How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
A professional ADHD assessment is the best way to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Self-assessment tools are useful, but they are not able to substitute a consultation and evaluation by a qualified expert.
An ADHD assessment should include a review to see if you have other mental health conditions that could be coexisting or resemble ADHD symptoms. You you should also be aware if your symptoms started before the age of 12. Additional neuropsychological or psychological tests could be required.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment tool is a questionnaire that focuses on certain traits or symptoms. These tools are typically used in clinical studies, research studies and by health websites to assist people detect ADHD. Certain self-assessments are brief and provide thoughtful results at the end of the test. Others are longer and require participation from other significant people in a person's life. These tools can be used to determine whether one should seek an ADHD assessment.
There are numerous online ADHD screening questionnaires and assessments however the majority of them aren't verified or standardised. It is not advised to use these tests without consulting medical professionals, since they can lead incorrect diagnosis. It can also result in unnecessary specialist referrals for ADHD assessments of individuals who are not likely to suffer from the disorder. This can result in a waste of healthcare funds, cause distress to the person referred, and cause long wait time for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD have created a short questionnaire known as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS). The ASRS is a 6-item questionnaire that focuses on the experiences of adults with the most frequent symptoms of ADHD. A score of 4 or more on this screener indicates that a person would benefit from further clinical analysis by a doctor.
Other more comprehensive self assessments include the Conners abbreviated symptom survey and the CBCLAP. These scales are both extremely precise in diagnosing and offer a moderate level of specificity and sensitivity. However it is crucial to remember that any of these tests will not replace the need for a thorough evaluation by a qualified psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms differ slightly than those experienced by men and that's why a number of the available self-assessments are specifically designed for women with behavioural challenges. These tools for women can help people decide if they want to get a professional ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the initial step to be diagnosed is to talk with the primary care physician, who could refer the patient to a psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD. A specialist will usually talk to the patient to determine how their symptoms impact daily functioning. The physician may ask the patient to fill out an inventory of symptoms or a behavior rating scale, and also will likely review the medical and psychiatric history from childhood until the present. The doctor will also consider other disorders that might be similar to ADHD, such as depression and anxiety.
When assessing adults it is more important to look at the functional impairment of the adult rather than the number or severity of symptoms. Individuals with ADHD aren't able to meet their expectations at school, work, and in relationships. It's recommended to tell your bosses at work, your teachers at school and your family members about the difficulties you face every day. Patients might be ashamed to discuss such issues, but it's critical to do so to receive the assistance you need.
A neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD may begin by interviewing the child and using the DSM-5 symptom checklist that is specifically designed to help diagnose children. The clinician will ask about the patient's psychiatric, emotional and social history, as well how ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. Many doctors also like to ask the patient's spouse or other close family members about their experiences with the patient's behavior and if they observe any signs of ADHD. This type of personal insight can reveal information that is not gleaned from ratings or questionnaires.
A psychologist trained in cognitive behavior therapy may diagnose ADHD in certain instances. However, a psychologist does not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is typically given by a psychiatrist or neurologist. A therapist specially trained in treating ADHD can teach the patient strategies to manage symptoms, for example, managing money and time, as well as organizational strategies. These treatments are available in person and via remote mental services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough assessment of ADHD for adults should include an interview to diagnose the condition and information from independent sources such an intimate partner or close family member. The physician may ask the person to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These tests are based on research and compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD to those who are not. They help determine whether there is a problem. Depending on the circumstances, some clinical psychologists may also administer cognitive tests to help diagnose ADHD or other problems such as a learning impairment or anxiety disorder.
The clinician will also evaluate how the symptoms interfere with the person's daily functioning at work, school or in relationships. The patient might find it difficult to keep the track of appointments, bills or arrange thoughts and belongings. Additionally, many adult patients have low self-esteem and feel resentment towards chronic patterns of academic failure, job loss and relationship conflict. A mental health professional may recommend individual talk therapy, or a program that can assist the patient to cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical problem such as seizures or thyroid issues is contributing to ADHD symptoms, he'll perform an exam. He will also ask the patient about their previous health issues and whether they've had any accidents or injuries. A careful history will help the clinician determine if the person has been diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological problems such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.
Many adults have a poor or weak memory of their childhoods and may not remember they were diagnosed as ADHD children. The clinician will ask anyone who is important in the life of the patient such as a spouse, a family member or even an employer, to give a more accurate assessment. This is a way to get an objective assessment of the behavior of the individual and to avoid the potential bias that could be present in the assessment.
A complete ADHD assessment should also include a neuropsychological, or psychological test. These tests evaluate the person's working memory, intelligence and other cognitive abilities. adhd adult assessment will help the clinician determine if ADHD is a factor in the person's difficulties in learning, working, or managing.
Support
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD frequently struggle to perform well at work or in school. They may have problems managing their daily tasks, arranging their belongings and recalling important information. They may also have difficulties in their relationships, or find it hard to keep appointments.
Talking with your primary care doctor is the first step to receiving an ADHD diagnosis. They can provide referral options or recommend a mental health professional for an evaluation. Some psychiatrists, graduate programs in psychology and private therapists are trained in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the examination, the mental health professional will utilize the standardised ratings scales used for ADHD symptoms in order to determine if an adult is meeting the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. A variety 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 typically employ cognitive tests to assess the working memory of an adult as well as executive functioning abilities, visual and spatial skills.
If a mental health professional determines that an individual suffers from ADHD, he or she will discuss possible treatment options with the patient. There are many ways to treat ADHD symptoms, such as treatment, therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Many people with ADHD have reported improved performance with the help of psychostimulants, stimulant medicines that increase alertness and focus. Some adults may also benefit from nonstimulant medications to help reduce depression or anxiety as well as therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
The diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging and upsetting, however with the right help those with the condition can be taught to manage their symptoms and live life that is fulfilling. It's important to be honest with your doctor and not hide anything out of fear or shame. It's also helpful to tell co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. They might be more understanding if they are aware about your struggles and provide accommodations, such as extra time to complete assignments.