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 replace a consultation and evaluation by a trained professional.
A proper ADHD assessment should look for other mental health issues that may be present alongside or mimic symptoms of ADHD, and it should consider whether your symptoms began before 12 years old. Additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment is a questionnaire that focuses on specific symptoms and traits. These tools are often used in clinical studies, research studies and on health websites to assist people test for ADHD. Self-assessments may be brief and provide thoughtful results at the end of the test, while others are more thorough and require the participation of significant people in the person's life (such as spouse or family members). These tools can help to determine whether or not the individual may want to consider getting an assessment for ADHD.
There are a variety of online ADHD screening tests and assessments However, they have not been scientifically validated or standardized. Using these assessments without the guidance of a health professional is not advised as it can lead to inaccurate diagnoses. It can also lead to unnecessary referrals of ADHD assessments for individuals who are unlikely sufferers. This can waste healthcare funds, cause distress to the person being referred and lead to long wait periods 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 assesses the experiences of adults with the most common symptoms of ADHD. This screener is useful for to determine if a person requires an additional clinical examination.
Other self-assessments that are more extensive include the Conners abbreviated symptom survey and the CBCLAP. Both of these scales are highly accurate in terms of diagnosis and have a moderate level of sensitivity and specificity. However it is crucial to keep in mind that any of these tests can't substitute for a thorough clinical assessment by a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms can be a bit different from those experienced by males, which is why several of the self-assessments that are available are specifically designed for women with behavioural challenges. These women-specific tools can be a useful way to help people determine if they should seek an expert diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In most cases, the initial step to be diagnosed is to speak with a primary care physician who might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or neurologists who specialize in ADHD. In most cases, a specialist will need to speak with the patient to determine how their symptoms interfere with everyday functioning. The doctor will request the patient to fill out 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 clinician will also examine other disorders that might be similar to ADHD like depression and anxiety.
When assessing adults it is more important to look at the functional impairment of the adult than the amount or severity of symptoms. Individuals with ADHD often have trouble meeting the demands of school, work or relationship expectations. It's a good idea for you to inform your bosses at work and your school teachers, and your family about the challenges you face every day. Patients might be embarrassed to bring up such concerns, but it's important to speak up in order to receive the assistance you need.
Generally speaking, assessing adhd in adults or neurologist who is specialized in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient and likely employ an assessment tool for symptoms from the DSM-5 that is geared toward diagnosing children. The clinician will ask about the patient's psychiatric, emotional and social history as well as how ADHD symptoms affect their daily life. A lot of doctors will also inquire about the patient's partner or close family members about their observations and if they observe any indications of ADHD. This personal perspective can provide details that are not available from questionnaires or ratings.
In certain instances psychologists who are certified in cognitive behavioral therapy may be able to give an ADHD diagnosis. However, a psychologist does not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is typically provided by a psychiatrist or neurologists. A therapist specially trained to treat ADHD can teach the patient skills that might help manage symptoms, including managing time and money and methods for organizing. These therapies are offered in person or via telemental health services, such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults must include an interview to diagnose the condition as well as information from sources outside of the clinic, such as the spouse or a close relative. The physician may suggest that the person complete one or more standardized ADHD ratings scales. These questionnaires use research to examine the behavior of people with ADHD to those of people who don't have it and help determine if there is any issue. Depending on the circumstances certain clinical psychologists might also conduct cognitive tests to aid in diagnosing ADHD or other disorders such as a learning disability or anxiety disorder.
The clinician will also evaluate how the symptoms impact the person's daily functioning at work, school or in relationships. For example, the patient may have difficulty keeping track of bills and appointments or organizing belongings and thoughts. Additionally, many adult patients have low self-esteem and resentment over persistent patterns of academic failure loss of jobs and relationship conflict. A mental health professional might recommend individual talk therapy, or a program designed to aid the patient cope with and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that a medical condition such as thyroid problems or seizures, is contributing to the ADHD symptoms then he will conduct an examination. He will inquire about any previous health issues and if the patient has been injured or had an accident. A thorough medical history can aid the physician in determining whether the patient has been diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other neurological or psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Many adults have shaky or spotty memories of their childhood, and they may not remember that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. To gain a more precise picture, the clinician will interview a person who is significant to the life of the person like their spouse, family member or employer. This is a way to get an objective perspective of the person's behavior and to avoid the potential for bias in the evaluation.
A complete ADHD assessment should also include a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests evaluate the person's intelligence, working memory and other cognitive abilities. These tests can aid the doctor in determining if ADHD contributes to the individual's difficulties with working, learning, or coping.
Support
Adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD often have difficulty performing well at work or at school. They may have difficulties keeping track of their daily tasks, organizing their belongings, and remembering important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or find it difficult to schedule and keep appointments.
The first step in getting 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 and graduate programs in psychology, and private therapists are trained to perform the psychological assessment of ADHD.
In the course of the evaluation of the mental health professional, they will typically use standard rating scales for ADHD symptoms to determine whether an adult meets the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. A number of different ratings scales are available and include the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales and the Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report (CAARS). A mental health professional could also use cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales to assess the executive functioning abilities of an adult spatial and visual skills, and working memory.
If a mental health professional determines that the patient has ADHD If he or she concludes that the patient has ADHD, they will then discuss treatment options with the patient. There are many ways to manage ADHD symptoms, such as therapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Many adults with ADHD have reported improved performance after taking stimulant medications that improve concentration and alertness. Certain adults also benefit from non-stimulant medications which reduce depression or anxiety and also from therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
It can be a difficult and upsetting experience to be given a diagnosis for ADHD. However, with the right support and guidance, people with ADHD can manage their symptoms, and lead fulfilling lives. It is essential to be honest with your doctor and not hide anything out of shame or fear. It's also beneficial to inform your supervisors, colleagues and teachers that you have ADHD. They might be more understanding if they know about your difficulties and can provide accommodations, such as extra time to finish assignments.