How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
A professional ADHD assessment is the best method to get an accurate diagnosis. Self-assessment can be helpful but is not a substitute for a consult with a specialist.
An ADHD assessment should include a review to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that could be coexisting or resemble ADHD symptoms, and you should also be aware if your symptoms started before the age of 12. The process may also include additional neuropsychological or psychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment tool is a questionnaire that analyzes certain traits or symptoms. These tools are often used in clinical studies, research studies and on health websites to help patients detect ADHD. Some self-assessments are quick and provide a thoughtful report at the end of the test. Some are longer and require participation from other significant people in the life of the person. These tests can be used to determine if someone should take the time to get an ADHD assessment.
There are many online ADHD screening and assessment questionnaires However, they aren't scientifically verified or standardized. Making adhd assessments for adults of these tests without the guidance of a health professional is not recommended since they can lead to incorrect diagnoses. It could also result in unnecessary referrals to specialists for ADHD assessments of individuals who are unlikely to have the disorder. This can be a waste of healthcare resources, cause distress for the person being referred and lead to long waiting times for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD have created a short questionnaire known 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 test is useful in the determination of whether an individual requires further clinical analysis.
Other self-assessments that are more extensive include the Conners abbreviated symptom questionnaire and the CBCLAP. These scales are both highly accurate in terms of diagnosis and offer a moderate level of sensitivity and specificity. However it is essential to keep in mind that any of these tests cannot replace the need for a thorough medical assessment by a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's ADHD symptoms differ slightly from those of men and that's why some self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific problems. These tools for women can help people decide if they'd like to seek a professional ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many instances the primary doctor of care will refer the patient to an ADHD-specialist psychiatrist or neurologist. A specialist will usually interview the patient to determine how the symptoms affect their daily life. The doctor will ask the patient to complete a symptom list or behavior rating scale. They will also look over the patient's medical and psychiatric histories from childhood until the present. The clinician will also consider other disorders that might be similar to ADHD like anxiety and depression.
When assessing adults, it's more important to look at the degree of impairment rather than the number of symptoms or the severity. People with ADHD often have trouble meeting work, school and expectations of relationships. It's an ideal idea to tell your supervisors at work and your school teachers, and your family about the challenges you have to face every day. Patients may be uncomfortable bringing up these issues, but it's critical to do so in order to receive the assistance you require.
Generally, the psychiatrist or neurologist who is specialized in ADHD will start by talking to the patient and will likely use a checklist of symptoms from the DSM-5 which is designed for diagnosing children. The doctor will inquire about the patient's psychiatric, emotional and social history, as well how ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. A lot of doctors will also inquire about the patient's partner or other close family members about their observations and if they notice any indications of ADHD. These personal observations can reveal information that cannot be gleaned from ratings or questionnaires.
A psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy can diagnose ADHD in some cases. A psychologist is not licensed to prescribe medication. This is usually handled by a psychiatrist or neurologist. A therapist who is trained in treating ADHD can teach the patient strategies to manage symptoms, including time and money management and organizational strategies. These treatments are available in person or via remote mental services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults should consist of an interview for diagnosis and data from outside sources, like the person's spouse or close family member. The doctor might ask the patient to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires are based on research and compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD to those who are not. They can help determine whether there is a problem. Depending on the circumstances the psychologist may also administer cognitive tests to help diagnose ADHD or other problems like a learning disability or anxiety disorder.
The doctor will also assess how the symptoms impact the patient's everyday functioning at work, school, or in relationships. Patients may find it difficult to keep on top of appointments, bills, or organize thoughts and belongings. Many adult patients also suffer from low self-esteem, resentment or low self-esteem as a result of the pattern of constant academic failure, job losses and conflicts in relationships. A mental health professional might recommend individual therapy or a program that helps the patient to manage and cope with their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical issue like seizures or thyroid issues is the cause of ADHD symptoms, they'll conduct an exam. The doctor will inquire about medical issues that have occurred in the past and whether the patient has been injured or had an accident. A thorough medical history will allow the clinician to determine if a person has been diagnosed with ADHD or other psychiatric and neurological issues, like depression or anxiety.
Many adults have shaky or blurry memories of their childhood and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The therapist will seek out someone who is important to the life of the patient such as a spouse, family member or an employer to provide a more accurate assessment. This is an effective method of gaining an objective view of the person and to avoid bias.
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation should also include a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests measure the person's working memory, intelligence and other cognitive abilities. These tests can help the clinician determine if ADHD contributes to the person's difficulties with learning, working, or dealing with.
Support
adhd assessment adult who have not been diagnosed with ADHD struggle to perform at school or at work. They may struggle to keep on top of their daily tasks as well as organizing their personal belongings and remembering important information. They may also have difficulties in their relationships or find it difficult to keep appointments.
The first step in getting a diagnosis of ADHD is talking to the primary care physician. He or she can provide suggestions for referrals or suggest an expert in mental health for an assessment. Certain psychiatrists as well as graduate programs in psychology, and private therapy professionals are trained in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
In the course of the evaluation of the mental health professional, they will usually use standardized scales of rating for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult is able to meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. A variety of different ratings scales are available, including the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales and the Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report (CAARS). A mental health professional could also use cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales in order to assess the executive functioning abilities of an adult spatial and visual abilities and working memory.
If the mental health professional determines that an individual has ADHD, he or she will discuss possible treatment options with the patient. There are a variety of strategies to treat ADHD symptoms, such as medication, therapy and lifestyle modifications. Many people with ADHD have reported improved performance following the use of stimulant drugs which improve alertness and concentration. Some adults may also benefit from nonstimulant medicines to help reduce depression or anxiety and also therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
It can be a challenging and upsetting 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 a full life. The key is to remain open with your healthcare provider and not be afraid to speak up because of fear or shame of judgment. You can also tell your co-workers and teachers about ADHD. If they are aware of your struggles, they may be more understanding and provide the appropriate accommodations, such as extra time for assignments.