Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD typically have a difficult time getting diagnosed. Doctors must determine if symptoms are present in the present and if they were present in the past (technically before age 12).
A thorough assessment usually involves more than one person. It is helpful to include family members, coworkers and teachers.
Self-Assessment Tools
The most popular self-assessment instrument for adults suffering from ADHD is the Adult ADHD Symptom Self-Report Scale. It is accessible online and can be completed by adults at home. This tool asks questions about the most common symptoms encountered by ADHD sufferers. It can be a useful initial step in determining whether or not to seek out an additional assessment from a medical professional.
Other symptoms inventories for adults include the BADDS42 as well as the AD/HD Symptom Inventory for Adults (AD/HD-IS), and the CAARS44. The BADDS is a 40-item measurement that provides a context for ADHD symptoms in real-life situations, is a 40 item measure. It can be administered either as a self-report or as an instrument rated by an observer. It includes a number of beneficial supplementary factors aside from the DSM-5 subscales and provides norms that are based on age.
These symptom inventories can be helpful in the process of diagnosing ADHD because they provide a wider range of information than a conventional interview, but they are limited by their limited positive predictive value. This means they over-identify probable ADHD cases. This is due to the fact that many of the symptoms that these tools look for are present in healthy people and are not exclusive for ADHD.
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence and persistence of symptoms in different settings over time. This requires a thorough assessment of the functioning from different angles and the evaluation of comorbidities such as depression or addiction disorders. These comorbidities are typically associated with ADHD and can have a an adverse effect on the quality of life of those suffering from these conditions.
Despite their limitations, self-assessment tools can still be useful as a screening tool that can alert an individual to the possibility that may be suffering from elevated levels of ADHD symptoms. assessing adhd in adults should consider having a medical exam. This is especially important for those who are concerned that their symptoms could be affecting their quality of life in the workplace, at school, or within their family.
An interview with a clinical ADHD specialist can provide a more complete picture and a greater degree of confidence in the diagnosis. They can draw on an array of data that includes the results of neuropsychological tests and other measures based on performance, as well as anecdotal evidence from a patient's daily life.
Diagnosis
Only a licensed mental health professional with the proper training to conduct such assessments can diagnose adult ADHD. Online tools such as self-tests or rating scales may determine if your symptoms are caused by ADHD however they cannot offer an accurate diagnosis.
A professional ADHD assessment involves a thorough interview, information gathered from other sources such as a spouse or family members and psychometric tests that are standardized. A thorough assessment is made to determine if a person's symptoms have a significant enough impact to cause impairment in two or more areas of their life. A person could be afflicted when they are fired from a position, experiencing financial difficulties because of not paying their bills on time, or experiencing tension and discord in relationships.
It is important that patients talk about their symptoms in a candid and honest manner during the interview. Most people who suffer from ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because they are embarrassed by their issues or fear that others will judge them for having the disorder. Although this can be a challenge, it is critical for a therapist to have the best understanding of the individual's symptoms and their impact on their lives.
Structured diagnostic interviews can be used to assess adult ADHD. These interviews can help reduce the dependence on the DSM-based symptoms inventory which was created for children but does not always translate well for adults. Adult ADHD inventories and symptom checklists, executive function inventories, and impairment/quality of life ratings are also valuable for the evaluation process because they permit the doctor to track a patient's progress during treatment.
Ask your primary care doctor for an appointment with a local professional who specializes in the diagnosis of adult ADHD. You can also ask for an insurance provider's referral, contact a university-based hospital or check with your local psychology association or support group to find an experienced professional. If you're having trouble finding someone near you You can also contact a national business that offers consultations via video or telephone to connect you with a specialist. These services can be an affordable method to receive the help you require right now.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD might have issues at home, work and in their relationships. Inattention, disorganization, and the symptoms of impulsivity can affect self-esteem and social function leading to frustration and a feeling that things will never be perfect. It is essential to find a specialist who understands the challenges associated with diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD.
Adults need to show more severe symptoms than children in order to be diagnosed. Adults must show more severe, persistent problems across multiple areas of their lives. It is also essential to gather a thorough medical history, since some illnesses have symptoms similar to ADHD like seizures, thyroid disorders and problems with vision or hearing. Certain medications and medicines may also cause ADHD-like symptoms and signs.
Structured diagnostic interviews help clinicians verify that the symptoms being observed are indeed related to ADHD and not other psychiatric conditions or neurodevelopmental disorders. These can include questions regarding the patient's education, work and family history. The physician can also inquire about alcohol and drug use as well as the current and past use and any other health issues like sleep disorder or problems with vision or hearing.
In addition to the structured interview, additional tests may be used. These can include IQ and achievement tests, as well as various tests for neuropsychological or psychological testing. These tests do not diagnose ADHD, but they can provide valuable information on the effects of ADHD on an individual.
After a diagnosis has been made, psychosocial and pharmacological treatment is often employed to address the symptoms. These treatments can be used as a pair or in combination. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for example can be used to identify and alter "thought distortions" and improve a patient's ability to prioritize and manage tasks. ADHD medication can also be used to lessen the inattention and impulsiveness that make it difficult for patients to complete their work or school assignments.
Anyone who has recently diagnosed ADHD or uncontrolled symptoms are advised to consult their healthcare provider in the next 30 days. Following that, regular follow-ups are recommended until symptoms and functioning have improved. It is also important for a health professional to keep track of any comorbid conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders, while undergoing treatment.
Support
Adults suffering from ADHD can find help in many different ways. Some find comfort in online forums and virtual peer support groups, like those offered by ADDitude magazine. They can also meet other people through attending meetings of local support groups or camps for teens, children and adults suffering from ADHD. These groups offer support, materials, resources and guest speakers who can aid in learning, coping, and other life skills.
Adults are more difficult to diagnose than children, and a majority self-assessment instruments cannot give a definitive diagnosis. The symptom guidelines contained in the DSM-V are designed to diagnose children, and an adult ADHD diagnosis is only derived from a comprehensive clinical evaluation that includes structured diagnostic interviews and a range of objective tests. Tests for performance and neuropsychological testing are particularly useful for evaluating executive functioning deficits. They allow a clinician to observe symptoms in action and can give a more accurate picture of the degree of impairment than self-report instruments.
It is essential to interview other significant people in the life of the patient like the spouse or spouse, parents or siblings and employers. While this can be difficult for the person being evaluated, it is critical to let them open to discussing their issues openly. Many times, people suffering from ADHD have a low awareness of how their behaviors affect others around them and could be hesitant to speak about negative effects of their behavior.
A thorough assessment requires a thorough review of the patient's past medical history to determine if there are any psychiatric and non-psychiatric conditions that may be causing the symptoms. It is not uncommon for a person with ADHD to be diagnosed with more than one disorder.
Since symptom scores are dependent on subjective perceptions, it is crucial that adults with ADHD have someone else take part in questionnaires to evaluate their symptoms and impact on quality of life. The person to fill out the questionnaire should be close to the person, like an adult sibling, parent or someone who can confirm their observations. Some doctors request to have a trusted colleague or employer complete a similar form to obtain additional information not available in the clinical interview.