How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is by taking an expert ADHD assessment. Self-assessment may be helpful, but is not a substitute for a consult with a specialist.
An ADHD assessment should include a check to determine if you have other mental health conditions that may coexist or mimic ADHD symptoms, and should also consider if your symptoms began before the age of 12. Additional tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing could be required.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment instrument is a tool that focuses on particular traits or symptoms. These tools are employed by clinics, research studies, and health websites to test for ADHD. Certain self-assessments are brief and provide clear results at the conclusion of the test. Some are longer and require participation from important people in a person's life. These tests can help determine whether or not the individual might be interested in getting an assessment for ADHD.
There are many online ADHD screening tests and questionnaires but the majority of them haven't yet been tested or standardised. It is not advised to use these tests without the help of medical professionals, since they could lead to inaccurate diagnoses. It could also result in unnecessary referrals to specialists for ADHD assessments of people who aren't likely to be suffering from the disorder. This can be a waste of healthcare resources, create distress for the person being referred to, and result in long wait for an in-depth assessment.
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 six-item questionnaire that examines the experiences of people who have the most frequent ADHD symptoms. A score of more than 4 on this screener means that an individual would benefit from further clinical analysis by a doctor.
Other self-assessments that are more extensive include the Conners abbreviated symptom questionnaire and the CBCLAP. Both scales have been found to have high diagnostic accuracy and moderate sensitivity and specificity. It is important to note that neither of these tests can substitute for a thorough evaluation conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's ADHD symptoms are slightly different from men's and that's why some of the self-assessments are designed for women with specific challenges. These tools for women can assist people decide if they want to get an expert ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the primary doctor of care will refer the patient to an ADHD specialist psychiatrist or neurologist. A specialist will usually interview the patient to determine how symptoms affect their daily life. The doctor will request the patient to fill out a symptom list or behavior rating scale. They will also review the patient's medical and mental health histories from childhood until the present. The doctor will also examine other disorders that may mimic ADHD like depression and anxiety.
When conducting adult adhd assessment uk of adults, it is more important to look at the extent of functional impairment rather than focusing on symptom count or severity. People with ADHD are often unable to meet the demands of school, work or expectations of relationships. It's recommended to inform your supervisors at work and your school teachers, and your family about the difficulties you encounter every day. It isn't easy for patients to discuss such concerns. But, it's important to do so to receive the assistance they require.
Generally, an neurologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient and will likely use a checklist of symptoms from the DSM-5 that is geared toward diagnosing children. The clinician will ask about the patient's mental, emotional, and social history, as well as how ADHD symptoms impact daily functioning. Many doctors will also ask the patient's partner or other close family members about their observations and if they observe any indications of ADHD. This kind of personal insight can reveal information that is not available through surveys or ratings.
In some 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 given by a psychiatrist or neurologists. A therapist who is trained to treat ADHD can teach the patient techniques that can help manage symptoms, such as time and money management and organizational strategies. These treatments are available in person and via online services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough assessment for ADHD in adults should include a diagnostic interview and information from independent sources, like the person's spouse or a close family member. The clinician may ask the person to complete one or more of the standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires are based on research and analyze the behavior of people with ADHD against those without it. They can help determine whether there is a problem. Some clinical psychologists will also administer cognitive tests to determine if someone has ADHD or other problems, such as anxiety or a learning disorder.
The clinician will also evaluate the person's symptoms and how they affect their daily functioning at work, in school or in relationships. For instance, a patient may have difficulty keeping the track of appointments and bills or organizing their thoughts and belongings. Many adult patients also have low self-esteem, anger and low self-esteem because of a pattern of chronic academic failure, job losses and relationships conflicts. A mental health professional might suggest individual therapy, or a program to help the person cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that an illness, such as thyroid problems or seizures, is contributing to the ADHD symptoms, he will perform a physical exam. He will also ask the patient about any previous health problems and whether they've had any injuries or accidents. A thorough medical history can aid the doctor in determining if the person has been diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other neurological or psychiatric issues like bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder.
Many adults have poor or spotty memories of their childhood, and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. In order to obtain a more accurate picture, the clinician will interview someone who is important in the life of the person for example, their spouse or a family member or even their employer. This will allow the clinician to gain an impartial view of the person's behavior and also to avoid the potential for bias in the evaluation.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment should include a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests assess the person's working memory and intelligence, as well as other cognitive capabilities. The psychologist will use the results of these tests to determine whether ADHD is causing the person's difficulties in learning, working or coping.
Support
Adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD often have difficulty performing well at work or at school. They may have trouble keeping track of their daily activities as well as organizing their personal belongings and retaining important details. They might also have issues in their relationships or have difficulty to keep appointments.
The first step to get a diagnosis of ADHD is speaking with a primary care provider. He or she can provide suggestions for referrals or suggest an expert in mental health for an assessment. Some psychiatrists, graduate programs in psychology, and private therapists are trained to perform the psychological evaluation of ADHD.
During the assessment the mental health professional will utilize standard ratings scales for ADHD symptoms to determine if a person meets the diagnostic criteria for the condition. A variety 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). In addition to these ratings scales mental health professionals typically utilize cognitive tests to evaluate the working memory of an adult ability, executive functioning capabilities and visual and spatial skills.
If a mental health professional concludes that a patient is suffering from ADHD they will discuss the treatment options with them. There are a variety of ways to deal with ADHD symptoms, including treatment, therapy and lifestyle adjustments. Many adults with ADHD report improved functioning through the use of psychostimulants, stimulant medicines that increase alertness and focus. Many adults also benefit from non-stimulant medications which reduce depression or anxiety and also from therapy that includes coaching and mindfulness techniques.
It can be a difficult and upsetting encounter to receive the diagnosis of ADHD. However, with the right support and guidance, those suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms, and live a full life. The key is to remain open with your doctor and not hold back because of shame or fear of being judged. It's also helpful to tell co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. They may be more understanding if they know about your struggles and offer accommodations such as extra time to finish assignments.