How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to receive an accurate diagnosis is by taking a professional ADHD assessment. Self-assessment may be helpful, but cannot replace a consultation with an expert.
An ADHD assessment should include a look to see if you have other mental health conditions that could coexist or resemble ADHD symptoms, and it is important to consider whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. Additional psychological or neuropsychological tests could be required.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment instrument is a tool that examines certain traits or symptoms. These tools are typically employed in research studies, in clinics and on health websites to assist people screen for ADHD. Some self-assessments are quick and provide clear results at the conclusion of the test. Some are longer and require participation from important people in a person's life. These tests can be used to determine if a person should consider getting an ADHD assessment.
There are many online ADHD screening questionnaires and assessments however the majority of them haven't been tested or standardised. Making use of these tests without the support of a medical professional is not advised as they can lead to incorrect diagnoses. It can also lead to unneeded referrals of ADHD assessments for people who aren't likely to suffer. This could waste healthcare dollars and 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 an easy survey dubbed the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale Screener. The ASRS is a 6-item test that examines the experiences of adults suffering from the most common ADHD symptoms. A score of more than 4 on this screener means that the person could need further evaluation by a doctor.
Other more comprehensive self assessments include the Conners abbreviated symptom assessment and the CBCLAP. Both of these scales are highly precise in terms of diagnosis and have a moderate degree of specificity and sensitivity. However, it is important to keep in mind that any of these tests can't substitute for a thorough medical examination by a certified psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are slightly different from men's and that's why some self-assessments are tailored to women-specific issues. These tools for women can assist people decide if they want to seek a professional ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many instances the primary doctor of care will refer the patient to an ADHD-specialist psychiatrist or neurologist. Typically, a specialist will need to speak with the patient to determine how the symptoms affect them with everyday functioning. The clinician may ask the patient complete the symptom checklist or rating scale, and also will likely look over the medical and psychiatric histories from childhood until the present. The doctor might also think about whether other disorders that resemble ADHD might be causing the patient's symptoms. This could include anxiety and depression.
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 frequently have difficulty meeting the demands of school, work or relationship expectations. It's usually a good idea to share the facts with those who supervise you at work, your teachers at school and family members to ensure they are aware of your daily difficulties. assessing adhd in adults might be ashamed to discuss such issues, but it's critical to speak up in order to receive the assistance you need.
Generally, an neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient. They likely employ an assessment tool for symptoms from the DSM-5 that is geared toward diagnosing children. The clinician will also ask about the patient's social emotional and mental health history, and the extent to which ADHD symptoms interfere with everyday functioning. Many doctors also like to ask the patient's spouse or other close friends about their observations of the person's behavior and whether they see any symptoms of ADHD. This personal insight can reveal information that is not accessible through questionnaires or ratings.
A psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavior therapy may diagnose ADHD in certain instances. A psychologist is not able to prescribe medication. This is usually done by a neurologist or psychiatrist. A therapist specially trained in treating ADHD can help the patient learn skills that might help manage symptoms, including time and money management and methods for organizing. These treatments are available in person and through the internet, like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults must include an interview to diagnose the condition as well as information from sources outside of the clinic, such as the spouse or a close relative. The clinician may ask to see the person fill out one or more standardized ADHD ratings scales. These questionnaires are based on research to compare the behaviors of people who suffer from ADHD to those of people who don't have it and assist in determining if there is an issue. Based on the situation certain clinical psychologists might also administer cognitive tests to aid in diagnosing ADHD or other issues like a learning disability or anxiety disorder.
The physician will also consider the extent to which the symptoms affect the patient's daily activities at school, work or in relationships. For instance, a patient might have trouble keeping track of bills and appointments or organizing their thoughts and belongings. Many adult patients also have low self-esteem, anger and low self-esteem as a result of an ongoing pattern of academic failure, job losses and conflicts in relationships. A mental health professional could recommend individual talk therapy, or a program designed to assist the patient to cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the clinician suspects a medical issue such as thyroid problems or seizures, are responsible for the ADHD symptoms, he will perform an examination. He will ask about any medical issues that have occurred in the past and whether the patient has been injured or suffered an accident. A thorough history will enable the doctor to determine whether the patient has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological issues, like depression or anxiety.
Many adults have weak or spotty memories of their childhood, and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The doctor will ask someone who is significant in the person's lives, such as family members, spouse or even an employer, to give a more accurate assessment. This can help get an objective assessment of the behavior of the individual and to eliminate the possibility for a bias in the assessment.
A thorough ADHD assessment should also include a psychological or neuropsychological assessment. These tests evaluate the level of working memory and intelligence, in addition to other cognitive abilities. The psychologist will use the results of these tests to determine whether ADHD is contributing to the person's difficulties in learning, working or being able to cope.
Support
Adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD often have difficulty performing well at work or at school. They may have difficulty managing their daily tasks, arranging their belongings and recalling important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or have difficulty to keep appointments.
Contacting your primary care doctor is the first step in getting an ADHD diagnosis. They can offer suggestions for referrals or recommend mental health professionals to conduct an evaluation. Certain psychiatrists or graduate psychology programs as well as private therapists have special training in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the examination, the mental health professional will typically use standard scales of rating for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. There are a variety of different rating scales that are available, including the Barkley Adult ADHD Scales and Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report (CAARS). A mental health professional could also employ cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales to assess an adult's executive functioning abilities, visual and spatial skills and working memory.
If a mental health professional concludes that a patient is suffering from ADHD, they will discuss possible treatment options with them. There are a variety of strategies to treat ADHD symptoms, such as treatment, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Many adults with ADHD have reported improved performance when they take stimulant medication that improve concentration and alertness. Some adults may also benefit from nonstimulant medicines to ease depression or anxiety and therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
It can be a difficult and traumatic experience to be given the diagnosis of ADHD. However with the right support and guidance, people with ADHD can manage their symptoms and live a full life. The key is to be open with your health care provider and not be afraid to speak up due to shame or fear of judgment. You can also tell your co-workers and teachers about ADHD. They might be more understanding if they know about your struggles and provide accommodations, such as extra time to complete assignments.