How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to take a professional ADHD assessment. Self-assessment is helpful, but it is not a substitute for a consultation with an expert.
A thorough ADHD evaluation should be able to identify other mental health issues that could be present in conjunction with or mimic symptoms of ADHD, and it should be able to determine if your symptoms began before 12 years old. The process could also include additional psychological or neuropsychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment instrument is a tool that focuses on particular traits or symptoms. These tools are employed by clinics, research studies and health websites to check for ADHD. Some self-assessments are quick and provide thoughtful results at the end of the test. Some are longer and require participation from other significant people in the life of the person. These tools can be used to determine if a person should consider getting an ADHD assessment.
There are many online ADHD screening questionnaires and assessments but the majority of them haven't yet been validated or standardised. Utilizing these tests without the support of a health professional is not recommended as it can lead to inaccurate diagnoses. It can also lead to unneeded referrals of ADHD assessments for individuals who aren't likely to suffer. This can be a waste of healthcare resources, create distress for the person being referred and result in long wait times for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD have generated a short survey known as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS). private adhd assessment adults is a questionnaire of six items that focuses on the experiences of adults with the most typical symptoms of ADHD. A score of 4 or more on this screener means that the person could benefit from further clinical analysis by a physician.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners abbreviated symptom assessment and the CBCLAP. Both of these scales have been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy as well as moderate specificity and sensitivity. It is important to keep in mind that none of these tests can substitute for a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are different from those of men and this is the reason why some of the self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific issues. These tools for women can help users decide if they would like to seek out a professional ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many instances, the first step in getting diagnosed is to speak with a primary care physician who might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or neurologists who specialize in ADHD. Typically, an expert will need to speak with the patient to determine how their symptoms interfere with everyday functioning. The doctor may ask the patient complete an inventory of symptoms or a behavior rating scale, and will likely review the medical and psychiatric history from childhood to the present. The doctor will also consider other disorders that could be akin to ADHD like depression and anxiety.
When conducting an assessment of adults, it is more important to consider the extent of functional impairment rather than the number of symptoms or the severity. People with ADHD frequently have difficulty meeting work, school and relationship expectations. It's a good idea for you to inform your bosses at work, your teachers at school and your loved ones about the challenges you have to encounter every day. It isn't easy for patients to talk about such problems. But, it's crucial to share the information to receive the assistance they require.
Generally, an neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD will begin by interviewing the patient. They likely employ a symptom checklist from the DSM-5 that is geared toward diagnosing children. The clinician will ask about the patient's emotional, psychiatric and social history as well as how ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. A lot of doctors will also inquire about the patient's partner or other close family members about their observations and if they observe any indications of ADHD. This type of personal knowledge can provide information that isn't available from questionnaires or ratings.
In some cases, a psychologist who is certified in cognitive behavioral therapy may be able to make an ADHD diagnosis. However psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is typically provided by a psychiatrist or neurologists. A therapist specially trained to treat ADHD can teach the patient techniques that can help manage symptoms, for example, managing time and money and organizational strategies. These therapies are offered in person or via remote mental services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough assessment for ADHD in adults should include an interview with a doctor and information from other sources, like the person's spouse or close family member. The doctor may request to see the person fill out one or more standardized ADHD ratings scales. These questionnaires use research to assess the behaviors of those with ADHD to the behavior of those who do not have it, and aid in determining if there is any issue. Depending on the circumstances, some clinical psychologists may also administer cognitive tests to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD or other disorders such as a learning impairment or anxiety disorder.
The physician will also consider how the symptoms interfere with the patient's daily activities at work, school, or in relationships. For example, the patient may have difficulty keeping 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 losses and conflicts in relationships. A mental health professional could suggest individual therapy, or a program that can help the person cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that a medical issue such as thyroid problems or seizures, that are contributing to the ADHD symptoms, he will perform an examination. He will also ask the patient about their previous health issues and whether they have suffered any accidents or injuries. A thorough history will aid the doctor in determining if the person was diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other neurological or psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Many adults have poor or spotty memories of their childhood, and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The clinician will seek out someone who is important to the life of the patient such as a spouse, a family member, or employer, to give a more accurate assessment. This is a great method of gaining an objective perspective of the individual and to avoid bias.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment should also include a neuropsychological, or psychological assessment. These tests measure the person's intelligence, working memory and other cognitive capabilities. These tests can help the clinician determine if ADHD is a factor in the person's difficulties with learning, working or managing.
Support
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to be productive at work or school. They may have problems managing their daily tasks, arranging their belongings, and remembering important information. They might also experience difficulties in their relationships, or find it hard to keep appointments.
Talking to your primary care physician is the first step to getting an ADHD diagnosis. The doctor can provide recommendations for referrals or suggest mental health professionals for an evaluation. Certain psychiatrists, graduate programs in psychology, and private therapists are trained in the psychological assessment of ADHD.
In the course of the evaluation, the mental health professional typically uses standardized scales of rating for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. There are a variety of 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). A mental health professional can also use cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales in order to assess an adult's executive functioning abilities spatial and visual abilities and working memory.
If the mental health professional is able to determine that a patient is suffering from ADHD, they will discuss treatment options with them. There are many strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, such as therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Many adults suffering from ADHD have reported improved performance by taking psychostimulants, stimulant medicines which improve alertness and focus. Some adults also benefit from non-stimulant medication which reduce depression or anxiety, as well as from therapy that includes mindfulness and coaching techniques.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is often difficult and upsetting, however with the right support those with the condition can be taught to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. The key is to be open with your doctor and not be afraid to speak up because of fear or shame of judgement. It's also helpful to tell your teachers, supervisors, and coworkers that you suffer from ADHD. If they know about your challenges, they might be more understanding and provide accommodation such as extra time for assignments.