How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is by taking an expert ADHD assessment. Self-assessment can be helpful but it is not a substitute for a consultation with a specialist.
A thorough ADHD assessment should look for other mental health conditions that could be present alongside or mimic symptoms of ADHD, and it should be able to determine if your symptoms started before age 12. The process may include additional psychological or neuropsychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment questionnaire that examines particular symptoms and characteristics. These tools are employed by clinics, research studies, and health websites to screen for ADHD. Some self-assessments can be quite short and offer thoughtful results at the end of the test, whereas others are more thorough and require participation from significant people in the life (such as family members or spouses). These tools can be used to determine whether a person should consider getting an ADHD assessment.
There are a variety of online ADHD screening questionnaires and assessments but the majority of them haven't been verified or standardised. Using these assessments without the guidance of a health professional is not recommended since it can lead to inaccurate diagnoses. It could also result in unnecessary referrals for ADHD assessments for people who aren't likely to suffer. This can result in a waste of healthcare funds and cause stress to the person referred, and result in long wait 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 a six-item survey that examines adults' experiences with the most typical symptoms of ADHD. This screening tool is helpful in determining if an individual needs an additional clinical examination.
Other self-assessments that are more comprehensive include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. Both scales have been proven to have high diagnostic accuracy and have moderate specificity and sensitivity. It is important to remember that neither of these tests can substitute for a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are slightly different from men's and that's why some self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific issues. These tools for women can assist people decide if they'd like to seek an expert ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many instances the primary care physician will refer the patient to an ADHD-specialist neurologist or psychiatrist. In most cases, a specialist will need to speak with the patient to determine if the symptoms affect them with everyday functioning. The physician will ask the patient to complete the symptom list or rating scale. They will also review the patient's medical and mental health history from childhood to the present. The doctor may also inquire whether other disorders that resemble ADHD might be contributing to the patient's symptoms, such as depression and anxiety.
When conducting an assessment of adults, it is more important to focus on the extent of functional impairment rather than focusing on symptom count or the severity. People with ADHD often have trouble meeting work, school and expectations of relationships. It's recommended to tell your bosses at work, your teachers at school, and your family about the difficulties you encounter every day. Patients may be embarrassed to bring up such concerns, but it's important to do so to get the help you need.
Generally, the psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD will begin by talking to the patient and will likely utilize an assessment tool for symptoms from the DSM-5 which is designed for diagnosing children. The doctor will inquire about the patient's psychiatric, emotional, and social history, as well how ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. Many doctors also like to consult with the patient's spouse and other close family members about their observations of the patient's behavior, and if they notice any signs of ADHD. This kind of personal knowledge can provide details that are not available through surveys or ratings.
In some cases the psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavior therapy may be able to make an ADHD diagnosis. A psychologist is not licensed to prescribe medication. This is usually performed by a psychiatrist or neurologist. A therapist specially trained to treat ADHD can help the patient learn techniques that can help manage symptoms, including time and money management and organizational strategies. These treatments are available in person and through telemental health services, such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults must include a diagnostic interview as well as information from sources outside of the clinic, such as a spouse or close relative. The clinician might ask the patient to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires are based on research and analyze the behavior of people with ADHD with that of people without it. They help determine whether there is a problem. Based on the situation certain clinical psychologists might also conduct cognitive tests to aid in diagnosing ADHD or other issues like a learning disability or anxiety disorder.
The clinician will also evaluate the person's symptoms and how they impact their daily life at work, in school or in relationships. The patient might be unable to keep on top of appointments, bills, or organize thoughts and belongings. In addition, many adult patients have low self-esteem and resentment over persistent patterns of academic failure, job loss and relationship conflict. A mental health professional may recommend individual therapy or a program to aid the patient cope with and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that a medical issue like seizures or thyroid issues are the cause of ADHD symptoms, they'll conduct a physical examination. He will ask about any prior health issues, and also 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 problems, such as depression or anxiety.
Many adults have weak or hazy memories of their childhood, and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The therapist will ask someone who is significant in the life of the patient such as family members, spouse or an employer to provide 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 bias that could be present in the assessment.
A complete ADHD assessment should include a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests evaluate the person's working memory, intelligence and other cognitive abilities. These tests will help the clinician determine if ADHD is a factor in the person's problems with learning, working or managing.
Support
private adhd adult assessment who have not been diagnosed with ADHD struggle to be productive at school or work. They may have difficulty keeping track of daily tasks, arranging their belongings, and remembering important information. They might also experience difficulties in their relationships, or find it hard to keep appointments.
Contacting your primary care physician is the first step in receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They can offer suggestions for referrals or recommend mental health professionals for an evaluation. Some psychiatrists or graduate psychology programs as well as private therapists are trained in the psychological evaluation 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 a variety of ratings scales are available and include 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 a mental health professional will typically employ cognitive tests to assess the working memory of an adult as well as executive functioning abilities, visual and spatial skills.
If the mental health professional is able to determine that a patient has ADHD they will discuss treatment options with them. There are a variety of methods to manage ADHD symptoms that include therapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Many people with ADHD have reported improved performance when they take stimulant medication which improve concentration and alertness. Some adults may also benefit from nonstimulant medicines to help reduce depression or anxiety as well as therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
It can be a difficult and upsetting experience to receive the diagnosis of ADHD. However with the right help and guidance, those suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms, and live full lives. The key is to be honest with your healthcare provider and not hold back because of shame or fear of judgment. It's also helpful to tell co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you have ADHD. If they know about your challenges, they might be more understanding and provide accommodations like additional time for assignments.