How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults

The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to take an expert ADHD assessment. Self-assessment is helpful, but cannot replace a consultation with a specialist.

A thorough ADHD assessment should look for other mental health issues that can coexist with or mimic symptoms of ADHD, and it should take into account whether your symptoms began before 12. Additional neuropsychological or psychological tests may be required.

Self-Assessment Tools

A self-assessment tool is a questionnaire that analyzes particular traits or symptoms. These tools are typically employed in clinical studies, research studies, and by health websites to help people detect ADHD. Certain self-assessments are brief and provide a thoughtful report at the conclusion of the test. Some are longer and require participation from significant people in the life of the person. These tools can help determine whether or not the person might be interested in getting an assessment for ADHD.

There are a variety of online ADHD screening tests and questionnaires however the majority of them haven't yet been validated or standardised. Using these assessments for adhd in adults without the support of a medical professional is not recommended as they can lead to incorrect diagnosis. It can also result in unnecessary specialist referrals for ADHD tests of those who aren't likely to be suffering from the disorder. This could waste healthcare dollars and cause distress to the person being referred and cause long wait periods for an in-depth interview.

The World Health Organisation and the Workgroup on adult adhd assessment ADHD have created a short questionnaire known as the adult adhd assessment scotland ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS). The ASRS is a 6-item questionnaire that assesses the experiences of adults with the most typical symptoms of ADHD. A score of 4 or higher on this screener means that the person could benefit from further clinical analysis by a physician.

Other more comprehensive self assessments include the Conners abbreviated symptom questionnaire and the CBCLAP. These scales are both highly accurate in terms of diagnosis and have a moderate level of specificity and sensitivity. However, it is important to keep in mind that any of these tests can't replace the need for a thorough assessment by a trained psychologist or psychiatrist.

Women's ADHD symptoms are slightly different from those of men and this is the reason why some self-assessments are designed for women with specific issues. These tools for women can assist people decide if they'd like to get an expert ADHD diagnosis.

Diagnosis

In many instances the primary medical doctor will refer the patient to an ADHD-specialist neurologist or psychiatrist. A specialist will usually interview the patient to determine how their symptoms impact daily functioning. The doctor may ask the patient to complete a symptom checklist or behavior rating scale, and also will likely go over the medical and psychiatric histories from childhood through the present. The doctor will also examine other disorders that may mimic ADHD, such as anxiety and depression.

When assessing adults, it's more important to consider the degree of impairment rather than the number of symptoms or severity. Individuals with ADHD frequently have difficulty meeting the demands of school, work or relationship expectations. It's usually a good idea to share the facts with people who supervise you at work, your teachers at school, and your family members so that they are aware of your daily difficulties. It isn't easy for patients to discuss such problems. However, it is essential to do this to get the help they need.

Generally, an neurologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in ADHD will start by interviewing the patient. They will likely use 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 their daily life. Many doctors also ask the patient's spouse or other close friends about their observations of the patient's behavior, and if they notice any signs of ADHD. This type of personal insight can reveal details that are not available from surveys or ratings.

A psychologist trained in cognitive behavioral treatment can diagnose ADHD in some cases. A psychologist is not licensed to prescribe medication. This is usually handled by a neurologist or psychiatrist. A therapist who is trained to treat ADHD can help the patient learn strategies to manage symptoms, for example, managing time and money and organizational strategies. These therapies are available both in person and via remote mental services like Frida.

Treatment

A thorough evaluation for ADHD in adults should consist of an interview with a doctor and information from outside sources, like the person's spouse or close family member. The physician may suggest that the person complete one or more standardized ADHD ratings scales. These questionnaires are based on research and compare the behavior of people with ADHD with that of people without it. They help determine whether there is a problem. Certain clinical psychologists administer cognitive tests in order to determine if someone has ADHD or other issues, such as anxiety or a learning disorder.

The doctor will also assess the patient's symptoms and determine if they affect their daily functioning in school, at work or in relationships. For instance, the patient might have trouble keeping track of bills and appointments or organizing their thoughts and belongings. In addition many adults suffer from low self-esteem and resentment toward chronic patterns of academic failure loss of jobs and relationship conflict. A mental health professional could recommend individual talk therapy or a program to help the patient learn to manage and manage their ADHD symptoms.

If the clinician suspects that a medical problem like seizures or thyroid issues is contributing to ADHD symptoms, he'll conduct a physical exam. He will also ask the patient about previous health issues and if they've had any injuries or accidents. A thorough medical history can help the clinician determine whether the patient was diagnosed in the past of ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological issues like anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder.

Many adults have shaky or spotty memories of their childhood, and may forget that they were diagnosed with ADHD as children. The doctor will ask someone who is significant in the life of the patient such as family members, spouse or an employer to provide a more accurate assessment. This can help get an objective assessment of the behavior of the individual and also to avoid the potential for a bias in the assessment.

A complete ADHD assessment should also include a neuropsychological, or psychological test. These tests assess the person's intelligence, working memory and other cognitive capabilities. These tests can aid the doctor in determining whether ADHD contributes to the person's difficulties in learning, working or coping.

Support

Many adults who are not diagnosed with ADHD struggle to perform at school or at work. They may have difficulties keeping track of daily tasks, arranging their belongings and recalling important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or have difficulty to keep appointments.

Talking with your primary care provider is the first step in getting an ADHD diagnosis. He or she can provide recommendations for referrals or suggest mental health professionals for an assessment. Some psychiatrists as well as graduate programs in psychology, and private therapists are trained to perform the psychological assessment of ADHD.

During the examination the mental health professional will usually use standardized scales of rating for ADHD symptoms to determine if an adult meets diagnostic criteria for the disorder. There are a variety of different scales of rating which include the Barkley adult adhd assessment ADHD Scales and Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report (CAARS). A mental health professional may also utilize cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales to evaluate the executive functioning abilities of an adult spatial and visual skills and working memory.

If a mental health professional determines that a patient has ADHD, they will discuss treatment options with them. There are many ways to treat ADHD symptoms, such as therapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Many people with ADHD report improved functioning through the use of psychostimulants, stimulant drugs that increase alertness and focus. Some adults can also benefit from nonstimulant medication to help reduce depression or anxiety as well as therapy that incorporates mindfulness techniques and coaching.

The diagnosis of ADHD can be challenging and stressful, but with the right help, people living with the condition can learn to manage their symptoms and lead life that is fulfilling. It's important to be honest with your doctor and to not hide anything out of fear or shame. It's also beneficial to inform co-workers, supervisors and teachers that you suffer from ADHD. They may be more understanding if they know about your struggles and provide you with accommodations, like additional time to complete assignments.