Screening For ADHD in Adults
Blood tests and brain scans are not usually used to test for ADHD. Instead, you'll speak to a healthcare professional and answer questions regarding your symptoms.
Different types of health professionals, such as neurologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, can diagnose ADHD. These providers follow guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association and a manual referred to as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Diagnosis
Adults can have a more difficult to diagnose ADHD than children. This is because many of the same symptoms can be seen in adulthood, but they come with different implications and should be assessed in the context of the person's present life and their experience. For instance, someone who has trouble keeping track of work or school deadlines in their childhood might discover better methods of managing these tasks as an adult, but that doesn't necessarily mean they've overcome their ADHD.
During a consultation the doctor will ask the patient to explain their symptoms and how they have affected their lives. They will also inquire if the symptoms have a long history and how they manifest in different circumstances. ADHD can coexist with other conditions. It is important to recognize any other issues that could be causing the symptoms of a person prior to diagnosing ADHD.
The health care professional sends the patient to a specialist who is specialized in adult ADHD. This could be a psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologists. A psychologist won't prescribe medication, but they can use talk therapy or cognitive behavior therapy to address and change unhealthy habits and patterns of thought that contribute to ADHD symptoms.
In the course of evaluating the mental health professional will also conduct some neuropsychological tests. These tests can include computer-based timed attention or problems-solving tests. These tests aren't required to determine a person's condition, but can help shed light on their symptoms and how they impact the way they function in their daily lives. They may also reveal co-existing disorders.
There is a genetic component to ADHD. Certain environmental factors, such as exposure to lead during crucial developmental periods, also increase the risk. Two to three times as likely are people with ADHD siblings to develop it.
It can be difficult for people to reach out to a health care provider to receive help for adults with ADHD. However it is an essential step towards living a more fulfilling life. If you're having difficulties reaching out to a health care provider, there are online resources that can assist you in finding an expert specializing in adult ADHD.
You can also check out our website for more information.
A person who believes they have ADHD should speak with an expert in mental health or a health care provider who will evaluate the symptoms. They can also fill out a survey. These questionnaires ask questions about a person’s family and work life, their use or alcohol and how they interact with their friends and family. People who suffer from ADHD may have issues with relationships. They may struggle to keep their jobs and are frequently faced with financial issues. They are also more likely to smoke and abuse drugs. The examiner must determine whether the issue began in childhood. Current guidelines say that ADHD must have been present by age 12.
The examiner wants to know the extent of the symptoms a person is experiencing. The evaluator will consider how difficult it is for an individual to work and interact with other people, and how long they've experienced these issues. They will also look into whether there are other issues that can cause similar problems, such as depression or anxiety or physical conditions like thyroid disorders.
A specialist will inquire about the individual's childhood and any issues that were present at the time. They will need to have old school records and speak with teachers, family members and others who knew them well. They will ask about the person's academic performance and their driving record, as well as their work and family history. They will want to know about any past problems with drugs or alcohol.
They will also test the person's memory, thinking skills and physical health. They'll likely conduct timed tests that measure how quickly and accurately an individual solves problems. They could also take tests that test the neuropsychology of a person, such as tests of spatial and visual perception as well as reasoning tests.
Some doctors ask you if you would like to be part of a clinical study. These studies are designed to find new methods to diagnose, treat or prevent disorders and diseases. They may be seeking ways to assist those with ADHD or looking for treatments for other disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Treatment
To determine if you have ADHD your doctor will need an extensive medical history. The doctor will then talk to you to identify the severity of your symptoms and how they impact your life at school, home, or work. The doctor will inquire about your family history and personal background. In addition to the details you provide, the medical professional might want to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms to ADHD such as seizures and thyroid disorders.
The person who will review and record the details you provide. He or she will also ask you to complete questionnaires and rating scales on your behavior. The provider will then interview people who know your behavior to obtain their opinions.
testing for adult adhd will help the doctor determine whether you or your child meet the criteria that are standard for ADHD. These criteria include having six or more established symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity over the past 6 months. The symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and must cause serious problems at home, school or at work. The symptoms must be related to ADHD and not a different condition.
A physical exam as well as an examination of the brain or psychological will also be performed. These tests are designed to determine if there are other conditions, like depression and anxiety that could trigger similar symptoms as ADHD. These tests will also allow doctors to determine whether the symptoms are caused by other medications or other lifestyle factors.
Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan will be created. Adults may receive psychotherapy (also known as cognitive behavioral therapy) or a prescription for medication. You should always follow the recommendations of your doctor. If you are unsure of what to discuss with your doctor, NIMH has tips for talking to your healthcare professional about ADHD. Contact your insurance company to see if they have a list of specialists who can conduct ADHD evaluations.
You might also be able to take part in a clinical study which is examining new ways to treat ADHD. These studies won't directly benefit you, but they could lead to more effective treatments in the future.
Support
Getting diagnosed with ADHD is an important step in addressing issues that can arise at work and home. The evaluation process does not usually include blood tests or brain scanning, but may comprise a lengthy interview as well as psychological and behavioral testing. Some health professionals seek records from a patient's childhood and may want to talk to those who knew the patient well as when they were children. The reason is that current diagnostic guidelines require that the symptoms be present since childhood in order to be classified as ADHD.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD are happy that they now have an explanation for the challenges they're experiencing and have hope that treatment can assist them in improving their lives. They can also feel anger or resentment that the disorder wasn't recognized and treated earlier, as well as sadness that not being treated for ADHD has hampered their professional and personal goals.
The good news is that there are many services available to people suffering from ADHD. Certain support services are offered through the health care system and others are community-based. For instance there are programs that provide yoga techniques to promote an awareness of calm and balance. Talking with family and close friends or joining a support network can help you find other supports. Some people with ADHD find it helpful to inform supervisors and coworkers about their issues. This can assist them in obtaining accommodations at work, such as more time to complete tasks or a quiet space to work.
Some people with ADHD would like to take part in clinical trials to better understand the treatment for the disorder. They should talk to their healthcare doctors about the benefits and potential risks of participating in the course of a clinical trial. For more information about current research studies related to ADHD you can go to the NIMH website dedicated to clinical trials. If they choose to participate in a clinical trial the individuals should go through all the information before signing up. The NIMH clinical trials website contains details on the risks and benefits associated when participating in a research study. It also lists possible adverse effects.
