Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
Many adults suffering from ADHD have a difficult finding a way to diagnose. Doctors must be able to determine if symptoms are present now, and if they have been present at different times throughout the course of their lives (technically prior to age 12).
A thorough assessment usually requires more than one person. It is usually beneficial to include coworkers, family members and teachers.
Self-Assessment Tool
The most popular self-assessment tool for adults with ADHD is the Adult ADHD Symptom Self-Report Scale. It is accessible online and can be completed by adults at home. This tool asks a series of questions about symptoms that are typically encountered by people suffering from ADHD. It could be a helpful first step to determine whether or not to seek out further evaluation from a healthcare professional.
Other adult symptom inventories include the BADDS42 as well as the AD/HD Symptom Inventory for Adults (AD/HD-IS), and the CAARS44. The BADDS is a 40-item test that provides context for ADHD symptoms in real-life scenarios, is a 40 item measure. It can be administered as a self-report or as an instrument rated by observers. It also includes useful supplemental factors in addition to DSM-5 scales. Age-based norms are also provided.
These symptom inventories can aid in diagnosing the problem by providing a broader range of information than a clinical interview alone, but they are limited by their low predictive power. This means that they are able to over-identify possible ADHD cases. This is because many of the symptoms that these tools look for are present in healthy people and aren't exclusive to ADHD.
Another challenge is that a diagnosis of ADHD must be based on the existence of symptoms that are present over time and in various environments. This requires a deeper assessment of performance under various angles, and consideration of comorbidities like addiction or depression. These comorbidities often co-occur with ADHD and can affect the quality of life for those suffering from these conditions.
Despite their limitations, self assessment tools are still useful as an assessment tool that can alert an individual to the possibility that is experiencing an elevated level of ADHD symptoms. They should consider a medical evaluation. This is particularly relevant for those who are concerned that their symptoms may be affecting their daily life at the school, at work or in their family.
An interview with a clinical ADHD specialist can give an improved picture and provide a higher level of confidence in a diagnosis. They can draw from an array of data that can include the results of neuropsychological tests and other performance-based measures, as well as anecdotal evidence from a patient's daily life.
Diagnosis
Only a licensed mental health professional with the proper training to conduct such evaluations can diagnose adult ADHD. Self-tests online, such as self-tests or rating scales may help determine if your symptoms could be caused by ADHD however they cannot offer an exact diagnosis.
A professional ADHD evaluation involves a comprehensive interview, information from independent sources such as spouses or family members and psychometric tests that are standardized. The purpose of a thorough evaluation is to determine if the person's symptoms are severe enough to cause impairment in at least two areas of their lives. A person could be afflicted by being dismissed from a position, experiencing financial difficulties due to not paying their bills on time, or experiencing conflict and distress in relationships.
It is essential that patients talk about their symptoms honestly and openly during the interview. Most people who suffer from ADHD shy away because they are embarrassed by their difficulties or fear that others will judge them for having the disorder. It can be a challenge, but it is essential that an expert to have a complete picture of the person's life and the symptoms.
Structured diagnostic interviews are a viable option for evaluating adult ADHD and can help make the process less dependent on DSM-based symptom inventories which were designed for children, and don't always translate well to adults. Adult ADHD inventories and symptom checklists, executive function inventories and impairment/quality of life ratings are also useful for the evaluation process because they permit the doctor to monitor a patient's progress during treatment.
Ask your primary physician to recommend you to a local professional who is specialized in adult ADHD diagnosis. You can also seek an appointment through your insurance provider, or contact the hospital of a university or your local psychology association for help in locating a qualified professional. If adhd diagnosis for adults having trouble finding a specialist in your area, you can call an organization that provides consultations via video or telephone. These services are a cost-effective way to get the help you require right now.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may have difficulties at work, home and in their relationships. Inattention, disorganization, as well as the symptoms of impulsivity can affect self-esteem and social function leading to frustration and a feeling that things won't be the same again. It's important to find a specialist who is knowledgeable about diagnosing and treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Unlike children, adults must meet higher thresholds of symptoms to be diagnosed. Adults must show persistent, severe issues in various areas of their lives. It is also essential to gather a thorough medical history, since some illnesses have symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid disorders, seizures and issues with vision or hearing. Certain medications and medicines may also cause ADHD-like signs and symptoms.
Structured diagnostic interviews can aid clinicians in confirming that the symptoms they observe are ADHD and not a neurodevelopmental disorder or psychiatric issue. This could include questions about the patient's education, work and family history. The physician may also inquire about the past and present drug and alcohol abuse, as well as any other health issues, like a sleep disorder, hearing or vision problems or sleep disorders.
Other tests can be used in addition to the structured interviews. These include IQ tests and achievement tests, as in addition to various tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing. These tests don't diagnose ADHD however they can provide valuable details about how it affects the individual.
Once a correct diagnosis has been made, psychosocial treatment and pharmacological treatments are typically used to address the symptoms. These treatments can be utilized individually or in combination. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example, can be used to identify and correct "thought distortions" and enhance the ability of a patient to prioritize and manage tasks. ADHD medication can also be used to reduce the impulsiveness and inattention that makes it difficult for patients to complete their work or school assignments.
It is recommended that all adults with the diagnosis of ADHD or uncontrolled symptoms should consult their healthcare provider within 30 days. Then, regular follow-ups are recommended until symptoms and functioning have improved. It is essential that the health professional be aware of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety during treatment.
Support
Adults suffering from ADHD can seek help in a variety of ways. Some are at ease in online forums and virtual peer support groups, like those offered by ADDitude magazine. Attending local support groups and camps for children, teens and adults with ADHD can aid in establishing connections with other people. These groups provide support, materials, resources and guest speakers who can assist in learning, coping, and other life skills.
It is more difficult to diagnose an adult than diagnosing a child and many of the instruments available for self-assessment cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. The symptom guidelines contained in the DSM-V are geared toward diagnosing children, and an adult ADHD diagnosis is only made after an extensive clinical evaluation that includes structured diagnostic interviews as well as a variety of objective tests. Neuropsychological tests and performance-based assessments are particularly helpful in assessing executive function issues. They permit a clinician to observe symptoms in action and provide a better understanding of the degree of impairment than self report instruments.
It is crucial to speak with other significant individuals in the patient's life including spouse or spouse, parents or siblings and even employers. Although this may be difficult for the person being assessed, it is critical that they speak to discussing their issues openly. Many times, people suffering from ADHD are unaware of how their actions affect those around them and may be hesitant to speak about the negative effects of their actions.
A thorough assessment will require a thorough examination of the patient's history to identify possible mental and non-psychiatric disorders that could explain the presenting symptoms. It is not unusual for a person with ADHD to be diagnosed with more than one disorder.
Since symptom ratings are dependent on subjective perceptions, it is important that adults with ADHD have someone else take part in questionnaires designed to assess their symptoms and impact on their quality of life. This person should be someone close to the person, such as a parent, sibling or someone who can confirm their observations. Some doctors request that a trusted friend or employer complete a similar form to obtain additional information that is not provided in an interview with a clinician.