How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is through an expert ADHD assessment. Using self-assessment tools can be helpful, but they cannot substitute a consultation and evaluation with an experienced specialist.
An ADHD assessment should include a review to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that could coexist or resemble ADHD symptoms, and should also consider if your symptoms started before the age of 12. Additional neuropsychological or psychological tests could be required.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment tool is a form of assessment that examines particular traits or symptoms. These tools are used by clinics, research studies, and health websites to test for ADHD. Certain self-assessments are brief and provide a thoughtful report at the conclusion of the test. Others are more extensive and require participation from important people in the life of the person. These tests can be used to determine whether someone should take the time to get an ADHD assessment.
There are many online ADHD screening tests and assessments, but most of them aren't scientifically verified or standardized. It is not advised to use these tests without consulting a healthcare professional, as they can lead incorrect diagnosis. It could also result in unneeded referrals of ADHD tests for those who are not likely to be suffering. This can waste healthcare funds and cause distress for the person who is referred to, and result in long wait times for an in depth interview.
The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD have created a short questionnaire known as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS). The ASRS is a six-item survey that focuses on the experiences of adults with the most common symptoms of ADHD. A score of more than 4 on this screener indicates that an individual would need further evaluation by a physician.
Other self-assessments that are more extensive include the Conners abbreviated symptom questionnaire and the CBCLAP. Both scales have been proven to have high diagnostic accuracy and moderate sensitivity and specificity. However, it is important to keep in mind that these tests will not substitute for a thorough clinical evaluation by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms can be a bit different than those experienced by men, which is why several of the self-assessments that are available have been designed specifically for women's behavioural challenges. These tools for women can be helpful in helping people understand if they should seek a professional diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In most instances, the first step in getting diagnosed is to talk with the primary care physician who might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or a neurologist specializing in ADHD. Typically, an expert will have to interview the patient to determine if the symptoms affect them with daily functioning. The physician might ask the patient to complete a symptom checklist or behavior rating scale, and also will likely look over the medical and psychiatric histories from childhood until the present. The clinician may also consider whether other disorders that resemble ADHD could be causing the patient's symptoms, such as depression and anxiety.
When conducting an assessment of adults, it is more important to look at the extent of functional impairment rather than the number of symptoms or the severity. People with ADHD are often unable to meet the demands of school, work or relationship expectations. It's usually a good idea to share the facts with those who supervise you at work, teachers at school and family members so that they have a full picture of the challenges you face daily. Patients might be embarrassed to bring up such issues, but it's critical to do so in order to receive the assistance you require.
Generally, a psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD will begin by talking to the patient and will likely utilize a checklist of symptoms from the DSM-5 that is geared toward diagnosing children. The clinician will ask about the patient's mental, emotional, and social history, as well as how ADHD symptoms affect their daily life. Many doctors also like to inquire about the patient's spouse or other close family members about their perceptions of the person's behavior and whether they see any symptoms of ADHD. This kind of personal perspective can provide information that is not available from questionnaires or ratings.
A psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavior therapy may diagnose ADHD in certain instances. A psychologist is not authorized to prescribe medication. This is usually done by a neurologist or psychiatrist. A therapist trained in ADHD can assist the patient develop strategies to manage their symptoms. These include money and time management, organizational strategies and time management. These treatments are available in person or via remote mental services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults must include an interview to diagnose the condition and information from independent sources such a spouse or close relative. The physician may suggest that the person complete one or more of the standardized ADHD ratings scales. These tests are based on research and analyze the behavior of those with ADHD with that of people who are not. They aid in determining whether there is a problem. Based on the situation certain clinical psychologists might also conduct cognitive tests to help diagnose ADHD or other problems such as a learning disability or anxiety disorder.
The physician will also look at the person's symptoms and how they interfere with daily functioning in school, at work or in relationships. For example, the patient might have trouble keeping track of bills and appointments or organizing belongings and thoughts. Additionally, many adult patients have low self-esteem and feel resentment towards chronic patterns of academic failure, job loss and relationship conflict. adult adhd assessment private could suggest individual therapy, or a program to assist the patient to cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the clinician suspects that a medical issue like seizures or thyroid issues are contributing to ADHD symptoms, he'll conduct a physical examination. The doctor will also inquire with 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 the patient has been diagnosed with ADHD or other psychiatric and neurological problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Many adults have shaky or spotty memories of their childhood, and they may not remember that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The doctor will ask anyone who is important to the life of the patient, such as a spouse, family member or an employer to provide a more accurate assessment. This can help gain an impartial perspective of the person's behavior and also to avoid the potential bias that could be present in the evaluation.
A thorough ADHD assessment should also include a neuropsychological or psychological test. These tests measure the person's intelligence and working memory, in addition to other cognitive abilities. The psychologist will use the results of these tests to determine whether ADHD contributes to the person's difficulty learning working, coping or even managing.
Support
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD frequently struggle to perform well at work or in school. They may have difficulty keeping on top of their daily tasks and organizing their belongings and remembering important details. They might also experience difficulties in their relationships or have difficulty to keep appointments.
Contacting your primary care doctor is the first step in getting an ADHD diagnosis. He or she can provide suggestions for referrals or recommend mental health professionals to conduct an evaluation. Some psychiatrists or graduate psychology programs as well as private therapists have special training in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the examination of the mental health professional, they will usually use standardized rating scales for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult meets diagnostic criteria for the disorder. There are a number of different rating scales 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 generally utilize cognitive tests to evaluate an adult's working memory as well as executive functioning abilities, spatial and visual abilities.
If the mental health professional determines that an individual suffers from ADHD, he or she will then discuss the treatment options with the patient. There are many ways to treat ADHD symptoms, such as medication, therapy and lifestyle modifications. Many adults suffering from ADHD have reported better functioning following the use of stimulant drugs, which increase alertness and concentration. Many adults also benefit from non-stimulant medication that help reduce depression or anxiety, as well as from therapy that incorporates mindfulness and coaching techniques.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult and stressful, but with the right help, people living with the condition can be taught to manage their symptoms and live life that is fulfilling. It's important to be honest with your doctor and not be afraid to speak about anything because of fear or shame. It's also beneficial to inform your supervisors, colleagues and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. They may be more understanding if they know about your difficulties and can provide you with accommodations, like additional time to complete assignments.