How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to take an expert ADHD assessment. Self-assessment tools are useful, but they can't replace a consultation and evaluation by a qualified specialist.
An ADHD assessment should include a review to see if you have other mental health issues that may coexist or mimic ADHD symptoms. You you should also be aware if your symptoms started before the age of 12. Additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing might be required.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment tool is a questionnaire that focuses on specific symptoms or traits. These tools are typically used in clinical studies, research studies and by health websites to help patients detect ADHD. Certain self-assessments are short and offer an insightful result at the end of the test, while others are more thorough and require the participation of significant people in the person's life (such as spouse or family members). These tests can be used to determine whether one should seek an ADHD assessment.
There are many online ADHD screening questionnaires and assessments but the majority of them haven't yet been verified or standardised. It is not recommended to take these tests without the help of a healthcare professional, as they can lead incorrect diagnosis. It can also result in unnecessary referrals to specialists for ADHD assessments of people who are not likely to suffer from the disorder. This can result in a waste of healthcare funds, cause distress for the person who is referred to, and lead to long waiting time for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD created a brief survey called the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale Screener. The ASRS is a six-item survey that assesses the experiences of adults with the most typical symptoms of ADHD. This screener is useful for to determine if a person requires more clinical analysis.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners abbreviated symptom survey and the CBCLAP. These scales are both highly precise in diagnosing and offer a moderate level of sensitivity and specificity. However, it is important to remember that any of these tests cannot replace the need for a thorough clinical assessment by a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms differ slightly than those experienced by men and that's why a number of the self-assessments that are available have been designed specifically for women's issues with behavior. These tools for women can assist people decide if they want to seek an expert ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the primary care physician will refer the patient to an ADHD specialist neurologist or psychiatrist. Typically, an expert will need to speak with the patient to determine how the symptoms affect them in daily activities. The physician may ask the patient to complete a symptom checklist or behavior rating scale, and will likely look over the medical and psychiatric history of the patient from childhood through the present. The doctor might also think about whether other disorders that resemble ADHD might be causing the patient's symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
When assessing adults, it's more important to consider the functional impairment of the adult than the amount or severity of symptoms. People with ADHD often have trouble meeting school, work and expectations in relationships. It's recommended to tell your bosses at work, your teachers at school and your loved ones about the difficulties you face every day. Patients can feel ashamed to discuss such concerns, but it's important to speak up in order to receive the assistance you need.
Generally speaking, the psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD will begin by talking to the patient and likely employ a checklist of symptoms from the DSM-5 that is geared toward diagnosing children. The doctor will inquire about the patient's psychiatric, emotional, and social history, as well how ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. Many doctors will also ask the patient's partner or close family members about their observations and if they observe any signs of ADHD. Such personal insight can uncover information that cannot be gleaned from ratings or questionnaires.
A psychologist trained in cognitive behavior therapy may diagnose ADHD in some cases. However psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is usually provided by a psychiatrist or neurologists. A therapist trained in ADHD can assist the patient to learn skills to manage symptoms. These include time and money management, organizational strategies, and time management. These treatments are available in person or through online mental health services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation for ADHD in adults should include an interview for diagnosis and data from other sources, such as the person's spouse or close family member. The doctor may request that the person complete one or more standardized ADHD ratings scales. These tests are based upon research and analyze the behavior of people suffering from ADHD with that of people who are not. They can help determine if a problem exists. Based on adhd adults assessment might also administer cognitive tests to help diagnose ADHD or other problems such as a learning impairment or anxiety disorder.
The doctor will also assess the extent to which the symptoms affect the patient's everyday functioning at school, work or in relationships. The patient might be unable to keep the track of appointments, bills or organize thoughts and possessions. In addition many adults suffer from low self-esteem and resentment toward chronic patterns of academic failure, job loss and relationship conflict. A mental health professional could recommend individual talk therapy or a program to help the patient learn to cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that an illness, 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 previous health issues and if they've had any injuries or accidents. A thorough history will enable the doctor to determine whether a person has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Many adults have poor or hazy memories of their childhood, and they may not remember that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. In order to obtain a more accurate image, the psychologist will interview someone who is important in the life of the person, such as their spouse, family member or even their employer. This is a good way to get a more objective perspective of the individual and avoid bias.
A complete ADHD assessment should also include a neuropsychological or psychological test. These tests evaluate the person's intelligence, working memory and other cognitive abilities. The doctor will use the results of these tests to determine whether ADHD is contributing to the person's difficulty in learning working, or managing.
Support
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD struggle to perform at work or school. They may have trouble keeping the track of their daily activities as well as organizing their personal belongings and retaining important information. They may also have difficulties in their relationships or have difficulty to keep appointments.
The first step to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is speaking with the primary care physician. The doctor can provide recommendations for referrals or refer a mental health professional for an assessment. Certain psychiatrists as well as graduate programs in psychology, and private therapists are trained to perform the psychological assessment of ADHD.
During the examination, the mental health professional will employ the standardised ratings scales used for ADHD symptoms to determine if a person meets the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. There are many different scales for rating, including the Barkley Adult ADHD Scales and Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report (CAARS). A mental health professional can also employ cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales to assess the executive functioning abilities of an adult, visual and spatial skills, and working memory.
If the mental health professional concludes that an individual suffers from ADHD, he or she will discuss treatment options with the patient. There are many strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, including medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Many people with ADHD have reported improved performance by taking psychostimulants, stimulant drugs which improve alertness and focus. Some adults can also benefit from nonstimulant medications to help reduce depression or anxiety and also therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is often difficult and upsetting, however with the right help those with the disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and live life that is fulfilling. The key is to remain open with your health care provider and not hold back due to shame or fear of being judged. It is also beneficial to inform co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you have ADHD. They might be more understanding if they know about your struggles and provide accommodations, such as extra time to finish assignments.