How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is through an expert ADHD assessment. Self-assessment tools are useful, but they can't replace a consultation and evaluation by a qualified professional.
A proper ADHD assessment should look for other mental health conditions that can be present in conjunction with or mimic symptoms of ADHD and should consider whether your symptoms began before 12 years old. Additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing could be required.
Self-Assessment Tools
Self-assessment is a form of assessment which examines specific symptoms and traits. These tools are utilized by research studies, clinics, and health websites to screen for ADHD. Some self-assessments are short and provide thoughtful results at the end of the test. Others are longer and require participation from important 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 tests and assessments however, the majority of them aren't scientifically validated or standardized. It is not recommended to use these assessments without consulting a healthcare professional, as they could lead to inaccurate diagnoses. It can also lead to unnecessary referrals for ADHD assessments for people who are not likely to be suffering. This can waste healthcare funds and cause distress to the person referred, and cause 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). The ASRS is a 6-item test that examines the experiences of adults with the most common ADHD symptoms. A score of more than 4 on this test indicates that the person could require further analysis by a physician.
Other more comprehensive self-assessments include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. Both of these scales have been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy and have moderate sensitivity and specificity. It is important to remember that neither of these tests can replace a thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are different from men's and this is the reason why some of the self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific challenges. These women-specific tools can be a useful way to help people understand if they should seek an expert diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the primary medical doctor will refer the patient to an ADHD specialist neurologist or psychiatrist. A specialist will usually talk to the patient to determine how symptoms affect daily functioning. The doctor may ask the patient to 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 may also look at other disorders that could be akin to ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
When assessing adults, it is more important to consider the functional impairment of the adult rather than the amount or severity of symptoms. Individuals with ADHD have difficulty meeting expectations at school, work, and in relationships. It's usually recommended to communicate the facts with those who supervise you at work, your teachers at school, and your family members to ensure they can get a complete picture of your everyday struggles. Patients can feel ashamed to discuss such concerns, but it's important to do so to receive the assistance you need.
Generally, a psychiatrist or neurologist who is specialized in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient. They will likely utilize an assessment tool for symptoms from the DSM-5 that is geared toward diagnosing children. adhd assessment adult will also ask about the patient's social emotional and mental health history, and how their ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. A lot of doctors consult with the patient's spouse and other close friends about their experiences with the patient's behavior and if they notice any signs of ADHD. This kind of personal perspective can provide details that are not accessible through questionnaires or ratings.
A psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavioral treatment can diagnose ADHD in some cases. A psychologist is not authorized to prescribe medication. This is usually handled by a neurologist or psychiatrist. A therapist who is specially trained in treating ADHD can teach the patient skills that might help manage symptoms, including managing money and time, as well as methods for organizing. These therapies are offered in person or via telemental health services, like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults must include an interview to diagnose the condition as well as information from other sources like the spouse or a close relative. The doctor may request to have the patient complete one or more of the standardized ADHD ratings scales. These questionnaires are based on research and compare the behavior of people with ADHD against those who are not. They can help determine whether there is a problem. Depending on the circumstances, some clinical psychologists may also conduct cognitive tests to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD or other issues such as a learning impairment or anxiety disorder.
The doctor will also assess how the symptoms interfere with the patient's everyday functioning at school, work or in relationships. For instance, a patient may have difficulty keeping the track of appointments and bills or organizing their thoughts and belongings. A lot of adult patients suffer from low self-esteem, resentment and low self-esteem as a result of a pattern of chronic academic failure, job losses and relationship conflicts. A mental health professional might recommend individual therapy or a program that can aid the patient cope with and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that a medical issue like thyroid issues or seizures, that are contributing to the ADHD symptoms then he will conduct an examination. He will inquire about any medical issues that have occurred in the past and whether the patient has been injured or had an accident. A thorough history will allow the doctor to determine whether someone has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological issues, like anxiety or depression.
Many adults have a shaky or shaky memory of their childhoods and might forget that they were diagnosed as ADHD children. To gain a more precise picture, the therapist will interview someone significant in the life of the patient like their spouse or family member or even their employer. This can help obtain an independent perspective of the person's behavior and to avoid the potential for bias in the evaluation.
A complete ADHD evaluation should also include a psychological or neuropsychological assessment. These tests evaluate the person's working memory and intelligence, among other cognitive abilities. The clinician will use the results of these tests to determine if ADHD is contributing to the person's difficulties in learning working, coping or even coping.
Support
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD struggle to perform at school or at work. They may have problems keeping track of daily tasks, arranging their belongings and retaining important information. They may also have difficulties in their relationships or have difficulty to keep appointments.
Talking with your primary care physician is the first step towards receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They will be able to offer recommendations for referrals or refer an expert in mental health for an assessment. 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 is able to meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. There are many different rating scales which include the Barkley Adult ADHD Scales and Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report (CAARS). A mental health professional may also utilize cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales in order to assess the executive functioning abilities of an adult spatial and visual skills, and working memory.
If the mental health professional determines an individual has ADHD, he or she will discuss possible treatment options with the patient. There are many strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, including treatment, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Many people with ADHD report improved functioning by taking psychostimulants, stimulant medicines that increase alertness and focus. Some adults also benefit from non-stimulant medications which reduce depression or anxiety and also from therapy that includes coaching and mindfulness techniques.
It can be a challenging and stressful encounter to receive the diagnosis of ADHD. However with the right help and guidance, those suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms and live a full life. The key is to be open with your health care provider and not repress your feelings because of shame or fear of being judged. It is also beneficial to inform co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. If they are aware of your struggles, they may be more understanding and offer the appropriate accommodations, such as extra time for assignments.