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What to Expect From an Adult ADHD Assessment Many people who have symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed as children However, it is also possible to be undiagnosed as an adult. A thorough evaluation is required by a mental health professional or health care provider. The evaluator may interview the person, as and others who are familiar with them, use rating scales and analyze school records. The psychiatric professionals employ questions specifically to determine ADHD symptoms in adults. Symptoms It's not uncommon for ADHD symptoms to appear in adulthood. Signs of developmental disorders, such as intellectual disability or autism, typically manifest in the early years of childhood, whereas symptoms of ADHD usually appear in late adolescence or early adulthood as commitments and responsibilities increase. If ADHD symptoms are severe, it can have a major impact on a person's daily life. They may have difficulty at work or school and may struggle to establish and maintain relationships. People who are experiencing these symptoms should think about consulting a physician to determine whether they have ADHD. Your doctor will ask for an extensive medical history and perform an examination of your body. He or she might also ask you complete an ADHD rating scale, and ask questions about the symptoms that have affected your life. Your doctor will ask you about your alcohol or drugs usage and also any medical conditions (such a thyroid disorder or seizures disorder) that could be a sign of ADHD. There are many different rating scales available to aid in assessing the symptoms of adult ADHD. Some, such as the Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Screening Questionnaire, are free online. Others, like the 40-item Adult ADHD Symptom Scale are only accessible through healthcare professionals and must be evaluated and scored by them. The DSM-5 specifies that for a diagnosis of ADHD, a person must have “symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that are persistent and impair functioning in multiple settings. “3 The patient must have these symptoms for at least six months in order to be diagnosed with the condition. People suffering from ADHD are more at risk of developing depression and anxiety. If these disorders go undiagnosed and untreated, they may create a lot of stress in the lives of individuals and interfere with their ability to manage their ADHD symptoms. They can also have a negative effect on self-esteem as they receive a constant message that they are expected to perform better than they are. This can result in a cycle of frustration and anxiety that self-fulfills. Diagnosis The person who is being evaluated will be asked to complete one or more standardized behavior rating scales. These are based on research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD and those without. These can help the professional determine if the symptoms are present and how they are. When filling out these questionnaires, it's important to be truthful. In some cases a professional might request the person's partner or spouse to fill in the scales. This is not to confirm their answers, but to gain a better understanding of the impact ADHD symptoms have on their relationship. The professional will also ask for an extensive medical history, including a description as to how symptoms have manifested themselves throughout adulthood. The evaluator may also ask if the person had similar problems as a child and how they treated. Some evaluators may request medical tests to determine if there are other conditions that could be the cause of ADHD symptoms, including thyroid disorders or seizure disorders. They may also request to speak with family members or coworkers to get a better understanding of the performance of the person at home and work. During the evaluation, the evaluator will discuss severity of symptoms, their impact on relationships, work performance and school, as well as social life. The evaluator then decides whether the symptoms of ADHD are mild, moderate, or severe. I Am Psychiatry are those that meet the ADHD criteria but are not affecting daily functioning. Moderate means that the symptoms hinder everyday tasks, while severe means that the symptoms cause severe disruptions. In some instances an evaluator might recommend that a person go to psychotherapy (the technical term for mental health therapy), or make adjustments to routines or the environment in order to deal with ADHD-related issues. Many health insurance plans can assist with finding an accredited health care provider. The evaluator will usually be willing to provide details about their education and experience in treating adults with ADHD. However, if they are reluctant to divulge such details, it's worth looking into a different expert. Treatment Adults suffering from ADHD are able to receive a broad range of treatments. There are many treatments available for adults with ADHD. A good treatment plan will assist an adult suffering from ADHD lead a healthier and more productive life. Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more challenging than diagnosing it in children. The DSM-V is designed for children. Most experts agree that a thorough medical interview with a person who has had experience diagnosing ADHD in adults can provide a precise diagnosis. The doctor may inquire about your symptoms over the past six months, and how they impact your work and home life. She might also ask about your child's symptoms and if any members of your family suffer from ADHD. Some experts use cognitive behavior therapy to help those with ADHD develop skills to manage their problems and improve their relationships. Counseling for families or marriage may be suggested to help your loved ones better recognize their challenges and to support you. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Additionally, those who suffer from ADHD frequently suffer from physical health conditions like eating disorders or chronic pain conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). If your symptoms are mild you may not need medication. For moderate symptoms, medication might reduce your symptoms enough that you can focus at work or in your social interactions. For extreme symptoms, your doctor might prescribe a higher dosage of medication or recommend a combination of medications. Your doctor may request to examine your report cards from school and speak to your parents to determine if you are suffering from ADHD. They will be looking for any signs that could indicate ADHD like poor academic performance or behavior issues. They might also ask you if there have been any issues with your job or in your relationship. Researchers employ a variety of tests to measure the level of attention and control over impulses. Certain tests are computer-based and compare your results to those of others who do not have ADHD. Certain tests, such as the Test of Variable Attention Test (TOVA) will test your ability to complete tasks without distraction. Support There are many supports available if you have symptoms of ADHD. Some are free and some are provided by professional service providers. You can also access online resources. These can help you comprehend your symptoms and treatment options, as well as give you information on how to support a loved one with ADHD. The most renowned national support organization for those suffering from ADHD is CHADD. The CHADD website contains the list of local affiliate groups. It also has educational materials as well as the names of professionals offering coaching, assessment therapy, and assessment. The site has an option to search that allows you to filter by region or state to find a local group to you. Another option is to seek out a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. Numerous directories available on the internet list therapists that specialize in ADHD. They can help you to use behavioral strategies to control your ADHD symptoms. They can also offer insight and empathy. A few support groups meet regularly to share personal stories and encourage each others. They can also provide educational sessions, guest speakers, and training in coping skills. Many groups are led by mental health professionals, however others are led by peers. You can find an area-specific group using CHADD or contact an expert in mental health who is specialized in ADHD. A specialist ADHD assessment will consider a variety of factors, including the individual's mood and medical history. The examiner may also inquire if the person has other medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such depression, anxiety, and physical illness. The evaluator might be interested in seeing report cards from childhood and to talk to family members. If you're considering an ADHD evaluation It is essential to be as honest as possible with your mental health provider. To be able to evaluate your condition, they must be aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing. If you are hesitant to share all of your symptoms, the assessment could be less thorough and more frustrating for you. The evaluator will likely want to conduct neuropsychological tests or performance-based measures. These tests are designed to gather details about an individual's executive functioning weaknesses and are often conducted in conjunction with a medical interview to help evaluators gain confidence in their findings.