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 can be helpful but it is not a substitute for a consultation with an expert.
An ADHD assessment should include a check to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may coexist or mimic ADHD symptoms, and it is important to consider whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. The process could also include additional psychological or neuropsychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment is a questionnaire that examines particular symptoms and characteristics. These tools are used by clinics, research studies, and health websites to test for ADHD. Self-assessments may be short and offer thorough results at the conclusion of the test, but others are more comprehensive and require the participation of significant people in the person's life (such as a spouse or family member). These tools can be used to determine whether someone should take the time to get an ADHD assessment.
There are numerous online ADHD screening and assessment questionnaires, but most of them have not been scientifically validated or standardized. It is not advised to use these assessments without consulting an experienced healthcare professional as they could lead to incorrect diagnoses. It could also result in unnecessary referrals of ADHD assessments for individuals who aren't likely to suffer. This could waste healthcare resources, cause distress for the person being referred to, and lead to long waiting times for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD created a short survey called the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale Screener. The ASRS is an 6-item survey that examines the experiences of people who have the most prevalent ADHD symptoms. A score of 4 or more on this screener indicates that an individual would benefit from further clinical analysis by a doctor.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. Both of these scales have been found to have high diagnostic accuracy and moderate sensitivity and specificity. It is important to keep in mind that neither of these tests can substitute for a thorough evaluation conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms differ slightly than the experiences of men and that's why a number of the self-assessments that are available have been designed specifically for women's issues with behavior. These specific tools for women are helpful in helping people understand if they're likely to require an expert diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the first step in determining the severity of the problem is to speak with the primary care physician, who could refer the patient to a psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD. A specialist will usually talk to the patient to determine how their symptoms affect 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 history from childhood to the present. The doctor might also think about whether other disorders that mimic ADHD could be contributing to the patient's symptoms. This could include anxiety and depression.
When assessing adults, it is more important to take into account the functional impairment of the adult, rather than the number or severity of symptoms. People with ADHD aren't able to meet their expectations at work, school, and in relationships. It's generally a good idea to share the facts with those who supervise you at work, teachers at school, and your family members so that they have a full picture of your everyday struggles. Patients might be ashamed to discuss such concerns, but it's important to do so to get the help you require.
Typically, the psychiatrist or neurologist who is specialized in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient. They will likely utilize a checklist of symptoms from the DSM-5 which is designed for diagnosing children. The clinician will ask 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 spouse or other close family members about their observations and whether they have noticed any signs of ADHD. This type of personal insight can reveal information that is not gleaned from ratings or questionnaires.
A psychologist trained in cognitive behavior therapy may diagnose ADHD in some cases. A psychologist is not able to prescribe medication. This is usually handled by a neurologist or psychiatrist. A therapist trained in ADHD can assist the patient learn skills to manage symptoms. These include time and money management, organizational strategies and time management. These therapies are available in person and through the internet, like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults should include an interview for diagnosis and data from independent sources, such as the person's spouse or a close family member. The physician may suggest that the person complete one or more of the standardized ADHD ratings scales. These questionnaires use research to assess the behaviors of those with ADHD to the behavior of those who do not have it and help determine if there is a problem. Some clinical psychologists will also administer cognitive tests in order to diagnose ADHD or other issues like a learning disorder or anxiety disorder.
The doctor will also assess how the symptoms interfere with the patient's everyday functioning at work, school, or in relationships. adhd assessment test for adults may have difficulty keeping track of bills, appointments, or organize thoughts and possessions. Many adult patients also suffer from low self-esteem, resentment and low self-esteem because of the pattern of constant academic failure, job loss and conflicts in relationships. A mental health professional could recommend individual therapy or a program designed to help the person cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical condition such as seizures or thyroid issues is contributing to ADHD symptoms, he'll conduct an exam. He will ask about any previous health issues and if the patient has been injured or suffered an accident. A thorough history will enable the doctor to determine if a person has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric and neurological issues, like anxiety or depression.
Many adults have shaky or spotty memories of their childhood and many forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The doctor will seek out someone who is significant in the person's lives such as a spouse, a family member or even an employer, to give a more accurate assessment. This is a way to get an objective assessment of the behavior of the individual and also to avoid the potential for bias in the assessment.
A thorough ADHD assessment should also include a neuropsychological, or psychological assessment. These tests evaluate the individual's intelligence, working memory and other cognitive capabilities. The doctor will use the results of these tests to determine if ADHD contributes to the person's difficulty learning working, coping or even being able to cope.
Support
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often have difficulty performing well at work or in school. They may have problems keeping track of daily tasks, arranging their belongings and recalling important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or have difficulty to keep appointments.
Talking with your primary care physician is the first step in getting an ADHD diagnosis. The doctor will be able to offer recommendations for referrals or refer a mental health professional for an evaluation. Some psychiatrists as well as graduate psychology programs and private therapists have special training in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the assessment the mental health professional will use standard ratings scales for ADHD symptoms in order to determine if a person meets the diagnostic criteria for the condition. 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). In addition to these ratings scales mental health professionals usually utilize cognitive tests to evaluate the working memory of an adult, executive functioning abilities and spatial and visual skills.
If the mental health professional determines that an individual suffers from ADHD, he or she will then discuss treatment options with the patient. There are many strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, including medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Many people with ADHD report improved functioning by taking psychostimulants, stimulant drugs which improve alertness and focus. Some adults also benefit from non-stimulant medication that help reduce depression or anxiety, as well as from therapy that incorporates coaching and mindfulness techniques.
It can be a challenging and traumatic encounter to receive an diagnosis of ADHD. However with the right support and guidance, people with ADHD can manage their symptoms, and live a full life. It is essential to be honest with your doctor and not conceal anything due to fear or shame. It's also helpful to tell co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you have ADHD. They might be more understanding if they are aware about your difficulties and can provide accommodations, such as additional time to complete assignments.