How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to receive an accurate diagnosis is by taking an expert ADHD assessment. Self-assessment may be helpful, but it is not a substitute for a consultation with a specialist.
An ADHD assessment should include a check to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may coexist or mimic ADHD symptoms, and should also consider if your symptoms started before the age of 12. The process could also include additional neuropsychological or psychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment questionnaire which examines specific signs and traits. These tools are often employed in clinical studies, research studies, and by health websites to assist people test for ADHD. Certain self-assessments are short and yield an insightful result at the end of the test, while others are more comprehensive and require participation from significant people in the person's life (such as family members or spouses). These tools can help determine whether or not the individual may want to consider getting an assessment for ADHD.
There are numerous online ADHD screening questionnaires and assessments, but the majority of them haven't been validated or standardised. Utilizing these tests without the support of a medical professional is not advised as it can lead to inaccurate diagnosis. It could also result in unnecessary referrals for ADHD assessments for people who are not likely to be suffering. This can result in a waste of healthcare funds and cause stress to the person being referred and lead to long waiting time for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD created a short survey called the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale Screener. The ASRS is an 6-item survey that examines the experiences of people who have the most frequent ADHD symptoms. This test is useful in the determination of whether an individual requires more clinical analysis.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners abbreviated symptom questionnaire and the CBCLAP. Both scales have been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy as well as moderate sensitivity and specificity. It is important to keep in mind that neither of these tests can substitute for a thorough evaluation conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are different from those of men and this is the reason why certain self-assessments are designed for women with specific issues. These tools for women can be helpful in helping people determine if they're likely to require a professional diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the primary doctor of care will refer the patient to an ADHD specialist neurologist or psychiatrist. A specialist will typically interview the patient to determine how symptoms impact daily functioning. The clinician might ask the patient to complete the symptom checklist or rating scale, and also will likely look over the medical and psychiatric history of the patient from childhood until the present. The doctor will also look at other disorders that might be similar to ADHD like depression and anxiety.
When assessing adults, it's more important to look at the functional impairment of the adult, rather than the number or severity of symptoms. Individuals with ADHD struggle to meet the expectations of their schools, at work and in relationships. It's a good idea to share the details with those who supervise you at work, your teachers at school and family members to ensure that they have a full picture of the challenges you face daily. It isn't easy for patients to discuss such problems. However, it is essential to do this to receive the assistance they require.
A psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD can begin by interviewing the child, and then using the DSM-5 checklist of symptoms that is designed to diagnose children. The doctor will inquire about the patient's psychiatric, emotional, and social history, and also how ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. A lot of doctors will also inquire about the patient's partner or other close family members about their observations and whether they have noticed any signs of ADHD. Such personal insight can uncover details that are not available from ratings or questionnaires.
In some cases the psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavior therapy could make an ADHD diagnosis. However, a psychologist does not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is usually administered by a psychiatrist, or neurologists. A therapist specially trained to treat ADHD can teach the patient techniques that can help manage symptoms, for example, time and money management and organizational strategies. These treatments are available in person or via telemental services such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough assessment for ADHD in adults should consist of an interview for diagnosis and data from independent sources, such as the person's spouse or a close family member. The clinician may ask the person to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires are based on research to assess the behaviors of those who suffer from ADHD to those of people without it and assist in determining whether there is an issue. Certain clinical psychologists conduct cognitive tests to determine if someone has ADHD or other disorders such as an anxiety disorder or a learning disorder.
The doctor will also assess the extent to which the symptoms affect the patient's everyday functioning at school, work or in relationships. For instance, the patient might be struggling to keep track of bills and appointments or arranging their belongings and thoughts. Many adult patients also have low self-esteem, resentment or low self-esteem as a result of the pattern of constant academic failure, job loss and conflicts in relationships. A mental health professional might recommend individual therapy or a program that helps the patient learn to manage and cope with their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical issue like thyroid issues or seizures is contributing to ADHD symptoms, he'll perform a physical examination. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about previous health problems and whether they have suffered any injuries or accidents. A thorough medical history can aid the physician in determining if the person was diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological issues like bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder.
Many adults have weak or blurry memories of their childhood, and they may not remember 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, a family member, or employer, to provide a more precise assessment. This can help get an objective view of the person's behavior and to eliminate the possibility bias that could be present in the evaluation.
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation should also include a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests evaluate the person's intelligence, working memory and other cognitive abilities. The clinician will use the results of these tests to determine if ADHD contributes to the person's difficulty in learning working, coping or even 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 keeping track of their daily chores as well as organizing their personal belongings and remembering important details. They might also experience difficulties in their relationships, or find it hard to keep appointments.
Contacting your primary care physician is the first step to getting an ADHD diagnosis. He or she can provide referral options or recommend mental health professionals to conduct an evaluation. Some psychiatrists as well as graduate programs in psychology, and private therapists are trained to perform the psychological assessment of ADHD.
In adhd assessment adults of the evaluation, the mental health professional will typically use standard scales of rating for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult meets diagnostic criteria for the disorder. A number of different ratings scales are available for use, including 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 usually use cognitive tests to examine an adult's working memory, executive functioning abilities and visual and spatial skills.
If the mental health professional determines an individual suffers from ADHD If he or she concludes that the patient has ADHD, they will then discuss the treatment options with the patient. There are many ways to deal with ADHD symptoms that include medication, therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Many adults with ADHD have reported improved functioning when they take stimulant medication which improve concentration and alertness. Many adults also benefit from non-stimulant drugs that help 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 support those with the condition can learn to manage their symptoms and lead life that is fulfilling. The key is to remain open with your doctor and not hold back because of shame or fear of being judged. It's also helpful to tell co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. If they are aware of your challenges, they might be more understanding and provide accommodation such as extra time for homework.