How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is through a professional ADHD assessment. Self-assessment can be helpful but is not a substitute for a consult with a specialist.
An ADHD assessment should include a check to determine if you have other mental health issues that could be coexisting or resemble ADHD symptoms. You it is important to consider whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. The process may also include additional psychological or neuropsychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment is a questionnaire that focuses on particular symptoms and characteristics. These tools are often used in clinical studies, research studies, and by health websites to help people detect ADHD. Certain self-assessments are brief and provide thoughtful results at the end of the test, whereas others are more thorough and require participation from significant people in the person's life (such as family members or spouses). These tools can help determine whether or not the person may want to consider getting an assessment for ADHD.
There are a variety of online ADHD screening tests and questionnaires, but the majority of them haven't been validated or standardised. Utilizing these tests without the assistance of a health professional is not advised as it can lead to inaccurate diagnoses. It could also result in unnecessary referrals to specialists for ADHD assessments of individuals who are not likely to suffer from the disorder. This could waste healthcare dollars and cause distress for the person who is referred to, and cause long waiting times for an in depth interview.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD created a short survey called the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale Screener. The ASRS is a 6-item test that examines the experiences of adults suffering from the most prevalent ADHD symptoms. A score of 4 or higher on this screener means that an individual would benefit from further clinical analysis by a clinician.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners abbreviated symptom survey and the CBCLAP. These scales are both extremely accurate in terms of diagnosis and have a moderate level of specificity and sensitivity. It is important to keep in mind that neither of these tests can replace a thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms differ slightly than the experiences of men This is the reason why many of the self-assessments that are available have been designed specifically for women's issues with behavior. These tools for women can help users decide if they'd like to get an expert ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the primary medical doctor will refer the patient to an ADHD-specialist psychiatrist or neurologist. A specialist will typically interview the patient to determine how symptoms impact daily functioning. The clinician will ask the patient to complete the symptom list or rating scale. They will also review the patient's medical and psychiatric history from childhood to the present. The doctor may also inquire whether other disorders that resemble ADHD might be contributing to the patient's symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
When assessing adults it is more important to consider the functional impairment of the adult than the number or severity of symptoms. People with ADHD aren't able to meet their expectations at work, school, and in relationships. It's usually a good idea to share the facts with people who supervise you at work, teachers at school and family members so that they can get a complete picture of your daily difficulties. Patients may be embarrassed to bring up such concerns, but it's important to do so to get the help you need.
Generally, the psychiatrist or neurologist who is specialized in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient. They likely employ a checklist of symptoms from the DSM-5 that is geared toward diagnosing children. The doctor will also inquire about the person's social, emotional and psychiatric history, and the extent to which ADHD symptoms interfere with everyday functioning. Many doctors also 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 insight can reveal information that is not accessible through questionnaires or ratings.
In certain instances, a psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavior therapy can provide an ADHD diagnosis. However psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is typically given by a psychiatrist or neurologists. A therapist with special training in ADHD can assist the patient to learn how to manage symptoms. These include time and money management, organizational strategies and time management. These therapies are available in person or through telemental health services, such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough assessment for ADHD for adults should comprise an interview for diagnosis and data from outside sources, such as the person's spouse or close family member. The physician might ask the patient to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires are based on research to assess the behaviors of those with ADHD to those of people who don't 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 problems like a learning disability or anxiety disorder.
The physician will also look at the patient's symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning in school, at work or in relationships. For example, the patient might have trouble keeping track of bills and appointments or arranging their belongings and thoughts. In addition many adults suffer from low self-esteem and resentment over persistent patterns of academic failure or job loss, as well as relationship conflict. A mental health professional could recommend individual talk therapy, or a program to help the person cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical condition like thyroid issues or seizures, is responsible for the ADHD symptoms then he will conduct an exam. adhd assessment in adults will ask about any previous health issues and if the patient has been injured or suffered an accident. A thorough history will aid the physician in determining whether the patient has been diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other neurological or psychiatric problems such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Many adults have shaky or blurry memories of their childhood, and they may not remember that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The therapist will seek out someone who is important in the life of the patient like a spouse, a family member or even an employer, to provide a more accurate assessment. This is a way to obtain an independent assessment of the behavior of the individual and also to avoid the potential for a bias in the evaluation.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment should include a neuropsychological or psychological test. 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 causing the person's difficulty learning working, or being able to cope.
Support
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to perform at work or school. They may have difficulties keeping track of daily tasks, organizing their belongings and retaining important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or find it difficult to schedule and keep appointments.
Talking with your primary care physician is the first step in getting an ADHD diagnosis. The doctor will be able to offer referral options or recommend a mental health professional for an assessment. Certain psychiatrists, graduate programs in psychology, and private therapists are trained to perform the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the evaluation, a mental health professional will employ the standardised ratings scales used for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult is meeting the diagnostic criteria for the condition. There are a variety of different scales for rating which include the Barkley Adult ADHD Scales and Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report (CAARS). In addition to these ratings scales a mental health professional will typically use cognitive tests to examine the working memory of an adult as well as executive functioning abilities, spatial and visual skills.
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 a variety of strategies for managing ADHD symptoms, including treatment, therapy and lifestyle changes. Many people with ADHD report improved functioning with the help of psychostimulants, stimulant medicines that increase alertness and focus. Many adults also benefit from non-stimulant medications that help reduce depression or anxiety and also from therapy that incorporates mindfulness and coaching techniques.
The diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging and upsetting, but with the right help, people living with the condition can be taught to manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives. The key is to remain honest with your health care provider and not hold back because of fear or shame of being judged. It is also beneficial to inform your supervisors, colleagues and teachers that you have ADHD. If they are aware of your challenges, they might be more understanding and provide accommodation such as additional time for homework.