How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
A professional ADHD assessment is the most effective method to get an accurate diagnosis. Self-assessment can be helpful but it is not a substitute for a consultation with a specialist.
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 should also consider if your symptoms began before the age of 12. The process may also include additional neuropsychological or psychological tests.
Self-Assessment Tools
A self-assessment tool is a questionnaire that examines specific symptoms or traits. These tools are used by clinics, research studies and health websites to check for ADHD. Some self-assessments are quick and provide thoughtful results at the conclusion of the test. Some are longer and require participation from significant people in the life of the person. These tests can be used to determine if someone should take the time to get an ADHD assessment.
There are a variety of online ADHD screening and assessment questionnaires, but most of them aren't scientifically validated or standardized. Using these assessments without the support of a health professional is not recommended as it could lead to inaccurate diagnosis. It could also result in unnecessary specialist referrals for ADHD assessments of individuals who aren't likely to be suffering from the disorder. This could waste healthcare resources, cause distress for the person being referred and lead to long waiting for an in-depth assessment.
The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD have developed a brief survey referred to as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS). The ASRS is a six-item questionnaire that examines the experiences of adults with the most common ADHD symptoms. A score of 4 or more on this screener indicates that an individual would require further analysis by a physician.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. These scales are both highly accurate in terms of diagnosis and offer a moderate level of specificity and sensitivity. It is important to keep in mind that neither of these tests can replace a thorough evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms differ slightly from those experienced by males and that's why a number of the available self-assessments have been designed specifically for women's behavioural challenges. These specific tools for women are an effective way to help people determine if they may want to seek an expert diagnosis of their ADHD.
Diagnosis
In most cases, the first step in determining the severity of the problem is to talk with an primary care physician who might refer the patient to a psychiatrist or a neurologist specializing in ADHD. A specialist will usually interview the patient to determine how symptoms affect their daily life. The physician will ask the patient to complete a symptom list or behavior rating scale. They will also review the patient's medical and mental health experiences from childhood until the present. The doctor may also look at other disorders that might be similar to ADHD like anxiety and depression.
When assessing adhdinadults , it is more important to look at the functional impairment of the adult rather than the amount or severity of symptoms. People with ADHD often have trouble meeting the demands of school, work or expectations in relationships. It's usually an excellent idea to discuss the facts with people who supervise you at work, teachers at school, and your family members to ensure they are aware of your daily difficulties. It isn't easy for patients to talk about these issues. But, it's important to do so to receive the assistance they require.
Typically, a 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 which is designed for diagnosing children. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's personal emotional and psychiatric history, and how their ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. Many doctors will also ask the patient's spouse or other close family members about their observations and if they observe any signs of ADHD. This personal insight can reveal information that isn't accessible through questionnaires or ratings.
A psychologist who is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy can diagnose ADHD in certain cases. However psychologists do not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is usually administered by a psychiatrist, or neurologist. A therapist specially trained in treating ADHD can teach the patient skills that might help manage symptoms, for example, time and money management and organizational strategies. These treatments are available in person and through telemental services such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults should comprise a diagnostic interview and information from outside sources, like the person's spouse or a close family member. The doctor may request that the person complete one or more standardized ADHD ratings scales. These tests are based on research and can assess the behaviors of those with ADHD to those of people who don't have it, and aid in determining if there is a problem. Based on the situation the psychologist may also administer cognitive tests to aid in diagnosing ADHD or other disorders like a learning disability 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 be unable to keep track of bills, appointments or organize thoughts and belongings. In addition, many adult patients have low self-esteem and resentment toward the repeated patterns of academic failure loss of jobs and relationship conflict. A mental health professional may recommend individual talk therapy, or a program that can help the person cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical issue like thyroid issues or seizures, are contributing to the ADHD symptoms, he will perform a physical exam. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about previous health issues and whether they have had any injuries or accidents. A thorough history will enable the doctor to determine whether someone has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric and neurological problems, such as anxiety or depression.
Many adults have weak or blurry memories of their childhood and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The therapist will ask anyone who is important to the person's lives, such as family members, spouse, or employer, to provide a more precise assessment. This is a way to get an objective view of the person's behavior and also to avoid the potential bias that could be present in the evaluation.
A complete ADHD evaluation should include a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests assess the level of working memory and intelligence, among other cognitive abilities. The clinician will use the results of these tests to determine if ADHD contributes to the person's difficulties in learning working, coping or even being able to cope.
Support
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to perform at school or work. They may struggle to keep the track of their daily tasks and organizing their belongings and retaining important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or have difficulty to make and keep appointments.
Talking to your primary care doctor is the first step in getting an ADHD diagnosis. The doctor can provide suggestions for referrals or suggest an expert in mental health for an assessment. Some psychiatrists as well as graduate programs in psychology, and private therapists are trained to perform the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the assessment the mental health professional will employ standard ratings scales for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult meets the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. 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 in order to assess the executive functioning abilities of an adult spatial and visual abilities and working memory.
If the mental health professional determines that the patient has ADHD the professional will discuss treatment options with the patient. There are many ways to manage ADHD symptoms, including medication, therapy and lifestyle changes. Many people with ADHD have reported improved performance when they take stimulant medication that improve alertness and concentration. Many adults also benefit from non-stimulant drugs that help reduce depression or anxiety and also from therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
It can be a stressful and traumatic experience to be given an diagnosis of ADHD. However with the right help and guidance, people suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms, and live full lives. It is essential to be honest with your doctor and don't hide anything out of shame or fear. It's also beneficial to inform your teachers, supervisors, and coworkers that you suffer from ADHD. If they know about your struggles, they may be more understanding and provide the appropriate accommodations, such as extra time for assignments.