What to Expect From an Adult ADHD Assessment
It is possible that adults who exhibit symptoms of ADHD aren't diagnosed with the condition. A thorough assessment by a health care provider or mental health professional is vital.
The evaluator may interview the person and other people who know them well or use rating scales and look over school records from the past. The psychiatric professionals employ questions specifically to detect ADHD symptoms among adults.
assessment for adhd in adults and symptoms
It's not uncommon for signs of ADHD to show up after the age of adulthood. Autism or intellectual disability are developmental disorders that usually manifest in childhood. ADHD symptoms, however generally appear in late adolescence or early adulthood, as the burdens and responsibilities increase.
If the symptoms of ADHD are severe, they can cause major impacts on a person's life. They may have difficulty in school or at work, and have difficulty creating and maintaining relationships with their family and friends. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to talk with a physician to determine if you have ADHD.
The doctor will request your complete medical history, and then perform an examination of your body. They will also conduct an assessment of your mental health, which usually involves filling out an ADHD rating scale and answering questions regarding how the symptoms have affected your life. Your doctor will also inquire about your consumption of alcohol or drugs, and about any medical conditions that might appear similar to ADHD (such as seizure disorder or thyroid disorder).
There are many different rating scales available to aid in assessing the symptoms of adult ADHD. Some, such as the Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Screening Questionnaire, are free online. Some, like the 40-item Adult ADHD Scale is only obtained from healthcare professionals. They must interpret and evaluate it.
The DSM-5 specifies that for a diagnosis of ADHD, a person must have "symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that are persistent and impair functioning in multiple settings. "3 A person must have these symptoms for at least six months prior to being able to be diagnosed.
People who suffer from ADHD are at higher risk for depression and anxiety. If these conditions are not recognized and untreated, they may cause significant distress in the lives of individuals and interfere with their ability to manage their ADHD symptoms. These conditions can also negatively affect their self-esteem since they are constantly told they must perform better. This could be a self-fulfilling saga that leads to a chronic cycle of stress and frustration.
Diagnosis
The person who is being evaluated might be asked to fill out one or more of the standardized behavior rating scales. These questionnaires are based on research that compares behaviors of people with ADHD with those who don't have the disorder. These questionnaires can assist professionals determine whether symptoms are present and how severe they might be. It's important to be honest when completing these questionnaires. In some instances, the professional will ask the person's spouse or significant other to fill out these scales as well. This is not to confirm their answers, but to get a clearer picture of the impact ADHD symptoms can have on their relationship.
The professional will also require a detailed medical history that includes a description of to how the symptoms developed throughout their adulthood. The examiner may also inquire whether the individual experienced similar issues as a kid and how they treated.
Some evaluators may request medical tests to determine if there are other conditions that could be the cause of ADHD symptoms, like thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. They may also ask to talk with family members and colleagues for insight into the person's performance at home and at work.
During the interview the evaluator will discuss how severe the symptoms are, and their impact on relationships, work performance and school, as well as social life. The evaluation will determine if the symptoms are mild or severe. Mild symptoms are those that fit the ADHD criteria but are not affecting everyday functioning. Moderate indicates that symptoms pose a problem for daily functioning while severe indicates that the symptoms cause significant disruptions.
In certain instances an evaluator might suggest that a person go to psychotherapy (the technical term for mental health therapy) or make changes to the environment or routines to accommodate ADHD-related problems. A variety of health insurance plans can help in finding an accredited health care provider. The evaluator will usually be willing to provide information regarding their training and experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If they are unwilling to share this information, you may think about finding a different expert.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. These include medication, therapy, and family support. A well-planned treatment plan can aid an adult suffering from ADHD live a more enjoyable and more productive life.
It is more difficult to identify ADHD in adults than it is in the case of a child. The DSM-V symptom guide is targeted towards children, and the majority of experts agree that an accurate diagnosis requires a careful clinical interview with a specialist who is experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults. The professional may ask about your symptoms in the past six months and how they affect your home and work life. She may also ask about your childhood symptoms and if anyone else in your family suffers from ADHD.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is used by some professionals to help those suffering from ADHD learn how to manage their issues, improve their relationships and better comprehend their ADHD. Marriage or family counseling may be suggested to help you or your loved ones understand your challenges and learn to support you. Many people with ADHD have other mental health problems like depression or anxiety. People who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to suffer from physical health problems like chronic pain or eating disorders, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
If your symptoms are mild and not severe, you may not require medication to manage them. If you are experiencing moderate symptoms, medications may decrease them enough to allow you to concentrate on your social or work activities. If you have severe symptoms, your doctor might prescribe an increased dose of medication or recommend a mix of medications.
To determine whether you have a real diagnosis of ADHD Your doctor may inquire about your school report cards and speak to your parents. They will look for any remarks about behavior issues or academic performance which could be a sign of ADHD. They may also ask whether there have been any issues in your job or relationship.
Researchers utilize a variety of tests to assess the level of attention and control over impulses. Some of these tests use computerized comparisons to compare your results against the results of others who don't suffer from ADHD. Certain tests, like the Test of Variable Attention Test (TOVA), assess your ability to complete a task without distraction.
Support
There are a variety of support options available in the event that you suffer from ADHD. Some of these resources are provided by professionals, while others are free. Online resources are also available. These can help you comprehend your symptoms and treatment options, and give you information on how to support a loved one suffering from ADHD.
CHADD is the largest national support group for people who suffer from ADHD. CHADD's website includes an inventory of local affiliate groups. It also contains educational materials and a list of professionals who offer therapy, assessment, and coaching. The site also has the ability to search for groups that let you filter by state or location to find a group near you.
Another option is to seek out a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. Many directories on the Internet list therapists that specialize in ADHD. They can help you to use behavioral strategies to control your ADHD symptoms. They can also provide insight and empathy.
Certain support groups meet regularly to share personal stories and give each other encouragement. Some groups offer educational opportunities, guest lecturers and coping skills training. A lot of groups are run by mental health professionals, while others are led by peers. You can locate a local group via CHADD or reach out to mental health specialists who specialize in ADHD to inquire about local groups.
The evaluation will take into account a variety of factors, such as the person's mood and medical history. The evaluator might also ask if the person has other medical conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD, such anxiety, depression, and physical illness. The evaluator might also ask to see childhood report cards and speak with family members.
It is important to be honest with your mental health provider if you are considering an ADHD assessment. To ensure that they can accurately assess you, they need to be aware of all your symptoms. If you're hesitant to disclose all of your symptoms, the assessment could be less thorough and may be more difficult for you. The evaluator will likely want to conduct neuropsychological tests or performance-based assessments. These are designed to collect information about a person's executive functioning deficits and can be done together with a clinical interview to help evaluators gain confidence in their findings.