How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to take an expert ADHD assessment. Self-assessment tools can be useful, but they are not able to substitute for a consultation and assessment by a qualified professional.
An ADHD assessment should include a review to see if you have other mental health issues that could be coexisting or resemble ADHD symptoms, and should also consider if your symptoms started before the age of 12. Additional psychological or neuropsychological tests could be required.
Self-Assessment Tool
Self-assessment is a form of assessment which examines specific signs and traits. These tools are typically used in clinical studies, research studies and by health websites to help people test for ADHD. Self-assessments may be short and offer thoughtful results at the end of the test, while others are more comprehensive and require the participation of significant people in the person's life (such as spouse or family members). These tools can be used to determine if a person should consider getting an ADHD assessment.
There are a variety of online ADHD screening tests and questionnaires but the majority of them haven't yet been tested or standardised. It is not advised to take these tests without the help of an experienced healthcare professional as they could lead to inaccurate diagnoses. It can also lead to unneeded referrals of ADHD assessments for people who aren't likely to suffer. This can waste healthcare funds and cause stress to the person being referred and lead to long waiting time for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD created a brief survey called the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale Screener. The ASRS is an 6-item survey that examines the experiences of adults suffering from the most common ADHD symptoms. This test is useful in to determine if a person requires an additional clinical examination.
Other more comprehensive self-assessments include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. Both of these scales are highly precise in terms of diagnosis and have a moderate level of specificity and sensitivity. It is important to keep in mind that none of these tests will substitute for a thorough evaluation conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's ADHD symptoms differ slightly from men's and this is the reason why some of the self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific challenges. These tools for women can help users decide if they would like to seek an expert ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many cases the primary medical doctor will refer the patient to an ADHD-specialist psychiatrist or neurologist. Typically, an expert will be required to talk with the patient to determine how their symptoms interfere in daily activities. The doctor may ask the patient fill out an inventory of symptoms or a behavior rating scale, and also will likely go over the medical and psychiatric history of the patient from childhood to the present. The clinician will also look at other disorders that may mimic ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.
When looking at adults, it's more important to look at the degree of impairment rather than focusing on symptom count or severity. People with ADHD frequently have difficulty meeting work, school and relationship expectations. It's usually recommended to communicate the facts with people who supervise you at work, teachers at school and family members to ensure they have a full picture of your everyday struggles. It isn't easy for patients to talk about these concerns. However, it's essential to do this to get the help they need.
A psychiatrist or neurologist who is specialized in ADHD may begin by interviewing the child, and then using a DSM-5 checklist of symptoms that is specifically designed to identify children. The clinician will ask about the patient's psychiatric, emotional and social history as well as how ADHD symptoms affect their daily life. A lot of doctors will also inquire about the patient's spouse or other close family members about their observations and if they observe any indications of ADHD. Such personal insight can uncover details that are not available from ratings or questionnaires.
In certain instances psychologists who are certified in cognitive behavioral therapy can give an ADHD diagnosis. A psychologist is not able to prescribe medication. This is usually performed by a neurologist or psychiatrist. A therapist specially trained to treat ADHD can help the patient learn strategies to manage symptoms, for example, managing time and money and methods for organizing. These therapies are available in person and through the internet, such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults should comprise a diagnostic interview and information from independent sources, like the person's spouse or a close family member. The clinician may ask the person to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These tests are based on research and analyze the behavior of people with ADHD with that of people who are not. They can help determine if a problem exists. Certain clinical psychologists conduct cognitive tests to diagnose ADHD or other problems, such as a learning disorder or anxiety disorder.
The physician will also consider the extent to which the symptoms affect the patient's everyday functioning at work, school, or in relationships. The patient may find it difficult to keep the track of appointments, bills or arrange thoughts and possessions. A lot of adult patients suffer from low self-esteem, anger and low self-esteem because of an ongoing pattern of academic failure, job losses and conflicts in relationships. A mental health professional might recommend individual therapy or a program that assists the patient learn to manage and cope with their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical condition, such as thyroid problems or seizures, is contributing to the ADHD symptoms, he will perform a physical exam. He will also ask the patient about any previous health issues and whether they've had any injuries or accidents. A thorough history will allow the doctor to determine whether a person has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Many adults have poor or hazy memories of their childhood and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The clinician will ask someone who is significant in the person's lives, such as family members, spouse, or employer, to provide a more precise assessment. This is a way to gain an impartial assessment of the behavior of the individual and also to avoid the potential for bias in the evaluation.
A complete ADHD assessment should include a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests assess the person's intelligence, working memory and other cognitive abilities. These tests can aid the doctor in determining if ADHD is a factor in the person's problems with learning, working or dealing with.
Support
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often struggle to perform well at work or in school. They may have problems managing their daily tasks, arranging their belongings and recalling important information. They may also have difficulties in their relationships or have difficulty to keep appointments.
Contacting your primary care doctor is the first step in receiving an ADHD diagnosis. The doctor can provide recommendations for referrals or refer an expert in mental health for an assessment. Certain psychiatrists, graduate programs in psychology, and private therapy professionals are trained in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the assessment of the mental health professional, they will typically use standard rating scales for ADHD symptoms to determine whether an adult meets diagnostic criteria for the disorder. A number of different ratings scales are available for use, including the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales and the Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report (CAARS). A mental health professional can also utilize cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales to assess an adult's executive functioning abilities spatial and visual abilities and working memory.
If a mental health professional determines that an individual suffers from ADHD, he or she will discuss possible treatment options with the patient. There are many ways to treat ADHD symptoms, such as treatment, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Many adults with ADHD have reported better functioning after taking stimulant medications, which increase concentration and alertness. adult adhd assessment IamPsychiatry can also benefit from nonstimulant medication to ease depression or anxiety and therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is often difficult and stressful, but with the right support, people living with the disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and lead happy lives. The key is to be open with your doctor and not repress your feelings because of shame or fear of judgment. It's also beneficial to inform your teachers, supervisors, and coworkers that you suffer from ADHD. They may be more understanding if they are aware about your struggles and provide accommodations, such as additional time to complete assignments.