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How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD is difficult for many adults. Some people feel relief that they finally understand their struggles while others experience sorrow because they missed out on opportunities in life due to symptoms that were not treated for so long. A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD based on the person's mood, past and current mental and physical ailments and their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The assessment includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists. Symptoms People suffering from ADHD struggle to accomplish tasks that require mental energy over time or paying attention to details. These issues are often caused by other conditions like depression or substance abuse disorders. Finding a reliable diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards getting control of symptoms that can cause chaos in your professional and personal life. The signs of ADHD typically begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. To be eligible for an diagnosis of the disorder the symptoms must be interfering with their daily life in at least two areas (home school, home and work) and cause significant impairment. For symptoms to be considered to meet the criteria to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six months and cannot be caused by other mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders dissociative disorder, personality disorders. The health professional will also review the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will interview the person and in the event that it is possible, family members to get perspective on childhood behavior. The health care provider may review the patient's present workplace and home environment and discuss the patient's schooling with them. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition released by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. In general, to be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD an individual must show six or more inattention symptoms that are severe enough to hinder their life. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms: A health care professional will usually identify a person suffering from ADHD through a thorough psychiatric evaluation. This involves a thorough interview with the individual, his or her parents, as well as any caregivers or teachers, in addition to taking questionnaires or scales. The health care professional will also look over the individual's psychiatric, medical and family histories and may refer the patient for a physical exam to rule out any other causes for his or her symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleeping patterns, diet, work and home environments to identify stressors that could be contributing to their symptoms. Diagnosis If you suspect that you may have ADHD is important to consult a medical provider who specializes in the disorder. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. They'll want to know how many times you have trouble finishing tasks or losing items or forget where you have put your keys, and if these problems create stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also review your medical history and physical exam. This will help them identify other conditions that can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD like sleep disorders, depression and anxiety, or a thyroid problem. It's likely that your health care provider will question family members, friends and other caregivers regarding your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in various settings such as at school, at work or with scout or religious leaders. You may be asked to take self-tests to identify your symptoms. These are available online but they should not be used to replace the face-to-face consultation with your doctor. For adults diagnosed with ADHD is based on the threshold of symptoms lower than for kids – five out of nine symptoms in an entire six-month period. Additionally, you'll need to have an impact on your work, school and personal life. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend neuropsychological or psychological testing to determine if you have the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD. These tests test how your brain functions and can determine if there are coexisting mental disorders like depression or anxiety. When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it may create a variety of emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from anger at missed opportunities to relief she had a concrete reason for her troubles. Ask your doctor or local support group to recommend you to a health professional who can perform ADHD tests on adults. You can also contact your insurance company to find out the providers that are listed. Treatment For many people with ADHD treatment is the first choice for treatment. The stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamine are used to increase or balancing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate attention and behavior. They can help those who suffer from ADHD focus and stay organized. They can also control their impulses and make more rational decisions, improve communication, and reduce impulsive behavior. Nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, perform slower than stimulants. However they can be effective in treating some people with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for an individual will change over time. It is essential to discuss with the healthcare professional conducting the evaluation all options. A health care professional who has expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment which includes an interview with the individual in addition to the completion of questionnaires and scales for the individual as well as an examination of the family history of mood disorders, as well as medical conditions, such as sleep disorders and physical ailments. A referral to medical examinations could be included to determine if there is a medical reason for the ADHD symptoms. It is likely that the test will take some time. This is especially the case when you are an adult who has had to struggle to deal with symptoms for a long time. The evaluation should be as comprehensive as possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of performance assessments from their job or school and other information like old report cards. The healthcare professional might ask permission to speak with close friends or relatives to obtain a complete picture of the individual's previous experiences and behavior. For adults, an diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event. It is normal for people to experience a mixture of emotions, from relief at finding a clear explanation for their struggles to grief over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed she was able to start making changes in her life and progress in her career and relationships. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD are aware that seeking assistance from a therapist is a crucial step. Finding the right therapist is not always easy. Fortunately, there are many methods to locate a therapist in your area. Request your physician to recommend you. He or she may have a list with specialists who are skilled in treating ADHD. adhd diagnosis in adult can also try looking online. There are a variety of websites which list doctors, as well as information on their specialties as well as areas of focus. Another alternative is to request a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also call your local mental health center or ADHD support group for recommendations. If you are seeing an experienced therapist in treating ADHD it is crucial to be as honest as you can. This involves discussing how ADHD symptoms affect your life and the impact they have on other people. It's important to talk about your medical background. This helps the therapist to rule out conditions such as anxiety or depression that may exhibit similar symptoms. In addition to observing the person's behavior, a therapist will likely conduct interviews and use standardized rating scales that measure severity of symptoms. The therapist might also seek out other caregivers for their opinions, such as religious leaders, teachers or scouts and scout leaders in order to get a true picture of the behavior of a person in various situations. Adults with ADHD often feel frustrated and embarrassed by their symptoms and may be reluctant to discuss them. This can limit the quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience in working with adults with ADHD is generally able to assist them to overcome these obstacles. It is also important to realize that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that the counselor will automatically prescribe medication. While certain individuals with ADHD may require medication but behavioral therapy is a different option that can be very effective. These treatments can be utilized in conjunction with medication, or used as an alternative treatment.