How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to receive an accurate diagnosis is through a professional ADHD assessment. Self-assessment can be helpful but it is not a substitute for a consultation with a specialist.
A proper ADHD evaluation should be able to identify other mental health issues that can be present in conjunction with or mimic symptoms of ADHD, and it should be able to determine if your symptoms began before 12 years old. Additional neuropsychological or psychological tests might be required.
Self-Assessment Tools
Self-assessment is a form of assessment that examines specific symptoms and traits. These tools are commonly employed in clinical studies, research studies, and by health websites to help people detect ADHD. Certain self-assessments are brief and provide a thoughtful report at the end of the test. Others are longer and require participation from important people in the life of the person. These tests can help determine whether or not the person might be interested in getting an assessment for ADHD.
There are a variety of online ADHD screening tests and questionnaires however the majority of them aren't validated or standardised. Making use of these tests without the guidance of a healthcare provider is not advised as it can lead to inaccurate diagnosis. It can also result in unnecessary referrals to specialists for ADHD tests of those who are unlikely to have the disorder. This could waste healthcare resources, cause distress for the person being referred and lead to long wait times for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD created an easy survey dubbed the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale Screener. The ASRS is a six-item questionnaire that examines the experiences of adults with the most prevalent ADHD symptoms. This test is useful in to determine if a person requires an additional clinical examination.
Other self-assessments that are more extensive include the Conners abbreviated symptom survey and the CBCLAP. These scales are both highly precise in diagnosing and offer a moderate level of specificity and sensitivity. It is important to keep in mind that none of these tests can substitute for a thorough assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are different from men's and that's why some of the self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific challenges. These tools for women can assist people decide if they'd like to seek a professional ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many cases the primary doctor of care will refer the patient to an ADHD-specialist psychiatrist or neurologist. A specialist will usually interview the patient to determine how the symptoms affect their daily life. The clinician may ask the patient complete a symptom checklist or behavior rating scale, and also will likely look over the medical and psychiatric history of the patient from childhood through the present. The doctor may also look at other disorders that might be similar to ADHD like depression and anxiety.
When assessing adults, it is more important to take into account the functional impairment of the adult, rather than the amount or severity of symptoms. People with ADHD are often unable to meet the demands of school, work or expectations in relationships. It's usually a good idea to share the details with those who supervise you at work, your teachers at school and family members to ensure they have a full picture of your daily difficulties. Patients may be embarrassed to bring up such issues, but it's critical to do so to receive the assistance you need.
Typically, a psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD will begin by talking to the patient and 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 emotional, psychiatric, and social history, as well how ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. Many doctors will also ask the patient's partner or other close family members about their observations and if they notice any signs of ADHD. adhd therapist adults of personal insight can reveal information that is not gleaned from surveys or ratings.
A psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavioral treatment can diagnose ADHD in certain instances. However psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is typically administered by a psychiatrist, or neurologist. A therapist trained in ADHD can assist the patient learn skills to manage symptoms. These include time and money management, organizational strategies, and time management. These treatments are available in person and through telemental health services, such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults should comprise a diagnostic interview and information from independent sources, such as the person's spouse or close family member. The physician might ask the patient to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These tests are based on research and can assess the behaviors of those who suffer from ADHD to those of people without it, and aid in determining whether there is an issue. Certain clinical psychologists conduct cognitive tests to diagnose ADHD or other problems like an anxiety disorder or a learning disorder.
The doctor will also assess the extent to which the symptoms affect the person's daily functioning at school, work or in relationships. Patients may have difficulty keeping on top of appointments, bills or organize thoughts and possessions. Additionally, many adult patients have low self-esteem and resentment over the repeated patterns of academic failure, job loss and relationship conflict. A mental health professional might recommend individual talk therapy, or a program to assist the patient to cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that a medical issue such as thyroid issues or seizures is the cause of ADHD symptoms, he'll perform a physical examination. The doctor will inquire about prior health issues, and also if the patient has been injured or suffered an accident. A thorough medical history will allow 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 shaky or spotty memories of their childhood and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The doctor will seek out someone who is significant in the life of the patient, such as a spouse, family member, or employer, to provide a more precise assessment. This will allow the clinician to obtain an independent perspective of the person's behavior and to avoid the potential bias that could be present in the evaluation.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment should include a neuropsychological or psychological test. These tests evaluate the level of intelligence and working memory, as well as other cognitive capabilities. These tests can help the therapist determine whether ADHD contributes to the individual's problems with working, learning, or coping.
Support
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to perform at school or work. They may have difficulties managing their daily tasks, arranging their belongings, and remembering important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or find it difficult to keep appointments and make them.
The first step in getting a diagnosis of ADHD is to talk to the primary care physician. He or she can provide referral options or recommend mental health professionals for an assessment. Some psychiatrists and graduate programs in psychology and private therapists are trained in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the examination of the mental health professional, they typically uses standardized scales of rating for ADHD symptoms to determine whether an adult meets diagnostic criteria for the disorder. There are a variety of different scales of rating, including the Barkley Adult ADHD Scales and Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report (CAARS). A mental health professional can also utilize cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales in order to assess an adult's executive functioning abilities spatial and visual abilities and working memory.
If a mental health professional determines that an individual has ADHD the professional will then discuss treatment options with the patient. There are many ways to manage ADHD symptoms, including therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Many adults with ADHD have reported better functioning following the use of stimulant drugs, which increase alertness and concentration. Some adults also benefit from non-stimulant drugs which reduce depression or anxiety as well as therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is often difficult and stressful, but with the right help, people living with the disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. The most important thing is to be open with your health care provider and not be afraid to speak up due to shame or fear of judgement. You can also inform your teachers and coworkers about ADHD. They might be more understanding if they know about your struggles and provide accommodations, such as additional time to complete assignments.