How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to receive an accurate diagnosis is through a professional ADHD assessment. Self-assessment tools can be useful, but they can't replace a consultation and evaluation with an experienced expert.
A proper ADHD evaluation should be able to identify other mental health issues that can be present alongside or mimic symptoms of ADHD and also take into account whether your symptoms started before age 12. Additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing could be required.
Self-Assessment Tools
Self-assessment is a form of assessment which examines specific signs and traits. These tools are often employed in research studies, in clinics and by health websites to assist people screen for ADHD. Some self-assessments are short and provide a thoughtful report at the end of the test. Others are more extensive and require participation from significant people in a person's life. Get the facts can help determine whether or not a person may want to consider getting an assessment for ADHD.
There are a variety of online ADHD screening questionnaires and assessments, but the majority of them haven't been tested or standardised. It is not advised to use these tests without the help of an experienced healthcare professional as they could lead to incorrect diagnosis. It can also lead to unnecessary referrals of ADHD assessments for individuals who are unlikely sufferers. This can waste healthcare funds and cause distress for the person who is referred to, and lead to long waiting time 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 questionnaire of six items that examines adults' experiences with the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. This screening tool is helpful in determining if an individual needs an additional clinical examination.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. These scales are both highly accurate in terms of diagnosis and have a moderate degree of specificity and sensitivity. It is important to keep in mind that neither of these tests can replace a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms differ slightly from those experienced by males and that's why a number of the self-assessments available are specifically designed for women with behavioural challenges. These women-specific tools can be an effective way to help individuals understand whether or not they may want to seek a professional diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In most instances, the first step in determining the severity of the problem is to speak with an primary care physician who might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or neurologist specializing in ADHD. Typically, a specialist will have to interview the patient to determine if their symptoms interfere in daily activities. The doctor will request the patient to fill out the symptom list or rating scale. They will also look over the patient's medical and mental health histories from childhood until the present. The doctor might also think about whether other disorders that resemble ADHD might be causing the patient's symptoms, including depression and anxiety.
When assessing adults, it's more important to look at the functional impairment of the adult, rather than the severity or number of symptoms. People with ADHD frequently have difficulty meeting work, school and expectations of relationships. It's an excellent idea to discuss the facts with those who supervise you at work, your teachers at school, and your family members so that they can get a complete picture of your everyday struggles. It isn't easy for patients to talk about these issues. But, it's essential to do this to receive the assistance they need.
Typically, an neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD will begin by interviewing the patient and will likely use an assessment tool for symptoms from the DSM-5 which is designed for diagnosing children. The clinician will also ask about the person's social emotional and psychiatric background, as well as how his or her ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. Many doctors also like to inquire about the patient's spouse or other close friends about their perceptions of the person's behavior and whether they see any symptoms of ADHD. This type of personal insight can reveal information that isn't available through surveys or ratings.
A psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavioral treatment can diagnose ADHD in certain cases. However psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is usually given by a psychiatrist or neurologists. A therapist who is trained in treating ADHD can help the patient learn techniques that can help manage symptoms, for example, managing time and money and methods for organizing. These therapies are available in person or through online mental health services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults should include an interview to diagnose the condition as well as information from sources outside of the clinic, such as a spouse or close relative. The clinician may ask the person to complete one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires use research to compare the behaviors of people who suffer from ADHD to those of people who don't have it and help determine whether there is an issue. Some clinical psychologists will also administer cognitive tests in order to determine if someone has ADHD or other problems such as an anxiety disorder or a learning disorder.
The physician will also consider the extent to which the symptoms affect the patient's everyday functioning at work, school or in relationships. Patients may have difficulty keeping the track of appointments, bills or arrange thoughts and possessions. Additionally many adults suffer from low self-esteem and resentment over the repeated patterns of academic failure, job loss and relationship conflict. A mental health professional might suggest individual therapy or a program that helps the person learn how to manage and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that a medical issue such as thyroid problems or seizures, is contributing to the ADHD symptoms then he will conduct an examination. He will ask about any prior health issues, and also if the patient was injured or involved in an accident. A thorough history will allow the clinician to determine if a person has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Many adults have a weak or shaky memory of their childhoods and might forget that they were identified as ADHD children. The therapist will ask someone who is significant in the person's lives, such as a spouse, family member, or employer, to provide a more accurate assessment. This is a way to gain an impartial perspective of the person's behavior and also to avoid the potential for bias in the evaluation.
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation should also include a neuropsychological or a psychological assessment. These tests assess the person's working memory, intelligence and other cognitive capabilities. Get the facts will help the therapist determine if ADHD is a factor in the person's problems with working, learning or dealing with.
Support
Adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD often have difficulty performing well at work or at school. They may have trouble keeping track of their daily activities, organizing their belongings, and remembering important information. They may also experience issues in their relationships or have difficulty to make and keep appointments.
The first step in getting a diagnosis of ADHD is speaking with an primary care provider. The doctor can provide referral options or recommend a mental health professional for an evaluation. Some psychiatrists as well as graduate programs in psychology, and private therapists are trained in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the examination the mental health professional typically uses standardized rating scales for ADHD symptoms to determine whether an adult meets the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. There are a variety of ratings scales are available for use, including 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 typically utilize cognitive tests to evaluate the working memory of an adult as well as executive functioning abilities, spatial and visual abilities.
If the mental health professional concludes that a patient suffers from ADHD they will discuss possible treatment options with them. There are many methods to manage ADHD symptoms, including treatment, therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Many adults with ADHD have reported improved performance by taking psychostimulants, stimulant drugs which improve alertness and focus. Certain adults also benefit from non-stimulant medications that help reduce depression or anxiety and also from therapy that incorporates coaching and mindfulness techniques.
It can be a challenging and traumatic experience to be given a diagnosis for ADHD. However with the right help and guidance, those suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms, and live full lives. The most important thing is to be open with your healthcare provider and not hold back because of shame or fear of being judged. You can also tell your teachers and coworkers about ADHD. They may be more understanding if they are aware about your struggles and provide you with accommodations, like additional time to complete assignments.