How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is through a professional ADHD assessment. Self-assessment tools can be helpful, but they cannot substitute for a consultation and assessment by a qualified professional.
A proper ADHD assessment should look for other mental health issues that could be present alongside or mimic symptoms of ADHD and also take into account whether your symptoms began before 12 years old. The process could also include additional psychological or neuropsychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment instrument is a tool that examines specific symptoms or traits. These tools are used by clinics, research studies and health websites to check for ADHD. Some self-assessments are quick and provide clear results at the end of the test. Others are longer and require participation from other significant people in the life of the person. These tests can help determine whether or not the individual might want to take an assessment for ADHD.
There are a variety of online ADHD assessments and screening questionnaires however, the majority of them aren't scientifically validated or standardized. It is not recommended to use these assessments without the help of an experienced healthcare professional as they could lead to incorrect diagnosis. It could also lead to unnecessary specialist referrals for ADHD tests of those who are not likely to suffer from the disorder. This can waste healthcare resources, cause stress for the individual referred, and result in long wait for an in-depth assessment.
The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD have developed a brief survey referred to as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS). The ASRS is a 6-item questionnaire that focuses on the experiences of adults with the most typical symptoms of ADHD. This screener is useful for to determine if a person requires an additional clinical examination.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. Both of these scales have been proven to have high diagnostic accuracy as well as moderate sensitivity and specificity. It is important to keep in mind that none of these tests can substitute for a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are different from men's and that's why certain self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific problems. These women-specific tools can be an effective way to help people understand if they may want to seek a professional diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In many instances, the primary care physician will refer the patient to an ADHD specialist neurologist or psychiatrist. In most cases, a specialist will have to interview the patient to determine how his or her symptoms interfere with daily functioning. The physician will request the patient to fill out the symptom list or rating scale. They will also look over the patient's medical and psychiatric experiences from childhood until the present. The doctor may also inquire whether other disorders that resemble ADHD could be contributing to the patient's symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
When looking at adults, it's more important to consider the extent of functional impairment rather than the number of symptoms or the severity. People with ADHD have difficulty meeting expectations at work, school as well as in 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 to ensure they have a full picture of the challenges you face daily. It can be difficult for patients to discuss such problems. But, it's crucial to share the information to get the help they need.
Typically, a psychiatrist or neurologist who is specialized in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient and likely employ an assessment tool for symptoms from the DSM-5 that is geared toward diagnosing children. The clinician will ask about the patient's emotional, psychiatric and social history and also how ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. A lot of doctors will also inquire about the patient's partner or other close family members about their observations and whether they have noticed any signs of ADHD. This personal insight can reveal information that is not available through surveys or ratings.
A psychologist trained in cognitive behavioral therapy can diagnose ADHD in certain instances. However, a psychologist does not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is typically given by a psychiatrist or neurologists. A therapist specially trained to treat ADHD can help the patient learn techniques that can help manage symptoms, for example, time and money management and methods for organizing. These therapies are offered in person and via remote mental services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults should comprise a diagnostic interview and information from outside sources, like the person's spouse or close family member. The doctor may request to see the person fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD ratings scales. These questionnaires use research to compare the behaviors of people with ADHD to those of people without it and assist in determining if there is a problem. Based on the situation, some clinical psychologists may also administer cognitive tests to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD or other issues such as a learning impairment or anxiety disorder.
iampsychiatry.uk will also assess the person's symptoms and how they impact their daily life at work, in school or in relationships. For example, the patient might be struggling to keep the track of appointments and bills or organizing their thoughts and belongings. Additionally many adults suffer from low self-esteem and resentment toward the repeated patterns of academic failure, job loss and relationship conflict. A mental health professional may suggest individual therapy or a program to help the patient learn to manage and cope with their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical issue such as thyroid problems or seizures, that are responsible for the ADHD symptoms the doctor will conduct an exam. The doctor will inquire about prior health issues, and also if the patient has been injured or suffered an accident. A thorough medical history will allow the doctor to determine whether a person has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric and neurological issues, like depression or anxiety.
Many adults have weak or hazy memories of their childhood and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. In order to get a more accurate image, the psychologist will interview someone significant in the life of the person like their spouse or a family member or even their employer. This is a good way to get a more objective view of the person and to avoid bias.
A thorough ADHD evaluation should also include a neuropsychological or a psychological 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 whether ADHD is causing the person's difficulty in learning, working or being able to cope.
Support
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD frequently struggle to perform well at work or in school. They may struggle to keep track of their daily activities and organizing their belongings and remembering important information. They also might experience difficulties in their relationships or find it difficult to keep appointments and make them.
Contacting your primary care doctor is the first step towards getting an ADHD diagnosis. The doctor can provide suggestions for referrals or recommend mental health professionals for an evaluation. Certain psychiatrists, graduate psychology programs and private therapists have specialized training in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the examination, the mental health professional will utilize the standardised ratings scales used for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult is meeting the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. There are many different scales for rating, including the Barkley Adult ADHD Scales and Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report (CAARS). In addition to these ratings scales, mental health professionals generally employ cognitive tests to assess the working memory of an adult, executive functioning abilities and spatial and visual skills.
If a mental health professional determines an individual suffers from ADHD the professional will then discuss the treatment options with the patient. There are a variety of ways to deal with ADHD symptoms that include medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Many adults suffering from ADHD report improved functioning with the help of psychostimulants, stimulant medicines that increase alertness and focus. Certain adults also benefit from non-stimulant medications that reduce anxiety or depression and also from therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult and stressful, but with the right support those suffering from the disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and live life that is fulfilling. The key is to remain open with your health care provider and not hold back because of fear or shame of judgment. You can also tell your teachers and coworkers about ADHD. If they are aware of your challenges, they might be more understanding and provide accommodation such as extra time for homework.