How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to take a professional ADHD assessment. Using self-assessment tools can be useful, but they are not able to substitute a consultation and evaluation by a trained expert.
A proper ADHD assessment should look for other mental health conditions that could be present alongside or mimic symptoms of ADHD and also be able to determine if your symptoms started before age 12 years old. The process could also include additional psychological or neuropsychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tool
Self-assessment is a form of assessment that focuses on specific signs and traits. These tools are often employed in clinical studies, research studies, and by health websites to help people test for ADHD. Some self-assessments are quick and provide thoughtful results at the end of the test. Some are longer and require participation from important people in the life of the person. adhd assessment in adults can help determine whether or not the individual might want to take an assessment for ADHD.
There are a variety of online ADHD assessments and screening questionnaires however, the majority of them have not been scientifically verified or standardized. It is not advised to use these assessments without consulting an experienced healthcare professional as they could lead to inaccurate diagnosis. It can also lead to unneeded referrals of ADHD assessments for individuals who are not likely to be suffering. This can result in a waste of healthcare funds and cause distress to the person being referred and lead to long wait time for an in-depth interview.
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 questionnaire of six items that assesses the experiences of adults with the most typical symptoms of ADHD. A score of 4 or more on this test indicates that an individual would benefit from further clinical analysis by a physician.
Other more comprehensive self assessments include the Conners abbreviated symptom questionnaire and the CBCLAP. These scales are both extremely precise in terms of diagnosis and have a moderate level of specificity and sensitivity. However it is essential to remember that any of these tests cannot substitute for a thorough assessment by a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms can be a bit different than the experiences of men, which is why several of the available self-assessments are specifically designed for women with behavioural challenges. These tools for women can help users decide if they want to seek out an expert ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the primary medical doctor will refer the patient to an ADHD-specialist neurologist or psychiatrist. A specialist will usually interview the patient to determine how symptoms affect their daily life. The clinician may ask the patient to fill out a symptom checklist or behavior rating scale, and will likely review the medical and psychiatric histories from childhood through the present. The doctor might also think about whether other disorders that resemble ADHD could be contributing to the patient's symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
When assessing adults, it is more important to consider the functional impairment of the adult than the number or severity of symptoms. People with ADHD have difficulty meeting expectations at school, work as well as in relationships. It's recommended to inform your supervisors at work as well as your teachers at school and your family members about the difficulties you have to deal with every day. Patients might be ashamed to discuss such issues, but it's critical to do so to get the help you need.
Generally speaking, an neurologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD will start by talking to the patient and will likely use a checklist of symptoms from the DSM-5 which is designed for diagnosing children. The clinician will also ask about the person's social emotional and mental health history, as well as how their ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. A majority of doctors will also ask the patient's spouse or other close family members about their observations and if they notice any indications of ADHD. This personal knowledge 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 performed by a psychiatrist or neurologist. A therapist who is trained to treat ADHD can help the patient learn skills that might help manage symptoms, including time and money management and organizational strategies. These therapies are available both in person or via online services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults should include a diagnostic interview and information from other 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 on research and can examine the behavior of people who suffer from ADHD to the behavior of those who do not have it and assist in determining if there is an issue. Depending on the circumstances certain clinical psychologists might also administer cognitive tests to aid in diagnosing 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 affect their daily functioning at work, school or in relationships. For instance, the patient might have trouble keeping track of bills and appointments or organizing belongings and thoughts. In addition, many adult patients have 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 to assist the patient to cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the clinician suspects an illness, such as thyroid problems or seizures, are responsible for the ADHD symptoms then he will conduct an exam. He will inquire about any previous health issues and if the patient was injured or involved in an accident. A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining if the person was diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other neurological or psychiatric issues such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Many adults have shaky or hazy memories of their childhood, and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The clinician will ask someone who is important to the person's lives such as a spouse, a family member or even an employer, to provide a more precise assessment. This is a good method of gaining an objective perspective of the individual and to avoid bias.
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation should also include a psychological or neuropsychological assessment. These tests measure the person's intelligence and working memory, as well as other cognitive capabilities. These tests will aid the doctor in determining if ADHD contributes to the individual's difficulties in learning, working, or dealing with.
Support
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to be productive at school or work. They may have trouble keeping track of their daily chores, organizing their belongings, and retaining important information. They may also have difficulties in their relationships, or find it hard to keep appointments.
Contacting your primary care provider is the first step to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They will be able to offer suggestions for referrals or suggest a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Certain psychiatrists, graduate programs in psychology and private therapists are trained to perform the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the evaluation, a mental health professional will use standardized ratings scales for ADHD symptoms in order to determine if an adult is meeting the diagnostic criteria for the condition. There are a variety of different scales of rating which include 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 typically employ cognitive tests to assess an adult's working memory ability, executive functioning capabilities and spatial and visual skills.
If the mental health professional determines that a patient is suffering from ADHD they will discuss treatment options with them. There are many strategies to treat ADHD symptoms, such as medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Many adults suffering from ADHD report improved functioning with the help of psychostimulants, stimulant medications that increase alertness and focus. Certain adults could also benefit from nonstimulant medicines to ease depression or anxiety and also therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
The diagnosis of ADHD is often difficult and upsetting, but with the right help those suffering from the disorder can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. The most important thing is to be honest with your healthcare provider and not be afraid to speak up because of shame or fear of judgement. You can also inform your teachers and colleagues about ADHD. If they are aware of your challenges, they might be more understanding and offer accommodations like extra time for assignments.