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ADHD Assessments For Adults A correct diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood requires more than self-tests and rating scales. The most crucial factor in determining ADHD in adults is a clinical interview conducted by a mental health professional with expertise in ADHD evaluations. The assessment can last up to an hour. Patients are asked to fill out questionnaires in advance and talk with people who knew them well as an infant. Diagnosing ADHD Talk to your primary provider if you or someone you care about is experiencing ADHD symptoms. They can refer you to a health professional who is qualified to conduct an evaluation. The majority of insurance plans will list professionals by specialty and will assist with finding a qualified individual. You can also ask your family and friends for recommendations. You can also reach out to an area medical school or hospital at a university for the right specialist. Some community organizations such as support groups may provide lists of specialists who are qualified as well. Typically, the first step in the process of ADHD assessment is a medical interview with a professional who is trained. The examiner will ask questions in a face-to-face meeting or via a questionnaire. The evaluator wants to know about your life and specifically your childhood. They will examine your education, employment and relationships. They will also discuss how your symptoms interfere with your daily life like having difficulty scheduling appointments, paying your bills on time, or completing tasks at home and in school. They may ask for old reports or progress records to determine if there is a pattern of behavior. The evaluator could also use one or more behavior rating scales that are standard to determine the symptoms of hyperactivity inattention and the tendency to be impulsive. These questionnaires are based upon research that compares those with ADHD with those who don't. These tests are not diagnostic by themselves, but are an important element of a complete ADHD assessment. Most doctors ask the person being evaluated and their spouse to fill out these scores. It is essential to be open about your issues, and especially how they affect you in your daily activities. You may feel embarrassed to bring up these problems or worry that the evaluator might think you're crazy. But it is crucial that the evaluator has an accurate picture of how you currently function in order to make a diagnosis. In order for a diagnosis of ADHD to be established the symptoms must be so severe that they interfere in two areas of your life—work, school or at home. This is a different requirement than children, in which symptoms must be “difficult to control.” Adults are often unable to recognize their own ADHD symptoms which can result in delay in diagnosis and treatment. ADHD symptoms People with ADHD often have a difficult time dealing with their symptoms. The symptoms can affect work, school or family relationships. They can cause people to feel angry, ashamed or guilty, especially if their behavior is misunderstood. When a person with inattentive ADHD fails to remember or is late for important appointments, their relatives and colleagues might think they aren't a bother. Additionally, some individuals with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as reading or writing a report. It's important for health care providers to determine the severity of a person's symptoms and how they affect the person's life. A comprehensive assessment usually involves a review of the person's medical history, a physical examination and a psychological or psychiatric assessment. It also may include a detailed review of the person's performance in a variety of settings, such as at home, at school or work. A diagnosis of ADHD may be made based on the presence or absence of certain signs such as hyperactivity, inattention and/or the tendency to be impulsive. Mild cases of ADHD might only trigger some symptoms. In moderate cases, an individual may have many more symptoms. Severe cases of ADHD may be more severe, like issues at work or in school. Researchers believe that there is a genetic component in the majority of cases of ADHD. However they aren't sure what causes it. It is believed that issues with the brain's signaling system at key points in development play a significant role. Certain triggers, like lead exposure during pregnancy or traumatic events in childhood, can increase the likelihood of developing ADHD. There are many subtypes of ADHD. The most prevalent is the inattention type which affects both children and adults. People with this subtype have difficulty staying focused on their tasks, aren't able to follow directions or lose track of conversations. They tend to daydream and have a difficult time to finish schoolwork, homework or other projects. This subtype is often mistakenly diagnosed as their behavior could be blamed on laziness or inattention. Certain kinds of medications are prescribed to treat ADHD however, the majority of doctors favor psychotherapy (the technical term used to describe mental health therapy) and accommodations, which are tools or changes in the environment that allow someone with a disability to live up to their full potential. Accommodations can include bigger workspaces and task reminder systems. Diagnosing Adults With ADHD Adults who struggle to keep track of their time, work their jobs, or maintain healthy relationships can benefit from an assessment for ADHD. If you're not sure what to do, ask your primary care provider for a referral or contact the local hospital affiliated with a university or medical school in your area to get recommendations. Most insurance plans will have lists of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. During the assessment the mental health professional will examine your symptoms, issues and take into account any previous history of ADHD as a child, and any stressors at home, work or within your family that could affect your attention issues. Along with physical examination and a detailed history, the evaluation may include standardized rating scales to compare your behaviors to those of people who do not have ADHD. The psychologist or psychiatrist will also go over your previous and current treatment options. In the DSM-5 diagnostic manual, a diagnosis of ADHD requires that your inattentive and/or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms occur often and are so troublesome that they interfere with your life functioning. Adult ADHD can only be diagnosed if these symptoms last for at least six months. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause adults to feel that they'll never able to get their lives back on track. They may even believe that the problems they're facing are due to an individual flaw or weakness. A diagnosis of ADHD could give you an uplifting feeling of relief and hope for the first time, letting you know that the challenges aren't your fault and that you haven't failed because of poor study habits or because you're “bad at following through.” Many adults with ADHD find relief through psychotherapy (the technical term used to describe mental health therapy) and lifestyle changes including daily planners, calendars, and smartphone apps to aid them in keeping track of important dates and appointments, adhere to schedules and organize their lives. They can also work together with their supervisors, colleagues and teachers to develop accommodations at school or work that will enhance their performance. These tools can be used to help a person who isn't taller climb higher shelves. Treatments for adults with ADHD Treatments for adults with ADHD are often holistic and customizable. The goal is to maximize the control of symptoms. Most people suffering from ADHD have the best results from a combination of therapy, medication, lifestyle changes and strategies for coping. It takes time to determine what works best for each individual. The first step is to go to your GP and explain your issues. Your GP may recommend you to a specialist clinic for ADHD. You can do some research on ADHD prior to your appointment to help decide what treatment is best for you. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of therapy that helps adults improve their concentration and attention. It can also teach them how to handle negative self-talk and negative thoughts that are common to those with ADHD. Family therapy or marriage therapy can help people suffering from ADHD learn how to better communicate and support one another. Other types of psychotherapy that may be beneficial include learning how to break tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps and working with a life coach to improve organizational skills. Coaching can help you manage anxiety and mood fluctuations that are common among people with ADHD. Some medications, such as methylphenidate, or Ritalin, can be helpful for those suffering from ADHD. They can help calm the brain and make it easier to focus. Read the Full Report is essential to speak with your doctor about the pros and negatives of taking medication, as it's not for everyone. It's also possible that a therapist will suggest accommodations to assist you in achieving success at work and school. Accommodations are changes or tools you can make to your environment that allow you to take part in the same activities as other people. A step stool, for instance can allow someone who is shorter to attain the same height as taller people. Accommodations can include things like creating a space that is low-distraction for office space or using an app that will remind you to take your medicine. People who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, and are at greater risk of developing addiction disorders. They are more likely to experience anxiety or depression and could struggle to maintain relationships or finding employment. It's crucial to identify ADHD and treat it as soon as possible.