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ADHD Assessments For Adults A proper diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood requires more than self-tests and rating scales. The most important element in determining ADHD in adults is a medical interview conducted by an expert in mental health who has expertise in ADHD evaluations. A visit to the doctor can last up to an hour or more. We encourage our patients to fill out questionnaires and speak with those they had contact with as children. Diagnosing ADHD If you or someone you know is concerned about ADHD symptoms, ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a health professional who is able to perform an assessment. Most insurance plans will list specialists according to their specialties, and can help you locate a qualified person. You can also ask family and friends for suggestions. They can also contact a local university-based hospital or medical school to assist in finding an expert. Some community-based organizations, such as support groups may provide lists of professionals who are qualified as well. Typically the first step in an ADHD assessment involves a clinical interview with a professional who is trained. The evaluator will inquire about your history during a face-to-face interview or through a questionnaire. The examiner wants to know about your past and particularly your childhood. They will assess your education, work experience and relationships. They will ask what your symptoms impact your daily routine. For instance that you are having trouble making appointments, paying your bills on time, or completing homework and school assignments. They may ask for old reports or progress records to determine if there is a pattern of behavior. The evaluator will also probably employ one or more standard behavior rating scales to evaluate your current symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These assessments are based on research that compared people suffering from ADHD with those who don't. They aren't considered diagnostic in their own right, but they are essential to an overall ADHD assessment. Most clinicians will ask the individual being evaluated and their spouse to complete these scores. It is crucial to be open about your symptoms, especially how they affect your daily activities. adhd uk adults may feel embarrassed to bring up these problems or worry that the person evaluating you will think you're crazy. But it is essential that the examiner gets an accurate picture of how you're functioning to be able to make a diagnosis. To be eligible for a diagnosis of ADHD to be made the symptoms must be so severe that they interfere with two main areas of functioning in your life—work, school or at home. This is a different standard than children, in which symptoms must be “difficult to control.” Adults are often unable to recognize their own ADHD symptoms. This can cause to delay diagnosis and treatment. ADHD symptoms People suffering from ADHD have difficulty coping with symptoms. Symptoms may interfere with relationships, work, and school. They can cause people to feel guilty, angry or embarrassed, particularly when their behavior is misunderstood. For example, when an individual with inattention ADHD misses appointments or forgets important tasks, their family members and colleagues might think they're not concerned. Additionally, some individuals with ADHD are unable to complete tasks that require a sustained mental effort, like reading or writing a report. It's important for health care providers to determine the severity of a person's illness and how they impact the person's life. A comprehensive evaluation usually includes a review of the person's medical history, a physical examination and a psychiatric or psychological assessment. It also may include a look at the person's performance in a variety of situations, like at home and at work or school. A diagnosis of ADHD could be by the presence or absence of certain symptoms such as hyperactivity, inattention and/or the tendency to be impulsive. A person with a mild form of ADHD might experience only some of these symptoms. In moderate cases, the person may experience many more symptoms. Extreme cases of ADHD may cause more severe problems like problems at work or school. Researchers believe there's a genetic component to most cases of ADHD however, they don't know what causes it. Brain signals that aren't working at key developmental points are believed to play a part. Certain factors, like lead exposure during pregnancy or traumatizing events during childhood, can increase the risk of developing ADHD. There are many different types of ADHD. The most popular is the inattention type, which affects both adults and children. This type of ADHD is characterized by a lack of concentration and a tendency to miss directions, or lose the flow of conversations. They are prone to think about their daydreams and have trouble focusing to finish schoolwork, homework or other assignments. This subtype can be mistakenly diagnosed as their behavior could be blamed on laziness or inattention. A few types of medications are prescribed to treat ADHD however, the majority of doctors prefer psychotherapy (the technical term for mental health therapy) and accommodations, which are tools or changes in the environment that enable someone with a disability to live up to their potential. Accommodations include larger workspaces and task reminder systems. Diagnosing Adults with ADHD Adults who struggle to maintain relationships, keep their jobs or keep their jobs in order can benefit from an ADHD evaluation. If you're not sure where to begin consult your primary care physician for a referral or contact an area hospital that is affiliated with a university or medical school in your area to get suggestions. Most insurance plans include lists of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. During the examination an expert in mental health will evaluate your symptoms and issues, and take into consideration any history of ADHD as a child, and any stressors at work, home, or within your family that could affect your attention issues. In addition to physical examination and a thorough medical background, the assessment may include standardized rating scales that compare your behavior to that of those who don't have ADHD. The psychiatrist or psychologist will also discuss your past and current treatment options. In the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, a diagnosis of ADHD requires that your inattentive and/or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms occur often and are so troublesome that they interfere with your life functioning. The symptoms must be present for at minimum six months before you can be diagnosed of adult ADHD. Undiagnosed ADHD can make adults feel that they'll never able to get their lives back in order. They may even think that the issues they're facing are due to a character flaw or weakness. A diagnosis of ADHD can give you an uplifting feeling of relief and hope for the first time, reminding you that the struggles are not your fault and that you haven't failed due to poor study practices or being “bad at follow-through.” Many adults suffering from ADHD find relief through psychotherapy (the technical term used to describe mental health therapy) and lifestyle adjustments, such as daily planners, calendars, and apps for smartphones that help them remember important dates and appointments, adhere to schedules and organize their lives. They can also work with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers to create adjustments at work or at school that will increase their performance and decrease distractions. These tools are similar to the step stool that helps a person who is not tall enough to reach the shelves. Adult ADHD Treatments Treatments for adults with ADHD are often holistic and customizable. The goal is to maximize symptom control. Most people with ADHD get the greatest results when they combine a mix of therapy, medication lifestyle changes, and strategies for coping. It takes time to determine what works best for you. Your GP will ask you to explain your symptoms. Your GP may refer you to an expert clinic for ADHD. You can do some research on ADHD prior to your appointment to help you determine the best treatment for you. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of counseling that helps adults improve their attention and concentration. It helps them manage negative thoughts and self talk, which are common among people suffering from ADHD. Marriage or family therapy can teach people suffering from ADHD how to communicate and support one another. Other forms of psychotherapy that can be helpful include learning to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and working with a coach to improve your organizational skills. Coaching can also be beneficial to help you manage mood swings or anxiety which are common among those with ADHD. Certain medications, like methylphenidate, or Ritalin can be beneficial for those suffering from ADHD. They help to calm down the brain and help to focus. However, it is important to consult your doctor about the benefits and pros of taking a medication as it is not for everyone. Your therapist may also suggest adjustments to aid your performance at school or at work. Accommodations are the tools or modifications to your environment that enable you to take part in the same way as other people. For instance the use of a step stool could help someone with a shorter height attain the same height as taller people. The best way to accommodate this is to set an office space with a minimum of distractions or using an application that reminds you to take your medication. People suffering from ADHD have lower self-esteem and are more prone to substance abuse disorders. They are more likely to experience anxiety or depression, and they might struggle to maintain relationships or finding a job. This makes it more important to be diagnosed and manage ADHD as soon as you can.