How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
A professional ADHD assessment is the most effective method to receive a precise diagnosis. Self-assessment is helpful, but cannot replace a consultation with a 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. You it is important to consider whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. The process may include additional neuropsychological or psychological testing.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment is a questionnaire that focuses on specific signs and traits. These tools are often used in research studies, in clinics and on health websites to help people test for ADHD. Some self-assessments can be quite short and yield thoughtful results at the end of the test, but others are more comprehensive and require participation from important people in the individual's life (such as spouse or family members). These tests can help determine whether or not the individual may want to consider getting an assessment for ADHD.
There are numerous online ADHD screening tests and assessments however, the majority of them have not been scientifically verified or standardized. It is not recommended to use these tests without consulting an experienced healthcare professional as they can lead incorrect diagnoses. It can also result in unnecessary specialist referrals for ADHD tests of those who are not likely to suffer from the disorder. This can waste healthcare resources, cause stress for the person being referred to, and result in long wait for an in-depth examination.
The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD have generated a short survey known as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS). The ASRS is an 6-item survey that examines the experiences of adults suffering from the most frequent ADHD symptoms. A score of 4 or higher on this screener indicates that a person would require further analysis by a clinician.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners abbreviated symptom survey and the CBCLAP. These scales are both highly accurate in terms of diagnosis and offer a moderate level of specificity and sensitivity. However, it is important to remember that any of these tests cannot replace the need for a thorough clinical examination by a certified 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 available are specifically designed for women with behavioural challenges. These women-specific tools can be an effective way to help people understand if they're likely to require an expert diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In many instances the primary doctor of care will refer the patient to an ADHD specialist psychiatrist or neurologist. A specialist will typically interview the patient to determine how symptoms affect daily functioning. The doctor may ask the patient fill out the symptom checklist or rating scale, and also will likely go over the medical and psychiatric histories from childhood until the present. The doctor will also consider other disorders that could be akin to ADHD like anxiety and depression.
When conducting an assessment of adults, it is more important to look at the degree of impairment than at symptom count or severity. People suffering from ADHD often have trouble meeting the demands of school, work or expectations of relationships. It's an excellent idea to discuss the facts with people who supervise you at work, your teachers at school, and your family members so that they are aware of your daily difficulties. Patients can feel ashamed to discuss such concerns, but it's important to do so to receive the assistance you need.
Generally, an neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD will begin by interviewing the patient and will likely utilize a symptom checklist from the DSM-5 that is geared toward diagnosing children. The doctor will inquire about the patient's emotional, psychiatric and social history, as well as how ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. A majority of doctors will also ask the patient's partner or other close family members about their observations and whether they have noticed any signs of ADHD. This kind of personal perspective can provide information that is not available through surveys or ratings.
A psychologist trained in cognitive behavioral treatment can diagnose ADHD in certain cases. However, a psychologist does not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is usually provided by a psychiatrist or neurologists. A therapist who has been trained in ADHD can help the patient develop strategies to manage their symptoms. These include time and money management, organizational strategies, and time management. These therapies are available in person or through the internet, like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation for ADHD in adults should include an interview for diagnosis and data from outside sources, like the person's spouse or a close family member. The physician might ask the patient to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These tests are based upon research and compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD against those without it. They aid in determining if a problem exists. Based on assessment of adult adhd , some clinical psychologists may also conduct cognitive tests to help diagnose ADHD or other disorders like a learning disability or anxiety disorder.
The doctor will also assess the patient's symptoms and how they impact their daily life at work, in school or in relationships. The patient might find it difficult to keep the track of appointments, bills, or organize thoughts and belongings. Many adult patients also suffer from low self-esteem, resentment and low self-esteem as a result of a pattern of chronic academic failure, job losses and conflicts in relationships. A mental health professional may recommend individual therapy or a program that assists the patient learn to manage and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical problem such as thyroid issues or seizures is contributing to ADHD symptoms, he'll conduct a physical examination. He will inquire about any prior health issues, and also if the patient has been injured or had an accident. A thorough medical history will allow the clinician to determine if someone has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological issues, like 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 significant in the person's lives such as family members, spouse or even an employer, to give a more accurate assessment. This will allow the clinician to get an objective view of the person's behavior and to eliminate the possibility for a bias in the evaluation.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment should include a neuropsychological or psychological test. These tests assess the person's working memory, intelligence and other cognitive capabilities. The clinician will utilize the results of these tests to determine whether ADHD is causing the person's difficulty in learning, working or being able to cope.
Support
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD struggle to perform at school or work. They may have difficulty keeping track of daily tasks, organizing their belongings and retaining important information. They might also experience difficulties in their relationships, or find it hard to keep appointments.
Talking with your primary care physician is the first step to getting an ADHD diagnosis. He or she will be able to provide referral options or recommend an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Certain psychiatrists and graduate programs in psychology and private therapy professionals are trained in the psychological assessment of ADHD.
During the assessment, the mental health professional typically uses standardized rating scales for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. There are a variety of ratings scales are available, including 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 generally employ cognitive tests to assess an adult's working memory, executive functioning abilities and visual and spatial skills.
If a mental health professional concludes that a patient suffers from ADHD, they will discuss possible treatment options with them. There are many methods to manage ADHD symptoms, including medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Many adults with ADHD have reported better functioning when they take stimulant medication which improve alertness and concentration. Some adults also benefit from non-stimulant drugs which reduce depression or anxiety, as well as from therapy that includes mindfulness and coaching techniques.
The diagnosis of ADHD is often difficult and upsetting, but with the right help, people living with the condition can be taught to manage their symptoms and lead happy lives. The key is to remain honest with your health care provider and not repress your feelings because of fear or shame of being judged. It's also helpful to tell your supervisors, colleagues and teachers that you have ADHD. If they know about your struggles, they may be more understanding and offer accommodation such as extra time for homework.