How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
A professional ADHD assessment is the best way to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Using self-assessment tools can be useful, but they are not able to substitute for a consultation and assessment by a qualified expert.
A thorough ADHD assessment should check for other mental health conditions that can be present in conjunction with or mimic symptoms of ADHD and should be able to determine if your symptoms began before age 12 years old. Additional psychological or neuropsychological tests could be required.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment instrument is a tool that focuses on certain traits or symptoms. These tools are typically used in research studies, in clinics, and by health websites to help people detect ADHD. Some self-assessments are quick and provide clear results at the end 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 a person should consider getting an ADHD assessment.
There are numerous online ADHD screening tests and questionnaires but the majority of them haven't been tested or standardised. It is not advised to use these tests without consulting an experienced healthcare professional as they can lead incorrect diagnoses. It can also lead to unneeded referrals of ADHD assessments for individuals who are unlikely sufferers. This can waste healthcare resources, cause distress for the person being referred to, and lead to long wait times for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD have generated a short survey known as the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS). The ASRS is a 6-item test that examines the experiences of people who have the most frequent ADHD symptoms. A score of more than 4 on this screener indicates that a person would require further analysis by a doctor.
Other self-assessments that are more comprehensive include the Conners Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire and the CBCL-AP. These scales are both highly precise in diagnosing and have a moderate degree of sensitivity and specificity. It is important to remember that none of these tests can replace a thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's ADHD symptoms differ slightly from men's and this is the reason why certain self-assessments for women are specifically designed to address specific issues. These tools for women can help users decide if they would like to get an expert ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many instances, the primary medical doctor will refer the patient to an ADHD specialist psychiatrist or neurologist. Typically, adhd assessment for adults will have to interview the person to assess how his or her symptoms interfere with everyday functioning. The doctor might ask the patient to fill out a symptom checklist or behavior rating scale, and will likely go over the medical and psychiatric history from childhood through the present. The doctor will also look at other disorders that might be similar to ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.
When assessing adults, it's more important to consider the functional impairment of the adult than the number or severity of symptoms. People suffering from ADHD struggle to meet expectations at work, school and in relationships. It's generally an excellent idea to discuss the facts with those who supervise you at work, your teachers at school, and your family members to ensure they have a full picture of your everyday struggles. Patients may be ashamed to discuss such issues, but it's critical to do so in order to receive the assistance you require.
Generally, a psychiatrist or neurologist who is specialized in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient and likely employ a symptom checklist from the DSM-5 which is designed for diagnosing children. The clinician will also ask about the patient's personal, emotional and psychiatric history, as well as how their ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. A lot of doctors will also inquire about the patient's partner or other close family members about their observations and if they observe any signs of ADHD. This type of personal knowledge can provide information that isn't available through surveys or ratings.
In some cases psychologists who are trained in cognitive behavioral therapy can provide an ADHD diagnosis. A psychologist is not able to prescribe medication. This is usually performed by a psychiatrist or neurologist. A therapist with special training in ADHD can assist the patient to learn skills to manage symptoms. These include time and money management, organizational strategies and time management. These therapies are available both in person and through remote mental services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough assessment of ADHD in adults must comprise an interview for diagnosis and information from other sources like the spouse or a close relative. The doctor may ask the person to fill out one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These tests are based on research and examine the behavior of people suffering from ADHD against those who are not. They help determine if a problem exists. Depending on the circumstances, some clinical psychologists may also conduct cognitive tests to help diagnose ADHD or other issues such as a learning disability or anxiety disorder.
The doctor will also assess the extent to which the symptoms affect the patient's everyday functioning at work, school, or in relationships. For example, the patient might be struggling to keep track of bills and appointments or arranging their belongings and thoughts. In addition, many adult patients have low self-esteem and resentment toward chronic patterns of academic failure or job loss, as well as relationship conflict. A mental health professional may recommend individual talk therapy or a program that assists the person learn how to cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that a medical problem such as seizures or thyroid issues are the cause of ADHD symptoms, he'll conduct an exam. He will inquire about any previous health issues and if the patient has been injured or had an accident. A thorough history will aid the physician in determining if the person has had a past diagnosis of ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological issues like depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder.
Many adults have a shaky or shaky memory of their childhood and may forget they were diagnosed as ADHD children. The doctor will seek out someone who is important in the life of the patient such as family members, spouse, or employer, to give a more accurate assessment. This is a way to obtain an independent view of the person's behavior and also to avoid the potential for a bias in the evaluation.
A complete ADHD evaluation should also include a psychological or neuropsychological assessment. These tests measure the level of intelligence and working memory, as well as other cognitive capabilities. The clinician will use the results of these tests to determine if ADHD is causing the person's difficulty in learning, working or being able to cope.
Support
Adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD frequently struggle to perform well at work or at school. They may have difficulty keeping track of daily tasks, organizing their belongings and retaining important information. They also might experience difficulties in their relationships or find it difficult to schedule and keep appointments.
The first step in getting a diagnosis of ADHD is talking to an primary care provider. He or she will be able to offer referral options or recommend an expert in mental health for an evaluation. Some psychiatrists and graduate programs in psychology and private therapy professionals are trained in the psychological assessment of ADHD.
During the evaluation, a mental health professional will employ standardized ratings scales for ADHD symptoms in order to determine if an adult is meeting 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 use cognitive tests to examine an adult's working memory, executive functioning abilities and spatial and visual skills.
If the mental health professional concludes that a patient has ADHD they will discuss possible treatment options with them. There are several strategies for managing ADHD symptoms, which include treatment, therapy and lifestyle changes. Many adults suffering from ADHD have reported better functioning when they take stimulant medication which improve alertness and concentration. Some adults can also benefit from nonstimulant medicines to reduce anxiety or depression and also therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
It can be a difficult and upsetting encounter to receive an diagnosis of ADHD. However, with the right support and guidance, those suffering from ADHD can manage their symptoms, and live a full life. It's important to be honest with your doctor and don't be afraid to speak about anything because of fear or shame. It is also beneficial to inform your teachers, supervisors, and coworkers that you have ADHD. If they know about your challenges, they'll be more understanding and provide accommodations like extra time for assignments.