How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to receive an accurate diagnosis is to take an expert ADHD assessment. Self-assessment tools are helpful, but they cannot substitute for a consultation and assessment with an experienced professional.
A thorough ADHD assessment should check for other mental health issues that could coexist with or mimic symptoms of ADHD and also be able to determine if your symptoms began before age 12 years old. Additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing might be required.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment is a questionnaire that examines specific signs and traits. These tools are utilized by research studies, clinics and health websites to test for ADHD. Self-assessments may be brief and provide thoughtful results at the end of the test, whereas others are more thorough and require the participation of significant people in the person's life (such as family members or spouses). These tools can help to determine whether or not the individual might be interested in getting an assessment for ADHD.
There are adult adhd assessment private of online ADHD screening tests and assessments However, they aren't scientifically validated or standardized. 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 unnecessary referrals of ADHD assessments for people who are unlikely sufferers. This can be a waste of healthcare resources, create distress for the person being referred to, and lead to long wait times for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD have generated a short survey known as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS). The ASRS is an 6-item survey that examines the experiences of adults suffering from the most common ADHD symptoms. This screener is useful for the determination of whether an individual requires more clinical analysis.
Other self-assessments that are more extensive include the Conners abbreviated symptom assessment and the CBCLAP. Both of these scales have been proven to have high diagnostic accuracy and have moderate sensitivity and specificity. It is important to note that neither of these tests can substitute for a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms can be a bit different than the experiences of men and that's why a number of the self-assessments that are available are specifically designed for women with behavioral challenges. These women-specific tools can be helpful in helping individuals understand whether or not they're likely to require an expert diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In most instances, the first step in determining the severity of the problem is to talk with an primary care physician who may refer the patient to a psychiatrist or a neurologists who specialize in ADHD. A specialist will usually talk to the patient to determine how their symptoms affect daily functioning. The clinician may ask the patient complete a symptom checklist or behavior rating scale, and also will likely review the medical and psychiatric histories from childhood through the present. The doctor will also look at 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 suffering from ADHD frequently have difficulty meeting work, school and relationship expectations. It's recommended to communicate the details with those who supervise you at work, teachers at school and family members to ensure that they have a full picture of your daily difficulties. Patients may be embarrassed to bring up such concerns, but it's important to do so in order to receive the assistance you need.
Generally, an neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes 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 doctor will inquire about the patient's mental, emotional, and social history, as well as how ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. Many doctors also like to ask the patient's spouse or other close family members about their experiences with the person's behavior and whether they observe any signs of ADHD. This type of personal perspective can provide information that isn't available through surveys or ratings.
A psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy can diagnose ADHD in certain cases. However psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is usually administered by a psychiatrist, or neurologist. A therapist who is trained to treat ADHD can help the patient learn techniques that can help manage symptoms, for example, time and money management and organizational strategies. These therapies are offered in person and through telemental health services, such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation for ADHD in adults should include a diagnostic interview and information from outside sources, like the spouse or a close family member. The clinician may ask to have the patient complete one or more of the standardized ADHD ratings scales. These tests are based upon research and analyze the behavior of people with ADHD with that of people who are not. They help determine if a problem exists. Based on the situation the psychologist may also administer cognitive tests to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD or other disorders such as a learning impairment or anxiety disorder.
The doctor will also assess the patient's symptoms and determine if they impact their daily life at work, in school or in relationships. Patients may find it difficult to keep track of bills, appointments, or organize thoughts and possessions. Additionally, many adult patients have low self-esteem and resentment toward the repeated patterns of academic failure loss of jobs and relationship conflict. A mental health professional may suggest individual therapy, or a program that can help the person cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that a medical issue such as seizures or thyroid issues is the cause of ADHD symptoms, they'll conduct a physical exam. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their previous health problems and whether they have suffered any accidents or injuries. A thorough history will aid the physician in determining if the person has had a past diagnosis of ADHD or any other neurological or psychiatric issues such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Many adults have weak or blurry memories of their childhood, and they may not remember that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The clinician will seek out someone who is important to the person's lives like a spouse, a family member or even an employer, to give a more accurate assessment. This is an effective method of gaining an impartial view of the person and to avoid bias.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment should include a neuropsychological or a psychological assessment. These tests measure the individual's intelligence, working memory and other cognitive capabilities. The doctor will utilize the results of these tests to determine whether ADHD is causing the person's difficulties in learning working, or being able to cope.
Support
Adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD often have difficulty performing well at work or in school. They may have trouble keeping the track of their daily chores and organizing their belongings and retaining important details. They might also have issues in their relationships or find it difficult to keep appointments.
The first step to get a diagnosis of ADHD is to talk to an primary care provider. They will be able to provide recommendations for referrals or refer an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Certain psychiatrists and graduate programs in psychology and private therapists are trained to perform the psychological assessment of ADHD.
During the examination, the mental health professional will utilize standardized ratings scales for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult is meeting the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. There are many different scales of rating that are available, including the Barkley Adult ADHD Scales and Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report (CAARS). In addition to these ratings scales a mental health professional will usually use cognitive tests to examine an adult's working memory as well as executive functioning abilities, visual and spatial skills.
If a mental health professional concludes that the patient has ADHD If he or she concludes that the patient has ADHD, they will then discuss treatment options with the patient. There are a variety of strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, including medication, therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Many people with ADHD have reported improved functioning after taking stimulant medications which improve concentration and alertness. Some adults may also benefit from nonstimulant medications to help reduce depression or anxiety as well as therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
The diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging and upsetting, but with the right support those suffering from the condition can learn to manage their symptoms and lead happy lives. The key is to be open with your healthcare provider and not be afraid to speak up due to shame or fear of judgment. You can also inform your teachers and colleagues about ADHD. They might be more understanding if they are aware about your issues and provide accommodations, such as extra time to finish assignments.