How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
A professional ADHD assessment is the best method to get an accurate diagnosis. Self-assessment is helpful, but cannot replace a consultation with an expert.
A thorough ADHD assessment should look for other mental health issues that may coexist with or mimic symptoms of ADHD and should take into account whether your symptoms started before age 12. Additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing could be required.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment tool is a questionnaire that focuses on certain traits or symptoms. These tools are commonly employed in research studies, in clinics and by health websites to help patients detect 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 tests can be used to determine if a person should consider getting an ADHD assessment.
There are a variety of online ADHD screening and assessment questionnaires However, they aren't scientifically validated or standardized. It is not recommended to use these assessments without the help of an experienced healthcare professional as they can lead incorrect diagnosis. It could also result in unnecessary referrals to specialists for ADHD assessments of people who aren't likely to be suffering from the disorder. This could waste healthcare resources, cause distress for the individual referred, and lead to long waiting for an in-depth examination.
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 questionnaire of six items that focuses on the experiences of adults with the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. A score of 4 or more on this screener means that the person could benefit from further clinical analysis by a clinician.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. Both scales have been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy and have moderate specificity and sensitivity. It is important to keep in mind that none of these tests will substitute for a thorough evaluation conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are different from men's, which is why some of the self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific issues. These tools for women can help users decide if they'd like to seek a professional ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many cases the primary doctor of care will refer the patient to an ADHD specialist psychiatrist or neurologist. A specialist will usually talk to the patient to determine how symptoms impact daily functioning. The physician will ask the patient to complete a symptom list or behavior rating scale. They will also look over the patient's medical and mental health history from childhood to the present. The doctor may also inquire whether other disorders that mimic ADHD might be contributing to the patient's symptoms, such as depression and anxiety.
When looking at adults, it's more important to look at the degree of impairment rather than the number of symptoms or severity. People suffering from ADHD aren't able to meet their the expectations of their schools, at work, and in relationships. It's recommended to tell your supervisors at work as well as your teachers at school and your loved ones about the challenges you have to encounter every day. Patients may be uncomfortable bringing up these problems, but it's essential to speak up in order to receive the assistance you need.
A neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD may begin by interviewing the child and using a DSM-5 symptom checklist specifically designed to help diagnose children. The clinician will ask about the patient's mental, emotional, and social history, and also how ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. Many doctors also like to inquire about the patient's spouse or other close friends about their observations of the person's behavior and whether they see any symptoms of ADHD. Such personal insight can uncover information that is not gleaned from ratings or questionnaires.
In some instances, a psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavior therapy can provide an ADHD diagnosis. A psychologist is not authorized to prescribe medication. This is usually handled by a neurologist or psychiatrist. A therapist who is trained in treating ADHD can teach the patient techniques that can help manage symptoms, such as managing money and time, as well as methods for organizing. These treatments are available in person and through the internet, such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults must include an interview for diagnosis and information from independent sources such an intimate partner or close family member. The physician may suggest to see the person fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD ratings scales. These tests are based on research and can assess the behaviors of those who suffer from ADHD to those of people without it and help determine if 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 such as a learning impairment or anxiety disorder.
The doctor will also assess the patient's symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning at work, school or in relationships. For example, the patient might be struggling to keep track of bills and appointments or arranging their belongings and thoughts. In addition, many adult patients have low self-esteem and feel resentment towards the repeated patterns of academic failure loss of jobs and relationship conflict. A mental health professional could recommend individual talk therapy, or a program that can assist the patient to cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that a medical condition like thyroid issues or seizures, is contributing to the ADHD symptoms, he will perform an exam. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about any previous health issues and whether they've had any accidents or injuries. A thorough history will enable the doctor to determine whether a person has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Many adults have a weak or shaky memory of their childhoods and may not remember they were identified as ADHD children. The clinician will ask anyone who is important to the person's lives such as family members, spouse or even an employer, to provide a more precise assessment. This is an effective way to get a more objective view of the person and avoid bias.
A complete ADHD assessment should also include a neuropsychological or psychological test. These tests measure the level of intelligence and working memory, in addition to other cognitive abilities. These tests will help the therapist determine whether ADHD contributes to the person's difficulties in learning, working, or managing.
Support
Many adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD struggle to perform at school or at work. They may have difficulties keeping track of their daily tasks, arranging their belongings and retaining important information. They might also experience difficulties in their relationships or have difficulty to keep appointments.
Talking with your primary care provider is the first step in receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They can provide suggestions for referrals or suggest a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Certain psychiatrists, graduate psychology programs and private therapists have special training in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the assessment, the mental health professional typically uses standardized scales of rating for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. 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). A mental health professional could also utilize cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales to evaluate the executive functioning abilities of an adult, visual and spatial skills, and working memory.
If the mental health professional concludes that an individual suffers from ADHD the professional will then discuss possible treatment options with the patient. There are a variety of strategies to treat ADHD symptoms, such as medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Many people with ADHD report improved functioning with the help of psychostimulants, stimulant medicines that improve focus and alertness. Certain adults could also benefit from nonstimulant medicines to reduce anxiety or depression as well as therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be challenging and upsetting, but with the right support those suffering from the condition can be taught to manage their symptoms and lead happy lives. It's essential to be open with your doctor and to not hide anything out of fear or shame. You can also inform your teachers and coworkers about ADHD. They may be more understanding if they know about your difficulties and can provide you with accommodations, like extra time to finish assignments.