How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is by taking a professional ADHD assessment. Using self-assessment tools can be helpful, but they cannot substitute a consultation and evaluation with an experienced specialist.
An ADHD assessment should include a look to see if you have other mental health conditions that could be coexisting or resemble ADHD symptoms. You you should also be aware if your symptoms started before the age of 12. Additional neuropsychological or psychological tests could be required.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment instrument is a tool that focuses on specific symptoms or traits. These tools are used by research studies, clinics, and health websites to screen for ADHD. Certain self-assessments are brief and provide a thoughtful report at the end 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 tests and questionnaires, but the majority of them haven't yet been validated or standardised. It is not recommended to use these tests without consulting a healthcare professional, as they could lead to incorrect diagnoses. It could also result in unnecessary referrals for ADHD assessments for individuals who are not likely to be suffering. This can waste healthcare funds and cause stress for the person who is referred to, and cause long wait periods for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD created a brief survey called the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale Screener. The ASRS is a 6-item test that examines the experiences of adults with the most prevalent ADHD symptoms. A score of 4 or higher on this test indicates that the person could need further evaluation by a physician.
Other more comprehensive self-assessments include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. Both of these scales have been proven to have high diagnostic accuracy and moderate specificity and sensitivity. However, it is important to keep in mind that any of these tests can't substitute for a thorough clinical assessment by a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are different from those of men, which is why some of the self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific challenges. These tools for women can help users decide if they would like to seek a professional ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In most cases, the initial step in getting diagnosed is to speak with the primary care physician who might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or a neurologist who specializes in ADHD. Typically, an expert will have to interview the person to assess how his or her symptoms interfere with daily functioning. The doctor may ask the patient to complete an inventory of symptoms or a behavior rating scale, and also will likely look over the medical and psychiatric histories from childhood until the present. The doctor may also inquire whether other disorders that mimic ADHD might be causing the patient's symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
When assessing adults, it's more important to look at the extent of functional impairment rather than focusing on symptom count or severity. People with ADHD struggle to meet the expectations of their schools, at work and in relationships. It's recommended to inform your supervisors at work as well as your teachers at school and your family members about the difficulties you face every day. It can be difficult for patients to talk about such issues. However, it's important to do so to receive the help they require.
Generally speaking, an neurologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD will begin by interviewing the patient. They likely employ a checklist of symptoms from the DSM-5 that is geared toward diagnosing children. The doctor will inquire about the patient's psychiatric, emotional and social history, and also how ADHD symptoms affect their daily life. A lot of doctors consult with the patient's spouse and other close family members about their perceptions of the patient's behavior and if they observe any signs of ADHD. This personal knowledge can provide information that is not accessible through questionnaires or ratings.
In some cases psychologists who are 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 usually provided by a psychiatrist or neurologist. A therapist trained in ADHD can help the patient learn how to manage symptoms. These include time and money management, organizational strategies, and time management. These treatments are available in person and through telemental services such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults should include an interview for diagnosis and information from sources outside of the clinic, such as a spouse or close relative. The doctor may ask the person to complete one or more standardized ADHD rating 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 whether there is any issue. Based on assessing adhd in adults might also administer cognitive tests to help diagnose ADHD or other disorders such as a learning disability or anxiety disorder.
The clinician will also evaluate the patient's symptoms and determine if they affect their daily functioning at work, in school or in relationships. For instance, the patient may have difficulty keeping the track of appointments and bills or arranging their belongings and thoughts. In addition, many adult patients have low self-esteem and resentment toward the repeated patterns of academic failure, job loss and relationship conflict. A mental health professional could recommend individual therapy or a program that can help the person cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical issue such as seizures or thyroid issues is contributing to ADHD symptoms, he'll perform an examination. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their previous health issues and whether they have had any accidents or injuries. A thorough history will enable the doctor to determine if the patient has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric and neurological issues, like anxiety or depression.
Many adults have a shaky or shaky memory of their childhoods and may not remember they were identified as ADHD children. The doctor will ask anyone who is important in the person's lives such as a spouse, a family member, or employer, to provide a more precise assessment. This is a good 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 assess the person's working memory and intelligence as well as other cognitive capabilities. These tests will help the therapist determine if ADHD contributes to the individual's difficulties in working, learning or coping.
Support
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD struggle to perform at school or at work. They may have trouble keeping the track of their daily tasks as well as organizing their personal belongings and retaining important details. They might also experience difficulties in their relationships or have difficulty to keep appointments.
Contacting your primary care doctor is the first step to getting an ADHD diagnosis. He or she can provide recommendations for referrals or suggest mental health professionals for an evaluation. Certain psychiatrists, graduate psychology programs and private therapists are trained in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
In the course of the evaluation the mental health professional will usually use standardized scales of rating for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. There are a variety of different scales for rating, including the Barkley Adult ADHD Scales and Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report (CAARS). In addition to these ratings scales mental health professionals generally utilize cognitive tests to evaluate the working memory of an adult, executive functioning abilities and spatial and visual abilities.
If a mental health professional determines that the patient has ADHD the professional will discuss the treatment options with the patient. There are many strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, including treatment, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Many adults with ADHD report improved functioning through the use of psychostimulants, stimulant medicines that improve focus and alertness. Some adults may also benefit from nonstimulant medication to ease depression or anxiety as well as therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
It can be a difficult and stressful encounter to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. However with the right support and guidance, people suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. It's essential to be open with your doctor and to not be afraid to speak about anything because of fear or shame. It is also beneficial to inform your supervisors, colleagues and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. If they are aware of your challenges, they'll be more understanding and offer accommodations like additional time for homework.