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 cannot replace a consultation with an expert.
A proper ADHD assessment should look for other mental health conditions that may be present alongside or mimic symptoms of ADHD and should take into account whether your symptoms began before 12 years old. Additional psychological or neuropsychological tests could be required.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment questionnaire which examines particular symptoms and characteristics. These tools are often employed in research studies, in clinics and on health websites to assist people test for ADHD. Some self-assessments are quick and provide clear results at the conclusion of the test. Some are longer and require participation from other significant people in a person's life. These tests can be used to determine if a person should consider getting an ADHD assessment.
There are a variety of online ADHD screening questionnaires and assessments however the majority of them aren't verified or standardised. Utilizing these tests without the support of a medical professional is not advised as it could lead to inaccurate diagnosis. It could also result in unneeded referrals of ADHD assessments for people who are unlikely sufferers. This can waste healthcare resources, cause stress for the individual referred, and lead to long waiting for an in-depth examination.
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 a six-item questionnaire that examines the experiences of adults suffering from the most common ADHD symptoms. A score of 4 or higher on this screener indicates that a person would need further evaluation by a doctor.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners abbreviated symptom assessment and the CBCLAP. Both of these scales are highly precise in diagnosing and have a moderate degree of sensitivity and specificity. It is important to note that neither of these tests can replace a thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms are slightly different from those experienced by males and that's why a number of the self-assessments that are available have been designed specifically for women's behavioral challenges. These tools for women can be helpful in helping people understand if they may want to seek a professional diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In most cases, the first step to be diagnosed is to talk with the primary care physician who might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD. A specialist will typically interview the patient to determine how the symptoms affect their daily life. The physician will ask the patient to complete an inventory of symptoms or a rating scale. They will also look over the patient's medical and mental health experiences from childhood until the present. The doctor may also consider other disorders that might be similar to ADHD like anxiety and depression.
When assessing adults, it's more important to consider the degree of impairment rather than focusing on symptom count or severity. Individuals with ADHD aren't able to meet their expectations at school, work and in relationships. It's generally an excellent idea to discuss the facts with those who supervise you at work, teachers at school and family members so that they have a full picture of your daily difficulties. Patients might be ashamed to discuss such issues, but it's critical to speak up in order to get the help you need.
A neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD may begin by interviewing the child using an DSM-5 checklist of symptoms that is designed to diagnose children. The doctor will also inquire about the person's social emotional and mental health history, as well as how his or her ADHD symptoms interfere with everyday functioning. A majority of doctors will also ask the patient's spouse or other close family members about their observations and if they observe any signs of ADHD. Such personal insight can uncover information that is not gleaned from surveys or ratings.
A psychologist trained in cognitive behavior therapy may diagnose ADHD in certain instances. A psychologist is not able to prescribe medication. This is usually handled by a psychiatrist or neurologist. A therapist specially 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 treatments are available in person or via telemental health services, like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults must comprise an interview for diagnosis as well as information from independent sources such the spouse or a close relative. The doctor may request that the person complete one or more standardized ADHD ratings scales. These tests are based on research and examine the behavior of people suffering from ADHD to those without it. They can help determine if a problem exists. Certain clinical psychologists conduct cognitive tests to determine if someone has ADHD or other problems such as an anxiety disorder or a learning disorder.
The physician will also consider how the symptoms interfere with the patient's daily activities at school, work or in relationships. For instance, a patient might have trouble keeping the track of appointments and bills or arranging their belongings and thoughts. In addition many adults suffer from low self-esteem and resentment toward persistent patterns of academic failure, job loss and relationship conflict. A mental health professional might suggest individual therapy, or a program designed to assist the patient to cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that a medical condition like seizures or thyroid issues are the cause of ADHD symptoms, he'll perform an exam. He will also ask the patient about previous health issues and if they've had any injuries or accidents. A thorough history will enable the doctor to determine whether a person has been diagnosed with ADHD or other psychiatric and neurological problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Many adults have weak or hazy memories of their childhood and they may not remember that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The clinician will ask anyone who is significant in the person's lives such as family members, spouse, or employer, to provide a more precise assessment. This is an effective way to get a more objective perspective of the individual and avoid bias.
A complete ADHD assessment should also include a neuropsychological, or psychological assessment. These tests assess a person's working memory and intelligence, among other cognitive abilities. The clinician will utilize the results of these tests to determine if ADHD is contributing to the person's difficulty in learning, working or managing.
Support
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often struggle to perform well at work or at school. They may have trouble keeping on top of their daily tasks as well as organizing their personal belongings and retaining important details. They might also have issues in their relationships or have difficulty to schedule and keep appointments.
Talking with your primary care provider is the first step towards getting an ADHD diagnosis. adhd adults assessment IamPsychiatry can provide recommendations for referrals or refer a mental health professional for an assessment. Some psychiatrists, graduate psychology programs and private therapists are trained in the evaluation of the psychological aspects of ADHD.
During the examination of the mental health professional, they will usually use standardized rating scales for ADHD symptoms to determine whether an adult meets diagnostic criteria for the disorder. A variety 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 could also utilize cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales to evaluate the executive functioning abilities of an adult, visual and spatial skills, and working memory.
If the mental health professional concludes that a patient suffers from ADHD they will discuss possible treatment options with them. There are many ways to deal with ADHD symptoms, including therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Many people with ADHD have reported improved performance after taking stimulant medications which improve alertness and concentration. Certain adults could also benefit from nonstimulant medication to help reduce depression or anxiety and therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
It can be a difficult and traumatic experience to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. However with the right support and guidance, people suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms and live full lives. It's important to be honest with your doctor and not conceal anything due to fear or shame. You can also inform your teachers and coworkers about ADHD. If they are aware of your challenges, they might be more understanding and provide accommodation such as extra time for assignments.