How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
A professional ADHD assessment is the best method to get an accurate diagnosis. Self-assessment may be helpful, but cannot replace a consultation with an expert.
An ADHD assessment should include a look to determine if you suffer from other mental health issues that may coexist or mimic ADHD symptoms, and it is important to consider whether your symptoms started before the age of 12. Additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing might be required.
Self-Assessment Tools
Self-assessment is a form of assessment which examines specific symptoms and traits. These tools are commonly used in research studies, in clinics and on health websites to help people test for ADHD. Some self-assessments are short and provide a thoughtful report at the end of the test. Others are longer and require participation from significant people in a person's life. These tests can help determine whether or not the person may want to consider getting an assessment for ADHD.
There are numerous online ADHD assessments and screening questionnaires, but most of them aren't scientifically verified or standardized. Using these assessments without the guidance of a health professional is not advised as it can lead to inaccurate diagnoses. It could also result in unneeded referrals of ADHD tests for those who are unlikely sufferers. This can be a waste of healthcare resources, create distress for the person being referred 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 with the most common ADHD symptoms. A score of 4 or more on this screener means that the person could require further analysis by a physician.
Other more comprehensive self assessments include the Conners abbreviated symptom survey and the CBCLAP. Both of these scales are highly precise in terms of diagnosis and have a moderate degree of specificity and sensitivity. It is important to remember that none of these tests will replace a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms differ slightly than the experiences of men This is the reason why many of the self-assessments that are available have been designed specifically for women's behavioural challenges. These tools for women can be a useful way to help people determine if they may want to seek an expert diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In many cases the primary medical doctor will refer the patient to an ADHD specialist psychiatrist or neurologist. A specialist will typically interview the patient to determine how symptoms affect their daily life. The physician might ask the patient to fill out a symptom checklist or behavior rating scale, and also will likely go over the medical and psychiatric histories from childhood through the present. The clinician may also consider whether other disorders that mimic ADHD could be causing the patient's symptoms, including depression and anxiety.
When assessing adults it is more important to consider the functional impairment of the adult rather than the severity or number of symptoms. People with ADHD are often unable to meet work, school and expectations in relationships. It's recommended to tell your bosses at work and your school teachers and your family members about the challenges you have to face every day. It isn't easy for patients to talk about these issues. However, it's important to do so to receive the assistance they require.
Typically, the psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD will begin by interviewing the patient. They will likely utilize a symptom checklist from the DSM-5 that is geared toward diagnosing children. The doctor will inquire about the patient's psychiatric, emotional and social history, as well how ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. A lot of doctors inquire about the patient's spouse or other close friends about their perceptions of the patient's behavior and if they observe any signs of ADHD. This kind of personal perspective can provide information that is not accessible through questionnaires or ratings.
In some instances the psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavior therapy can make an ADHD diagnosis. A psychologist is not licensed to prescribe medication. This is usually done by a neurologist or psychiatrist. A therapist with special training in ADHD can help the patient learn how to manage symptoms. These include time and money management, organizational strategies and time management. These therapies are available in person and through the internet, such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults should include an interview to diagnose the condition and information from independent sources such the spouse or a close relative. The clinician might ask the patient to complete one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires are based on research to examine the behavior of people who suffer from ADHD to those of people who don't have it and help determine whether there is any issue. Based on the situation, some clinical psychologists may also administer cognitive tests to aid in diagnosing ADHD or other problems like a learning disability or anxiety disorder.
The doctor will also assess the patient's symptoms and how they impact their daily life in school, at work or in relationships. For instance, a patient may have difficulty keeping track of bills and appointments or arranging their belongings and thoughts. In addition many adults suffer from low self-esteem and resentment over the repeated patterns of academic failure, job loss and relationship conflict. A mental health professional might recommend individual talk therapy or a program that helps the patient to manage and cope with their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical condition like thyroid issues or seizures, that are contributing to the ADHD symptoms, he will perform a physical exam. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about any previous health problems and whether they have suffered any injuries or accidents. A thorough medical history will allow the clinician to determine if the patient has been diagnosed with ADHD or other psychiatric and neurological issues, like anxiety or depression.
Many adults have a poor or weak memory of their childhoods and might forget that they were diagnosed as ADHD children. The doctor will seek out someone who is important to the person's lives, such as family members, spouse, or employer, to give a more accurate assessment. This will allow the clinician to obtain an independent perspective of the person's behavior and to avoid the potential bias that could be present in the assessment.
A complete ADHD assessment should also include a neuropsychological or a psychological assessment. These tests measure the person's intelligence and working memory, in addition to other cognitive abilities. The clinician will use the results of these tests to determine if ADHD contributes to the person's difficulty learning working, coping or even coping.
Support
Many adults who have not been diagnosed with ADHD struggle to be productive at work or school. They may have difficulty keeping track of daily tasks, arranging their belongings and retaining important information. private adhd assessment adults may also have difficulties in their relationships, or find it hard to keep appointments.
The first step to get a diagnosis of ADHD is to talk to a primary care provider. They can offer recommendations for referrals or suggest mental health professionals to conduct an evaluation. Some psychiatrists, graduate psychology programs and private therapists are trained in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the assessment the mental health professional will employ the standardised ratings scales used for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult is meeting the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. A number of different 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 mental health professionals generally employ cognitive tests to assess an adult's working memory as well as executive functioning abilities, visual and spatial skills.
If the mental health professional concludes that a patient has ADHD they will discuss possible treatment options with them. There are many strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, such as medication, therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Many people with ADHD have reported improved functioning when they take stimulant medication that improve alertness and concentration. Some adults can also benefit from nonstimulant medication to reduce anxiety or depression and also therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
The diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult and stressful, but with the right help those suffering from the condition can learn to manage their symptoms and live life that is fulfilling. It's important to be honest with your doctor and to not conceal anything due to shame or fear. It's also beneficial to inform co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. They may be more understanding if they are aware about your struggles and offer accommodations such as extra time to complete assignments.