How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is through a professional ADHD assessment. Self-assessment tools can be helpful, but they cannot substitute for a consultation and assessment by a qualified professional.
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 you should also be aware if your symptoms began before the age of 12. The process may also include additional neuropsychological or psychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment tool is a form of assessment that focuses on particular traits or symptoms. These tools are commonly used in clinical studies, research studies and on health websites to help patients screen for ADHD. Some self-assessments are quick and provide a thoughtful report at the end of the test. Others are longer and require participation from important people in a person's life. These tests can be used to determine whether a person should consider getting an ADHD assessment.
There are many online ADHD screening questionnaires and assessments but the majority of them aren't tested or standardised. Using these assessments without the assistance of a healthcare provider is not recommended as it can lead to inaccurate diagnosis. It could also result in unnecessary specialist referrals for ADHD assessments of people who are not likely to suffer from the disorder. This could waste healthcare resources, create distress for the person being referred to, and lead to long waiting times for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD created an easy survey dubbed the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale Screener. The ASRS is a six-item survey that assesses the experiences of adults with the most common symptoms of ADHD. This screening tool is helpful in determining if an individual needs an additional clinical examination.
iampsychiatry.uk -assessments that are more extensive include the Conners abbreviated symptom assessment and the CBCLAP. These scales are both highly precise in diagnosing and have a moderate level of sensitivity and specificity. It is important to keep in mind that none of these tests will substitute for a thorough assessment by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are slightly different from those of men and that's why some self-assessments are tailored to women-specific issues. These tools for women can help people decide if they want to get a professional ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many instances, the primary medical doctor will refer the patient to an ADHD specialist neurologist or psychiatrist. In most cases, a specialist will have to interview the person to assess how the symptoms affect them in daily activities. The doctor will ask the patient to complete an inventory of symptoms or a rating scale. They will also review the patient's medical and mental health history from childhood to the present. The doctor might also think about whether other disorders that mimic ADHD could be causing the patient's symptoms, including depression and anxiety.
When assessing adults, it's 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 in relationships. It's generally an excellent idea to discuss the facts with people who supervise you at work, teachers at school, and your family members to ensure that they have a full picture of your daily difficulties. Patients can feel uncomfortable bringing up these problems, but it's essential to speak up in order to get the help you need.
A psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD might begin by speaking with the child using an DSM-5 symptom checklist that is specifically designed to identify children. The clinician will ask about the patient's psychiatric, emotional, and social history, as well how ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. A lot of doctors consult with the patient's spouse and other close friends about their observations of the patient's behavior, and if they observe any signs of ADHD. This type of personal insight can reveal details that are not available from questionnaires or ratings.
A psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavior therapy may diagnose ADHD in some cases. However, a psychologist does not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is usually administered by a psychiatrist, or neurologist. A therapist trained in ADHD can assist the patient to learn skills to manage symptoms. These include money and time management, organizational strategies, and time management. These therapies are offered in person and through telemental services such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults should consist of an interview with a doctor and information from independent sources, such as the person's spouse or close family member. The physician may suggest that the person complete one or more standardized ADHD ratings scales. These questionnaires use research to assess the behaviors of those who suffer from ADHD to those of people without it and help determine whether there is any issue. Depending on the circumstances the psychologist may also administer cognitive tests to determine if someone is suffering from ADHD or other disorders like a learning disability or anxiety disorder.
The clinician will also evaluate how the symptoms interfere with the patient's daily activities at work, school, or in relationships. For example, the patient may have difficulty keeping track of bills and appointments or organizing belongings and thoughts. Many adult patients also suffer from low self-esteem, resentment or low self-esteem as a result of an ongoing pattern of academic failure, job losses and relationships conflicts. A mental health professional could suggest individual therapy, or a program designed to aid the patient cope with and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the clinician suspects that a medical condition like seizures or thyroid issues is the cause of ADHD symptoms, he'll perform an 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 aid the physician in determining if the person has had a past diagnosis of ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological problems such as bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder.
Many adults have poor 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 significant in the person's lives such as a spouse, family member, or employer, to provide a more accurate assessment. This can help obtain an independent view of the person's behavior and also to avoid the potential for a bias in the evaluation.
A complete ADHD assessment should also include a neuropsychological or psychological test. These tests assess the person's working memory, intelligence and other cognitive abilities. The psychologist will use the results of these tests to determine whether ADHD contributes to the person's difficulty learning working, or managing.
Support
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to perform at school or work. They may have difficulties keeping track of daily tasks, arranging their belongings and recalling important information. They also might experience difficulties in their relationships or have difficulty to make and keep appointments.
Talking with your primary care physician 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. Certain psychiatrists, graduate programs in psychology, and private therapists are trained in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the assessment the mental health professional will utilize standard ratings scales for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult is meeting the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. A variety of different 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 mental health professionals usually utilize cognitive tests to evaluate the working memory of an adult, executive functioning abilities and visual and spatial skills.
If a mental health professional concludes that a patient suffers from ADHD, they will discuss treatment options with them. There are several methods to manage ADHD symptoms, which include therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Many adults suffering from ADHD have reported improved functioning following the use of stimulant drugs, which increase alertness and concentration. Some adults may also benefit from nonstimulant medication to help reduce depression or anxiety and therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
Being diagnosed with ADHD is often difficult and stressful, but with the right support those suffering from the disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and lead happy lives. The key is to remain open with your doctor and not repress your feelings because of shame or fear of judgement. It's also helpful to tell your supervisors, colleagues and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. If they are aware of your challenges, they might be more understanding and provide accommodation such as additional time for homework.