Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
A complete ADHD diagnostic assessment is expected to take at least two hours in most cases. It will typically involve an interview that is semistructured, psychoeducation (in an easily understood language) and a discussion of the impact of symptoms in education or employment and also in social/family life.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD are characterized by issues in focusing and staying organized as well as managing emotions. These issues affect many aspects of life, such as working or school and relationships with friends or family members. For a diagnosis of adult ADHD, several inattentive symptoms and at least one hyperactive-impulsive symptom must have been present before age 12. The symptoms also must cause significant impairments in two or more situations in everyday life.
The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for identifying adults suffering from ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A qualified psychiatrist or psychologist will ask the person to provide a detailed account of symptoms, including their onset and duration. They will also ask about the issues these symptoms have caused in their school, work and social life.
In addition to assessing primary ADHD symptoms it is important to look for any other mental health issues that frequently co-occur with ADHD or mimic the symptoms (e.g. depression, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder). The assessment should ask about the person's mood, medical history, and any medication they have used in the past.
A person may also be screened to determine if they have any medical or physical conditions that may be similar to ADHD. These include sleep disturbances, headaches, and digestive problems. These conditions are often discovered to be co-morbid.
It is important to ensure that the signs of ADHD are not caused by other causes, such as a medical disorder or abuse of substances. Making sure you have a thorough assessment is essential since undiagnosed ADHD can lead to problems, such as anxiety and depression in adults, especially if they are repeatedly told they should try harder or that their failings are their own fault.
Many adults suffering from ADHD struggle to receive an accurate diagnosis due to the fact that their symptoms are not properly understood or not reported, especially in workplaces or schools which do not provide accommodations for people with ADHD. When they finally get the correct diagnosis, they may experience a range of emotions, from relief to grief about missed opportunities.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you have ADHD, the first step is to obtain an assessment by a professional who is qualified. A competent professional will be able to share their experiences and training in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If you're hesitant to provide this information, it's an indication that you need to find another professional.
The test will include an extensive interview which reviews your developmental history as well as your medical and psychiatric history as well as your current condition and risk assessment. It will also elicit symptoms and their effects. In addition, the clinician will look into possible comorbidities (e.g. a coexisting psychiatric disorder or learning disability) and carry out an evaluation of your interpersonal, social and work functioning.
untreated adhd in adults relationships will include a detailed evaluation of the way ADHD symptoms affect your daily life. This includes work and school, leisure, family/close relationships and the impact of ADHD on your self-image. The ideal scenario is that the assessment be conducted by more than one person, allowing for an accurate and detailed account of your day-to-day functioning. However, due to practical constraints it's not always feasible to have multiple informants taking part in assessments, so asking for an informal written report from one or more of your informants before the assessment is usually very beneficial (highly recommended)
It is vital to determine that your symptoms meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This will include an explanation of how your symptoms affect your life. It will also explore whether you've experienced these symptoms since the age of a child and, if so, for how long. The assessment will also consider how your symptoms impact your daily activities, and how you can achieve your goals and dreams.
ADHD can cause difficulties with organization, prioritising tasks and losing things. You could be also prone to thinking inappropriate thoughts without considering the consequences. This can lead to an abundance of stress as appointments are missed, projects remain unfinished, and your time and attention is spent on distractions that are not important.
Treatment
Ask your doctor to evaluate you for signs of ADHD can cause difficulties at school or at work. They can give you guidance on how to manage the symptoms. They may also refer you to specialists, if required. Your doctor will explain to you the benefits and risks of joining a clinical study. These trials enable researchers to discover new ways of diagnosing and treating diseases, as well as preventing them.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD is more complex than that of children, and the symptom checklists that are used in diagnosing children are largely ineffective for adults. A good diagnosis emerges from an attentive clinical interview conducted by a qualified professional who takes his or her time with the assessment.
Your doctor will ask you and someone else who knows you well -- a spouse or parent, for example -- about your symptoms and how they've impacted your life. Doctors also employ standard ADHD rating scales to compare your behavior to that of people who don't have the disorder. The doctor might also give you a physical examination as well as an examination of your neurological system, which includes tests for motor coordination and balance.
Based on your requirements, other psychological or neuropsychological tests could be conducted in addition. These tests can reveal any co-existing conditions that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. They can also help you understand how your ADHD affects different areas of your life, like academic performance and interpersonal relationships.
Sleep disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. A sound night's sleep can assist to reduce the symptoms. Your doctor may suggest a sleep and wake-up schedule that will ensure you get enough sleep to function. They might also suggest that you avoid smoking, caffeine, and sweet foods, which could aggravate your ADHD symptoms.
Some adults with ADHD may benefit from joining an experimental trial. Clinical trials are research studies that examine the effectiveness of treatment methods in healthy volunteers or patients. They are conducted at NIMH as well as at other locations. A clinical trial seeks to find more efficient and effective ways to detect, prevent or treat illnesses.
Prevention
If you've experienced an history of ADHD as when you were a child the symptoms are likely to persist throughout your adulthood. Symptoms may interfere with work, school and relationships. Adults diagnosed with ADHD may benefit from treatment, including psychotherapy and medication. Finding a health professional who can evaluate ADHD in adults is important. Request a referral from your doctor recommendation or contact your insurance provider for assistance. You could also seek a referral from a local ADHD support group.
During an ADHD assessment, your health care doctor or mental health professional will ask questions and collect information from you, your family members, coworkers and friends. The professional will likely use standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to help determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. The professional may also use psychological tests to evaluate your working memory, executive functioning capabilities (abilities like making decisions and planning) and spatial and visual reasoning skills.
The person who conducts the test will examine your symptoms to determine their severity and impact on your life. They will use open-ended questions as well as real-world examples to help you understand your symptoms. You must be able to provide clear examples of your symptoms and how they impact your daily functioning. It is also important to talk about any comorbid conditions which could be causing your ADHD symptoms, such as depression, anxiety and substance use disorder.
They could ask a close family member or a friend to explain your childhood behavior. They might ask your parents to fill out a retrospective ADHD Profile of your childhood behavior.
Certain adults suffering from ADHD are employed by large companies, and they may not wish to discuss their condition to co-workers or supervisors. It's best to be upfront with your teacher or employer. They might be willing to accommodate to your workplace or allow you extra time for assignments. You may also be able to participate in a clinical trial to test new treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and other research institutions conduct these studies with volunteers.