How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
A professional ADHD assessment is the most effective method to receive a precise diagnosis. Self-assessment tools are useful, but they can't replace a consultation and evaluation by a trained professional.
An ADHD assessment should include a check to see if you have other mental health conditions that could coexist or resemble ADHD symptoms. You should also consider if your symptoms started before the age of 12. The process may also include additional neuropsychological or psychological tests.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment instrument is a tool that examines specific symptoms or traits. These tools are typically used in research studies, in clinics and on health websites to assist people screen for ADHD. Certain self-assessments are short and yield an insightful result at the end of the test, while others are more comprehensive and require participation from important people in the individual's life (such as family members or spouses). These tests can be used to determine if one should seek an ADHD assessment.
There are many online ADHD screening questionnaires and assessments but the majority of them haven't been tested or standardised. Making use of these tests without the support of a health professional is not recommended since they can lead to incorrect diagnoses. It could also result in unnecessary referrals to specialists for ADHD tests of those who are unlikely to have the disorder. This can result in a waste of healthcare funds and cause distress to the person referred, and result in long wait time 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 six-item survey that assesses the experiences of adults with the most typical symptoms of ADHD. A score of more than 4 on this screener means that a person would require further analysis by a clinician.
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 evaluation conducted by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms are slightly different than the experiences of men, which is why several of the self-assessments that are available have been tailored to women-specific issues with behavior. These tools for women can help users decide if they want to get a professional ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the initial step to be diagnosed is to speak with a primary care physician, who could refer the patient to a psychiatrist or a neurologist specializing in ADHD. A specialist will usually interview the patient to determine how symptoms impact daily functioning. The physician will request the patient to fill out a symptom list or behavior rating scale. They will also review the patient's medical and psychiatric histories from childhood until the present. The clinician may also consider whether other disorders that resemble ADHD might be causing the patient's symptoms, including anxiety and depression.
When assessing adults, it's more important to consider the functional impairment of the adult than the amount or severity of symptoms. Individuals with ADHD aren't able to meet their expectations at work, school and in relationships. It's usually recommended to communicate the details with those who supervise you at work, teachers at school, and your family members so that they are aware of your everyday struggles. Patients may be uncomfortable bringing up these issues, but it's critical to do so in order to receive the assistance you need.
Generally speaking, an neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD will begin by talking to the patient and likely employ a symptom checklist from the DSM-5 which is designed for diagnosing children. The doctor will inquire about the patient's psychiatric, emotional, and social history, and also how ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. Many doctors will also ask the patient's partner or close family members about their observations and whether they have noticed any signs of ADHD. These personal observations can reveal information that is not gleaned from questionnaires or ratings.
A psychologist trained in cognitive behavior therapy may diagnose ADHD in certain cases. However, a psychologist does not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is usually given by a psychiatrist or neurologist. A therapist specially trained in treating ADHD can help the patient learn strategies to manage symptoms, such as managing money and time, as well as organizational strategies. These treatments are available in person and through telemental health services, such as Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults should include a diagnostic interview as well as information from sources outside of the clinic, such as the spouse or a close relative. The physician may ask the person to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires use research to compare the behaviors of people with ADHD to the behavior of those who do not have it and assist in determining if there is an issue. Certain clinical psychologists also administer cognitive tests in order to determine if someone has ADHD or other problems like anxiety or a learning disorder.
The physician will also look at the patient's symptoms and how they impact their daily life at work, school or in relationships. Patients may have difficulty keeping on top of appointments, bills or organize thoughts and belongings. Many adult patients also suffer from low self-esteem, resentment or low self-esteem because of an ongoing pattern of academic failure, job loss and relationships conflicts. A mental health professional may recommend individual talk therapy, or a program to aid the patient cope with and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the clinician suspects an illness such as thyroid problems or seizures, is contributing to the ADHD symptoms, he will perform an examination. He will ask about any prior health issues, and also if the patient has been injured or suffered an accident. A thorough history will aid the physician in determining whether the patient was diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other neurological or psychiatric issues such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Many adults have a poor or weak memory of their childhood and may not remember they were diagnosed as ADHD children. The doctor will ask someone who is important to the life of the patient, such as a spouse, family member, or employer, to provide a more precise assessment. adhd adults assessment can help gain an impartial perspective of the person's behavior and also to avoid the potential for a bias in the evaluation.
A thorough ADHD evaluation should also include a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests assess the person's working memory, intelligence and other cognitive abilities. These tests will help the clinician determine whether ADHD contributes to the person's problems with working, learning or dealing with.
Support
Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD struggle to be productive at work or school. They may have difficulties managing their daily tasks, organizing their belongings and retaining important information. They may also experience issues in their relationships or have difficulty to schedule and keep appointments.
The first step to get a diagnosis of ADHD is talking to an primary care provider. He or she will be able to offer suggestions for referrals or suggest a mental health professional for an evaluation. Certain psychiatrists and graduate programs in psychology and private therapists are trained in the psychological assessment of ADHD.
During the evaluation, a mental health professional will utilize standard ratings scales for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria for the condition. There are a variety of different scales for rating which include the Barkley Adult ADHD Scales and Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report (CAARS). A mental health professional could also utilize cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales to assess the executive functioning abilities of an adult, visual and spatial skills and working memory.
If the mental health professional concludes that a patient suffers from ADHD, they will discuss treatment options with them. There are a variety of ways to deal with ADHD symptoms that include therapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Many adults suffering from ADHD have reported improved performance through the use of psychostimulants, stimulant medications that increase alertness and focus. Some adults can also benefit from nonstimulant medications to help reduce depression or anxiety as well as therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
It can be a difficult and traumatic experience to be given the diagnosis of ADHD. However with the right help and guidance, people with ADHD can manage their symptoms, and live full lives. It's important to be honest with your doctor and don't be afraid to speak about anything because of shame or fear. It's also helpful to tell co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. If they know about your struggles, they may be more understanding and offer the appropriate accommodations, such as extra time for homework.