How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
A professional ADHD assessment is the most effective method to receive a precise diagnosis. Using self-assessment tools can be useful, but they can't substitute a consultation and evaluation by a qualified professional.
An ADHD assessment should include a look to see if you have other mental health conditions that could coexist or resemble ADHD symptoms, and it is important to consider whether your symptoms began before the age of 12. Additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required.
Self-Assessment Tools
Self-assessment is a form of assessment that examines particular symptoms and characteristics. These tools are utilized by clinics, research studies and health websites to check for ADHD. Some self-assessments are short and provide thoughtful results at the end of the test. Some are longer and require participation from important people in a person's life. These tools can be used to determine if a person should consider getting an ADHD assessment.
There are numerous online ADHD assessments and screening questionnaires, but most of them aren't scientifically verified or standardized. It is not advised to use these tests without the help of a healthcare professional, as they could lead to incorrect diagnoses. It can also lead to unneeded referrals of ADHD tests for those who aren't likely to suffer. This could waste healthcare dollars and cause stress to the person referred, and cause long waiting times 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 six-item questionnaire that examines the experiences of adults suffering from the most common ADHD symptoms. This screening tool is helpful in to determine if a person requires more clinical analysis.
Other self-assessments that are more comprehensive include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. Both of these scales have been found to have high diagnostic accuracy and moderate specificity and sensitivity. However, it is important to remember that any of these tests cannot replace the need for a thorough medical assessment by a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are slightly different from those of men and that's why some self-assessments are designed for women with specific problems. These tools for women can assist people decide if they would like to seek out an expert ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In most instances, the first step to be diagnosed is to talk with the primary care physician, who could refer the patient to a psychiatrist or a neurologist who specializes in ADHD. A specialist will typically interview the patient to determine how their symptoms affect daily functioning. The physician may ask the patient complete the symptom checklist or rating scale, and also will likely review the medical and psychiatric history of the patient from childhood to the present. The doctor will also examine other disorders that may mimic ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.
When assessing adults, it is more important to consider the functional impairment of the adult, rather than the number or severity of symptoms. People suffering from ADHD aren't able to meet their expectations at school, work and in relationships. It's recommended to inform your bosses at work and your school teachers and your loved ones about the difficulties you have to deal with every day. Patients can feel embarrassed to bring up such concerns, but it's important to speak up in order to get the help you need.
I Am Psychiatry UK or neurologist who is specialized in ADHD may begin by interviewing the child, and then using the DSM-5 symptom checklist that is specifically designed to identify children. The clinician will also ask about the patient's personal emotional and psychiatric history, and how their ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. Many doctors will also ask the patient's partner or close family members about their observations and if they observe any signs of ADHD. These personal observations can reveal information that cannot be gleaned from ratings or questionnaires.
A psychologist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy can diagnose ADHD in some cases. However, a psychologist does not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is typically provided by a psychiatrist or neurologists. A therapist with special training in ADHD can assist the patient to learn skills to manage symptoms. These include time and money management, organizational strategies, and time management. These therapies are offered in person and through the internet, such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation for ADHD in adults should consist of a diagnostic interview and information from other sources, like the person's spouse or close family member. The physician may ask the person to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires use research to examine the behavior of people with ADHD to those of people who don't have it and assist in determining if there is any issue. Depending on the circumstances certain clinical psychologists might also administer cognitive tests to aid in diagnosing ADHD or other problems 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, school or in relationships. Patients may be unable to keep on top of appointments, bills or organize thoughts and possessions. Many adult patients also have low self-esteem, resentment and low self-esteem because of a pattern of chronic academic failure, job loss and relationships conflicts. A mental health professional may suggest individual therapy, or a program designed to aid the patient cope with and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the clinician suspects an illness like thyroid issues or seizures, that are responsible for the ADHD symptoms then he will conduct an examination. He will also ask the patient about any previous health problems and whether they've had any accidents or injuries. A thorough medical history can help the clinician determine whether the patient has been diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other neurological or psychiatric issues such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Many adults have poor or spotty memories of their childhood, and they may not remember that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The doctor will ask someone who is important in the life of the patient, such as a spouse, a family member or even an employer, to provide a more precise assessment. This is a great method of gaining an impartial view of the person and avoid bias.
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation should include a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests evaluate the person's working memory, intelligence and other cognitive abilities. These tests will help the therapist determine whether ADHD contributes to the person's problems with working, learning or managing.
Support
Adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD frequently struggle to perform well at work or at school. They may have problems keeping track of their daily tasks, arranging their belongings, and remembering important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or find it difficult to schedule and keep appointments.
Contacting your primary care provider is the first step towards getting an ADHD diagnosis. The doctor can provide referral options or recommend mental health professionals to conduct an evaluation. Certain psychiatrists, graduate psychology programs and private therapists have specialized training in the evaluation of the psychological aspects of ADHD.
During the evaluation, a mental health professional will employ standardized ratings scales for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult is meeting the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. There are a variety of ratings scales are available and include 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 a mental health professional will generally use cognitive tests to examine an adult's working memory ability, executive functioning capabilities and spatial and visual abilities.
If the mental health professional determines that a patient suffers from ADHD, they will discuss possible treatment options with them. There are many ways to treat ADHD symptoms, such as therapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Many adults with ADHD have reported improved functioning when they take stimulant medication which improve concentration and alertness. Certain adults also benefit from non-stimulant drugs which reduce depression or anxiety as well as therapy that incorporates mindfulness and coaching techniques.
It can be a challenging and upsetting experience to receive the diagnosis of ADHD. However with the right help and guidance, those suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms, and lead fulfilling lives. The key is to be honest with your healthcare provider and not repress your feelings because of fear or shame of judgment. It is also beneficial to inform co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. If they know about your struggles, they may be more understanding and provide accommodation such as extra time for assignments.