How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
A professional ADHD assessment is the best method to receive a precise diagnosis. Self-assessment tools are useful, but they are not able to substitute a consultation and evaluation with an experienced expert.
A thorough ADHD evaluation should be able to identify other mental health issues that could be present alongside or mimic symptoms of ADHD, and it should take into account whether your symptoms began before 12 years old. The process may also include additional psychological or neuropsychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment instrument is a tool that focuses on particular traits or symptoms. These tools are commonly employed in research studies, in clinics and by health websites to help patients test for ADHD. Some self-assessments can be quite brief and provide thoughtful results at the end of the test, whereas others are more thorough and require participation from important people in the individual's life (such as a spouse or family member). These tools can be used to determine if one should seek an ADHD assessment.
There are numerous online ADHD screening questionnaires and assessments but the majority of them aren't validated or standardised. It is not recommended to use these tests without consulting a healthcare professional, as they can lead incorrect diagnoses. It could also result in unnecessary referrals of ADHD assessments for people who aren't likely to suffer. This could waste healthcare resources, cause distress for the individual referred, and result in long wait for an in-depth examination.
The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD have developed a brief survey referred to as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS). The ASRS is a 6-item questionnaire that assesses the experiences of adults with the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. A score of 4 or higher on this test indicates that the person could benefit from further clinical analysis by a clinician.
Other more comprehensive self assessments include the Conners abbreviated symptom questionnaire and the CBCLAP. These scales are both highly accurate in terms of diagnosis and offer a moderate level of specificity and sensitivity. However, it is important to keep in mind that these tests will not replace the need for a thorough examination by a certified psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms are slightly different from those experienced by males and that's why a number of the self-assessments that are available are specifically designed for women with issues with behavior. These women-specific tools can be a useful way to help people understand if they may want to seek a professional diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the initial step in determining the severity of the problem is to speak with an primary care physician who may refer the patient to a psychiatrist or a neurologist who specializes in ADHD. A specialist will usually interview the patient to determine how the symptoms affect their daily life. The clinician will request the patient to fill out an inventory of symptoms or a rating scale. They will also review the patient's medical and psychiatric history from childhood to the present. The doctor may also consider other disorders that could be akin to ADHD like depression and anxiety.
When looking at adults, it's more important to consider the extent of functional impairment rather than the number of symptoms or the severity. People with ADHD struggle to meet expectations at work, school and in relationships. It's usually an excellent idea to discuss the facts with those who supervise you at work, teachers at school, and your family members to ensure that they have a full picture of your everyday struggles. It can be difficult for patients to discuss such issues. But, it's important to do so to receive the help they need.
A psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD may begin by interviewing the child, and then using a DSM-5 checklist of symptoms that is specifically designed to identify children. The doctor will inquire about the patient's mental, emotional, and social history, as well how ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. A lot of doctors ask the patient's spouse or other close family members about their perceptions of the patient's behavior, and if they observe any signs of ADHD. This type of personal perspective can provide information that isn't available from questionnaires or ratings.
A psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavior therapy may diagnose ADHD in certain cases. However, a psychologist does not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is usually administered by a psychiatrist, or neurologist. A therapist specially trained in treating ADHD can teach the patient skills that might help manage symptoms, including managing time and money and methods for organizing. These treatments are available in person and through telemental health services, like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults should include an interview with a doctor and information from outside sources, such as the person's spouse or close family member. The clinician may ask to have the patient complete one or more of the standardized ADHD ratings scales. These questionnaires are based on research to assess the behaviors of those with ADHD to those of people without it and assist in determining whether there is an issue. Some clinical psychologists will also administer cognitive tests to diagnose ADHD or other disorders such as an anxiety disorder or a learning disorder.
The physician will also look at the person's symptoms and how they impact their daily life in school, at work or in relationships. The patient might find it difficult to keep the track of appointments, bills, or organize thoughts and possessions. In addition many adults suffer from low self-esteem and feel resentment towards persistent patterns of academic failure loss of jobs and relationship conflict. A mental health professional could recommend individual talk therapy or a program that assists the patient learn to manage and cope with their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that a medical issue such as thyroid problems or seizures, that are responsible for the ADHD symptoms the doctor will conduct an exam. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about previous health issues and whether they've had any injuries or accidents. A thorough history will aid the doctor in determining whether the patient has had a past diagnosis of ADHD or any other neurological or psychiatric problems such as bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder.
Many adults have shaky or blurry memories of their childhood and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The therapist will seek out someone who is important in the life of the patient, such as family members, spouse or an employer to give a more accurate assessment. This is a great way to get a more impartial view of the person and avoid bias.
A complete ADHD assessment should also include a neuropsychological or a psychological assessment. These tests measure the individual's intelligence, working memory and other cognitive abilities. The psychologist will use the results of these tests to determine whether ADHD contributes to the person's difficulty in learning working, coping or even managing.
Support
Adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD often struggle to perform well at work or in school. They may have problems keeping track of their daily tasks, arranging their belongings and retaining important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or find it difficult to schedule and keep appointments.
The first step to get a diagnosis of ADHD is to talk to a primary care provider. They will be able to offer recommendations for referrals or refer an expert in mental health to conduct an evaluation. Some psychiatrists as well as graduate programs in psychology, and private therapy professionals are trained in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the evaluation, a mental health professional will employ standardized ratings scales for ADHD symptoms to determine if a person meets the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. A variety of different ratings scales are available and include the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales and the Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report (CAARS). In addition to these ratings scales, mental health professionals typically use cognitive tests to examine an adult's working memory ability, executive functioning capabilities and spatial and visual skills.
If a mental health professional determines that a patient is suffering from ADHD, they will discuss possible treatment options with them. There are a variety of methods to manage ADHD symptoms that include therapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Many adults suffering from ADHD have reported improved functioning following the use of stimulant drugs, which increase alertness and concentration. Some adults also benefit from non-stimulant medications which reduce depression or anxiety and also from therapy that incorporates coaching and mindfulness techniques.
It can be a difficult and upsetting encounter to receive an diagnosis of ADHD. However with the right support and guidance, those suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms, and live full lives. The most important thing is to be honest with your healthcare provider and not hold back because of fear or shame of judgment. It is also beneficial to inform co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. ADHD In Adults may be more understanding if they know about your difficulties and can offer accommodations such as extra time to finish assignments.