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 can be helpful, but they cannot substitute for a consultation and assessment by a qualified specialist.
An ADHD assessment should include a review to see if you have other mental health conditions that may coexist or mimic ADHD symptoms. You should also consider if your symptoms began before the age of 12. Additional neuropsychological or psychological tests could be required.
Self-Assessment Tools
Self-assessment is a form of assessment which examines specific signs and traits. These tools are employed by research studies, clinics, and health websites to screen for ADHD. Some self-assessments can be quite brief and provide thorough results at the conclusion of the test, while others are more extensive and require participation from significant people in the life (such as spouse or family members). These tools can help determine whether or not the person may want to consider getting an assessment for ADHD.
There are a variety of online ADHD screening tests and assessments however, the majority of them have not been scientifically validated or standardized. It is not recommended to use these tests without the help of medical professionals, since they can lead incorrect diagnosis. It could also result in unnecessary referrals to specialists for ADHD assessments of individuals who are unlikely to have the disorder. This could waste healthcare dollars, cause distress for the person who is referred to, and lead to long wait periods for an in-depth interview.
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 6-item questionnaire that examines adults' experiences with the most common symptoms of ADHD. A score of 4 or higher on this screener means that an individual would need further evaluation by a physician.
Other self-assessments that are more comprehensive include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. Both of these scales have been proven to have high diagnostic accuracy and have moderate sensitivity and specificity. It is important to keep in mind that neither of these tests can substitute for a thorough assessment by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's ADHD symptoms differ slightly from men's and that's why some of the self-assessments are designed for women with specific problems. These tools for women can help users decide if they want to get a professional ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many cases the primary doctor of care will refer the patient to an ADHD-specialist neurologist or psychiatrist. A specialist will usually talk to the patient to determine how their symptoms affect daily functioning. The doctor might ask the patient to fill out an inventory of symptoms or a behavior rating scale, and also will likely go over the medical and psychiatric history of the patient from childhood through the present. The doctor may also inquire whether other disorders that mimic ADHD could be causing the patient's symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
When looking at adults, it's more important to look at the degree of impairment than at symptom count or severity. People suffering from ADHD struggle to meet expectations at school, work as well as in relationships. It's an excellent idea to discuss the facts with people who supervise you at work, your teachers at school, and your family members so that they are aware of your everyday struggles. It can be difficult for patients to talk about these concerns. However, it is important to do so to receive the help they require.
Generally speaking, an neurologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient. They will likely use a checklist of symptoms from the DSM-5 which is designed for diagnosing children. The doctor will inquire about the patient's mental, emotional, and social history, as well as how ADHD symptoms affect their daily life. Many doctors also like to consult with the patient's spouse and other close family members about their perceptions of the patient's behavior, and if they notice any signs of ADHD. These personal observations can reveal details that are not available from ratings or questionnaires.
In certain instances, a psychologist who is certified in cognitive behavioral therapy may be able to provide 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 with special training in ADHD can assist the patient learn skills to manage symptoms. These include money and time management, organizational strategies and time management. These therapies are available both in person or via online services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD in adults should consist of an interview with a doctor and information from independent sources, like the person's spouse or a close family member. The physician might ask the patient to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These tests are based on research and can compare the behaviors of people with ADHD to those of people who don't have it and help determine if there is any issue. Certain clinical psychologists administer cognitive tests to diagnose ADHD or other problems like a learning disorder or anxiety disorder.
The clinician will also evaluate the patient's symptoms and how they interfere with daily functioning at work, school or in relationships. Patients may find it difficult to keep on top of appointments, bills or arrange thoughts and belongings. Many adult patients also have low self-esteem, resentment and low self-esteem due to an ongoing pattern of academic failure, job losses and conflicts in relationships. A mental health professional could recommend individual therapy or a program that can assist the patient to cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the physician suspects that a medical condition like thyroid issues or seizures is the cause of ADHD symptoms, he'll conduct a physical exam. The doctor will inquire about medical issues that have occurred in the past and whether the patient has been injured or suffered an accident. A careful history will help the clinician determine whether the patient was diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological issues like bipolar, depression, or anxiety disorder.
Many adults have poor or hazy memories of their childhood, and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The therapist will ask anyone who is important in the person's lives, such as a spouse, family member or an employer to provide a more accurate assessment. This is a way to obtain an independent view of the person's behavior and also to avoid the potential bias that could be present in the assessment.
A thorough ADHD assessment should include a psychological or neuropsychological assessment. These tests evaluate the level of intelligence and working memory, among other cognitive abilities. These tests can help the therapist determine whether ADHD contributes to the individual's difficulties with learning, working or coping.
adhd adults assessment with undiagnosed ADHD often struggle to perform well at work or at school. They may have trouble keeping on top of their daily tasks, organizing their belongings, and retaining important information. adhd adults assessment might also have issues in their relationships or find it difficult to schedule and keep appointments.
The first step to get a diagnosis of ADHD is speaking with the primary care physician. They will be able to offer suggestions for referrals or suggest a mental health professional for an assessment. Some psychiatrists as well as graduate programs in psychology, and private therapists are trained in the psychological assessment of ADHD.
During the assessment the mental health professional will employ standardized ratings scales for ADHD symptoms to determine if a person meets the criteria for diagnosis of the condition. A variety of different ratings scales are available, including 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, a mental health professional will typically utilize cognitive tests to evaluate an adult's working memory ability, executive functioning capabilities and spatial and visual abilities.
If a mental health professional determines that a patient has ADHD, they will discuss possible treatment options with them. There are many strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, such as therapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Many adults with ADHD have reported improved performance through the use of psychostimulants, stimulant drugs that increase alertness and focus. Many adults also benefit from non-stimulant medication which reduce depression or anxiety as well as therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.
It can be a challenging and stressful experience to receive a diagnosis for ADHD. However, with the right support and guidance, those suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms and live full lives. It is essential to be honest with your doctor and to not be afraid to speak about anything because of fear or shame. It's also helpful to tell co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. If they know about your challenges, they'll be more understanding and offer accommodation such as extra time for assignments.