How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is by taking an expert ADHD assessment. Using self-assessment tools can be useful, but they can't replace a consultation and evaluation with an experienced expert.
A proper ADHD assessment should check for other mental health issues that could be present alongside or mimic symptoms of ADHD and should consider whether your symptoms started before age 12 years old. Additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing might be required.
Self-Assessment Tool
Self-assessment is a form of assessment that focuses on particular symptoms and characteristics. These tools are used by clinics, research studies, and health websites to test for ADHD. Some self-assessments are short and provide clear results at the conclusion of the test. Others are more extensive and require participation from other significant people in a person's life. These tests can be used to determine whether someone should take the time to get an ADHD assessment.
There are numerous online ADHD screening tests and questionnaires, but the majority of them haven't yet been validated or standardised. Utilizing these tests without the assistance of a health professional is not advised as they can lead to incorrect diagnoses. It can also result in unnecessary referrals to specialists for ADHD tests of those who aren't likely to be suffering from the disorder. adhd assessment in adults can waste healthcare funds, cause distress to the person being referred and result in long wait times for an in depth interview.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD created an easy survey dubbed the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale Screener. The ASRS is an 6-item survey that examines the experiences of people who have the most frequent ADHD symptoms. A score of 4 or more on this screener indicates that an individual would benefit from further clinical analysis by a clinician.
Other more comprehensive self assessments include the Conners abbreviated symptom assessment and the CBCLAP. Both scales have been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy and have moderate specificity and sensitivity. However it is essential to keep in mind that these tests cannot substitute for a thorough examination by a certified psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's ADHD symptoms differ slightly from men's and that's why some of the self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific challenges. These tools for women can be a useful way to help individuals understand whether or not they should seek an expert diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In most cases, the first step to be diagnosed is to speak with a primary care physician who may refer the patient to a psychiatrist or neurologists who specialize in ADHD. A specialist will usually talk to the patient to determine how the symptoms affect daily functioning. The doctor may ask the patient to fill out a symptom checklist or behavior rating scale, and also will likely go over the medical and psychiatric history of the patient from childhood through the present. The doctor will also look at other disorders that may mimic ADHD like depression and anxiety.
When conducting an assessment of adults, it is more important to look at the extent of functional impairment rather than the number of symptoms or severity. People with ADHD often have trouble meeting work, school and expectations in relationships. It's recommended to inform your bosses at work as well as your teachers at school and your loved ones about the challenges you have to have to deal with every day. It can be difficult for patients to talk about such issues. But, it's essential to do this to receive the assistance they need.
Generally, the psychiatrist or neurologist who specializes in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient. They will likely use an assessment tool for symptoms 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 affect their daily life. A lot of doctors will also inquire about the patient's spouse or other close family members about their observations and whether they have noticed any indications of ADHD. This kind of personal perspective can provide information that is not available from questionnaires or ratings.
In certain instances the psychologist who is certified in cognitive behavioral therapy may be able to make an ADHD diagnosis. A psychologist is not licensed to prescribe medication. This is usually handled by a neurologist or psychiatrist. A therapist specially trained in treating ADHD can help the patient learn strategies to manage symptoms, for example, managing time and money and organizational strategies. These therapies are available both in person and via online services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults should consist of an interview with a doctor and information from other sources, such as the person's spouse or close family member. The clinician might ask the patient to fill out one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These tests are based upon research and examine the behavior of people with ADHD with that of people who are not. They help determine if a problem exists. Certain clinical psychologists administer cognitive tests in order to diagnose ADHD or other disorders like a learning disorder or anxiety disorder.
The doctor will also assess the extent to which the symptoms affect the patient's daily activities at work, school, or in relationships. For instance, a patient might be struggling to keep the track of appointments and bills or arranging their belongings and thoughts. In addition many adults suffer from low self-esteem and resentment toward persistent patterns of academic failure, job loss and relationship conflict. A mental health professional could suggest individual therapy or a program to help the person learn how to manage and cope with their ADHD symptoms.
If the clinician suspects that a medical condition such as thyroid issues or seizures is the cause of ADHD symptoms, he'll perform a physical examination. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about previous health issues and whether they've had any injuries or accidents. A thorough medical history will allow the doctor to determine whether the patient has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric and neurological problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Many adults have a weak or shaky memory of their childhood and may not remember they were diagnosed as ADHD children. To gain a more precise picture, the therapist will interview someone who is important in the life of the person like their spouse or a family member or even their employer. This is a good method to gain an objective view of the person and avoid bias.
A thorough ADHD assessment should include a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests evaluate the person's working memory, intelligence and other cognitive abilities. The clinician will use the results of these tests to determine if ADHD contributes to the person's difficulty in learning working, coping or even coping.
Support
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD frequently struggle to perform well at work or at school. They may have problems managing their daily tasks, arranging their belongings and recalling important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or have difficulty to make and keep appointments.
The first step to receive a diagnosis of ADHD is speaking with the primary care physician. They can provide suggestions for referrals or suggest an expert in mental health for an assessment. Some psychiatrists as well as graduate psychology programs and private therapists are trained in the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the examination, the mental health professional typically uses standardized rating scales for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult is able to meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. A variety of different ratings scales are available for use, including the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales and the Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report (CAARS). A mental health professional can also employ cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales to assess the executive functioning abilities of an adult spatial and visual abilities, and working memory.
If a mental health professional determines that the patient has ADHD the professional will then discuss possible treatment options with the patient. There are many strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, such as therapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Many adults with ADHD have reported better functioning when they take stimulant medication which improve alertness and concentration. Some adults may also benefit from nonstimulant medication to ease depression or anxiety and also therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be difficult and upsetting, but with the right help those with the condition can be taught to manage their symptoms and live happy lives. The key is to be open with your doctor and not repress your feelings because of shame or fear of judgment. It's also beneficial to inform your supervisors, colleagues and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. If they know about your struggles, they may be more understanding and provide accommodation such as extra time for assignments.