How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to receive an accurate diagnosis is through a professional ADHD assessment. Self-assessment tools can be helpful, but they cannot substitute for a consultation and assessment with an experienced professional.
A proper ADHD assessment should check for other mental health issues that could be present in conjunction with or mimic symptoms of ADHD, and it should consider whether your symptoms began before 12 years old. Additional neuropsychological or psychological tests might be required.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment tool is a questionnaire that analyzes specific symptoms or traits. These tools are used by research studies, clinics, and health websites to test for ADHD. Some self-assessments are short and provide thoughtful 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 someone should take the time to get an ADHD assessment.
There are many online ADHD assessments and screening questionnaires However, they aren't scientifically verified or standardized. Making use of these tests without the support of a healthcare provider is not advised as they can lead to incorrect diagnoses. It can also lead to unnecessary referrals of ADHD assessments for people who aren't likely to suffer. This could waste healthcare resources, cause stress for the individual referred, and lead to long wait times 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 six-item questionnaire that examines the experiences of adults with the most common ADHD symptoms. A score of 4 or more on this screener means that the person could need further evaluation by a clinician.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. Both scales have been found to have high diagnostic accuracy and have moderate sensitivity and specificity. It is important to note that neither of these tests can replace a thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's ADHD symptoms differ slightly from those of men and that's why some self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific challenges. These tools for women can be a useful way to help individuals understand whether or not they're likely to require a professional diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the initial step in getting diagnosed is to talk with an primary care physician who might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or neurologist specializing in ADHD. In most cases, a specialist will have to interview the patient to determine how the symptoms affect them with daily functioning. The physician may ask the patient complete the symptom checklist or rating scale, and will likely review the medical and psychiatric history of the patient from childhood to the present. The doctor might also think about whether other disorders that resemble ADHD might be contributing to the patient's symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
When conducting an assessment of adults, it is more important to consider the extent of functional impairment than at symptom count or severity. People suffering from ADHD have difficulty meeting expectations at work, school and in relationships. It's recommended to inform your supervisors at work as well as your teachers at school, and your family about the difficulties you face every day. Patients may be embarrassed to bring up such concerns, but it's important to do so in order to receive the assistance you need.
Generally speaking, the psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient. They likely employ a symptom checklist from the DSM-5 which is designed for diagnosing children. The clinician will also ask about the person's social emotional and mental health history, and how their ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. A majority of doctors will also ask the patient's partner or other close family members about their observations and whether they have noticed any indications of ADHD. This type of personal knowledge can provide information that isn't accessible through questionnaires or ratings.
A psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavioral treatment can diagnose ADHD in certain cases. A psychologist is not licensed to prescribe medication. This is usually performed by a psychiatrist or neurologist. A therapist who has been trained in ADHD can help the patient learn how to manage symptoms. These include money and time management, organizational strategies and time management. These treatments are available in person or via telemental services such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults must comprise an interview for diagnosis and information from independent sources such the spouse or a close relative. The doctor might ask the patient to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires use research to examine the behavior of people who suffer from ADHD to the behavior of those who do not have it and help determine whether there is an issue. Certain clinical psychologists also administer cognitive tests in order to diagnose ADHD or other problems such as anxiety or a learning disorder.
The clinician will also evaluate how the symptoms impact the patient's daily activities at work, school, or in relationships. Patients may be unable to keep on top of appointments, bills or organize thoughts and possessions. Additionally, many adult patients have low self-esteem and resentment over persistent patterns of academic failure or job loss, as well as relationship conflict. A mental health professional might suggest individual therapy or a program that assists the patient learn to manage and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the clinician suspects an illness like thyroid issues or seizures, are responsible for the ADHD symptoms, he will perform a physical exam. He will inquire about any previous health issues and if the patient has been injured or had an accident. A thorough medical history will allow the doctor to determine whether a person has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric and neurological problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Many adults have shaky or hazy memories of their childhood and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. In assessment adult adhd to obtain a more accurate picture, the clinician will interview someone significant in the person's life, such as their spouse, family member or even their employer. This is a way to get an objective view of the person's behavior and also to avoid the potential for a bias in the evaluation.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment should include a neuropsychological or a psychological assessment. These tests assess the person's working memory and intelligence among other cognitive abilities. These tests will aid the doctor in determining if ADHD contributes to the individual's problems with learning, working or managing.
Support
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD struggle to be productive at work or school. They may struggle to keep the track of their daily chores as well as organizing their personal belongings and remembering important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or find it difficult to keep appointments.
Talking to your primary care physician is the first step in receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They can provide suggestions for referrals or suggest a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some psychiatrists, 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 the standardised ratings scales used for ADHD symptoms in order to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria for the condition. 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 utilize cognitive tests to evaluate the working memory of an adult as well as executive functioning abilities, visual and spatial skills.
If a mental health professional concludes that an individual suffers from ADHD, he or she will then discuss possible treatment options with the patient. There are a variety of strategies to treat ADHD symptoms, such as therapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Many adults suffering from ADHD have reported improved functioning following the use of stimulant drugs which improve concentration and alertness. Some adults can also benefit from nonstimulant medication to help reduce depression or anxiety and also therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging and upsetting, however with the right support those suffering from the condition can be taught to manage their symptoms and live life that is fulfilling. It's important to be honest with your doctor and not hide anything out of shame or fear. You can also inform your co-workers and teachers about ADHD. If they are aware of your struggles, they may be more understanding and offer accommodation such as additional time for assignments.