHD symptoms and their effects on their relationship. The therapist will assess your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The therapist will determine whether you suffer from moderate, mild or severe ADHD. They will also discuss how your ADHD affects your work, your social interactions, and even your home. After assessing your health issues, your health care provider will recommend treatment options. These can include therapy, lifestyle changes and medications. Your physician may suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can assist you in changing negative thought patterns and improve self-esteem. They may also recommend neurofeedback or brain training, which are non-pharmacological treatments to improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. Online telehealth services such as Amwell can connect you with a provider who specializes in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell is a telehealth service that has a partnership with more than 40 insurance companies. They typically require a copay or meet your deductible when you pay out from your the pocket. Thriveworks is a different option, which offers online counseling and also manage medication.