How to Get the Best ADHD Assessment for Adults
The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to take a professional ADHD assessment. Self-assessment may be helpful, but is not a substitute for a consult with an expert.
A proper ADHD evaluation should be able to identify other mental health conditions that could be present in conjunction with or mimic symptoms of ADHD and also take into account whether your symptoms began before age 12 years old. The process may include additional neuropsychological or psychological tests.
Self-Assessment Tool
A self-assessment is a questionnaire that examines specific signs and traits. These tools are commonly employed in research studies, in clinics, and by health websites to help patients screen for ADHD. Self-assessments may be short and offer thoughtful results at the end of the test, while others are more thorough and require the participation of important people in the individual's life (such as spouse or family members). These tools can be used to determine whether someone should take the time to get an ADHD assessment.
There are many online ADHD assessments and screening questionnaires however, the majority of them aren't scientifically validated or standardized. Utilizing these tests without the guidance of a healthcare provider is not advised as they can lead to incorrect diagnosis. It could also result in unnecessary referrals for ADHD assessments for people who are not likely to be suffering. This can result in a waste of healthcare funds and cause distress to the person referred, and lead to long wait time for an in-depth interview.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD created a short survey called the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale Screener. The ASRS is a six-item questionnaire that examines the experiences of adults suffering from the most prevalent ADHD symptoms. A score of 4 or higher on this screener means that a person would require further analysis by a doctor.
Other self-assessments that are more thorough include the Conners abbreviated symptom survey and the CBCLAP. adhd adult assessment uk have been shown to have high diagnostic accuracy and moderate specificity and sensitivity. It is important to remember that neither of these tests can substitute for a thorough evaluation conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Women's experiences with ADHD symptoms can be a bit different than those experienced by men and that's why a number of the self-assessments available have been designed specifically for women's issues with behavior. These tools for women can help people decide if they would like to get an expert ADHD diagnosis.
Diagnosis
In many cases, the first step in determining the severity of the problem is to speak with the primary care physician, who could refer the patient to a psychiatrist or a neurologist specializing in ADHD. In most cases, a specialist will need to speak with the person to assess how their symptoms interfere with daily functioning. The clinician may ask the patient complete a symptom checklist or behavior rating scale, and also will likely review the medical and psychiatric histories from childhood until the present. The doctor might also think about whether other disorders that resemble ADHD could be causing the patient's symptoms. This could include depression and anxiety.
When assessing adults, it is more important to consider the functional impairment of the adult rather than the number or severity of symptoms. People with ADHD aren't able to meet their expectations at work, school, and in relationships. It's generally a good idea to share 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. It can be difficult for patients to discuss such issues. However, it is important to do so to receive the help they require.
Generally speaking, an neurologist or psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD will start by talking to the patient and will likely use an assessment tool for symptoms from the DSM-5 which is designed for diagnosing children. The clinician will also ask about the person's social emotional and mental health history, and how their ADHD symptoms affect daily functioning. A majority of doctors will also ask the patient's spouse or other close family members about their observations and if they observe any indications of ADHD. This type of personal insight can reveal information that is not gleaned from ratings or questionnaires.
In some instances the psychologist who is certified in cognitive behavioral therapy could make an ADHD diagnosis. However, a psychologist does not have the authority to prescribe medication, which is usually administered by a psychiatrist, or neurologists. A therapist with special training in ADHD can assist the patient to learn how to manage symptoms. These include time and money management, organizational strategies and time management. These therapies are offered in person and via remote mental services like Frida.
Treatment
A thorough evaluation of ADHD for adults should comprise an interview for diagnosis and data from independent sources, like the person's spouse or a close family member. The doctor might ask the patient to complete one or more standardized ADHD rating scales. These questionnaires are based on research and examine the behavior of those with ADHD against those without it. They can help determine whether there is a problem. Certain clinical psychologists also administer cognitive tests to determine if someone has ADHD or other disorders such as an anxiety disorder or a learning disorder.
The clinician will also evaluate the extent to which the symptoms affect the person's daily functioning at work, school or in relationships. The patient might be unable to keep track of bills, appointments or arrange thoughts and possessions. In addition, many adult patients have low self-esteem and feel resentment towards the repeated patterns of academic failure loss of jobs and relationship conflict. A mental health professional might suggest individual therapy, or a program to assist the patient to cope and manage their ADHD symptoms.
If the doctor suspects that an illness such as thyroid problems or seizures, is responsible for the ADHD symptoms the doctor will conduct a physical exam. The doctor will also inquire with the patient about their previous health problems and whether they have suffered any injuries or accidents. A thorough history will enable the clinician to determine if the patient has been diagnosed with ADHD or any other psychiatric or neurological disorders, such as anxiety or depression.
Many adults have a poor or weak recall of their childhood, and might forget that they were identified as ADHD children. The clinician will ask someone who is significant in the person's lives such as a spouse, a family member or even an employer, to provide a more accurate assessment. This can help obtain an independent perspective of the person's behavior and also to avoid the potential bias that could be present in the evaluation.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment should include a neuropsychological or psychological assessment. These tests evaluate the person's working memory, intelligence and other cognitive abilities. These tests will aid the doctor in determining if ADHD is a factor in the person's difficulties in working, learning, or coping.
Support
Adults with undiagnosed ADHD often have difficulty performing well at work or in school. They may have difficulty keeping track of daily tasks, arranging their belongings, and remembering important information. They might also have issues in their relationships or find it difficult to make and keep appointments.
Talking to your primary care doctor is the first step towards getting an ADHD diagnosis. He or she can provide recommendations for referrals or refer a mental health professional to conduct an evaluation. Some psychiatrists, graduate programs in psychology, and private therapy professionals are trained in the psychological assessment of ADHD.
During the assessment the mental health professional will usually use standardized scales of rating for ADHD symptoms to determine whether an adult is able to meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. A variety of different ratings scales are available for use, including the Barkley Adult ADHD Rating Scales and the Conners' Classroom Assessment of Attention and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report (CAARS). A mental health professional could also use cognitive tests in addition to these rating scales to evaluate the abilities of an adult's executive function spatial and visual abilities, and working memory.
If the mental health professional determines the patient has ADHD the professional will discuss treatment options with the patient. There are many methods to manage ADHD symptoms that include therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Many adults with ADHD have reported improved performance when they take stimulant medication, which increase concentration and alertness. Some adults can also benefit from nonstimulant medication to ease depression or anxiety and also therapy that includes mindfulness techniques and coaching.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be difficult and upsetting, but with the right help those with the condition can be taught to manage their symptoms and live happy lives. The most important thing is to be open with your healthcare provider and not repress your feelings because of fear or shame of judgement. You can also inform your teachers and colleagues about ADHD. If they know about your struggles, they may be more understanding and offer the appropriate accommodations, such as additional time for assignments.