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How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD A diagnosis of ADHD is a challenge for a lot of adults. Some feel relief at finally understanding their struggles, while others feel grief that they have missed out on life opportunities because of the symptoms that went untreated for so long. A mental health professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD based on a person's mood, their present and past mental and physical ailments as well as their childhood behaviors and experiences at school. The test includes ADHD symptom scales and checklists. Symptoms People with ADHD struggle to complete tasks that require a lot of mental effort or paying attention to the details. Often, these issues also stem from other underlying problems such as depression or addiction disorders. The first step in tackling the symptoms that cause trouble at a personal as well as professional scale is to get a valid ADHD diagnosis. Symptoms of ADHD typically appear in the early years of childhood and persist into adulthood. To be eligible for a diagnosis of the disorder and be diagnosed with it, their symptoms must interfere with their daily life in at least two areas (home school, work and home) and cause significant impairment. For symptoms to meet this requirement, they must have lasted at least six months and cannot be explained by other mental disorders like anxiety disorders, mood disorders, dissociative disorder or personality disorders. The health professional will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. He or she will interview the patient as well as in the event that it is possible, family members to get perspective on childhood behavior. The health professional will also talk to the patient's teachers and go over their current work and home environments. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for identifying ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD, a person must have six or fewer symptoms of inattention that are severe enough to hinder their daily activities. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms: A health care professional will usually identify a person with ADHD by conducting an exhaustive psychiatric examination. This includes an extensive interview with the individual, his or her parents, and any caregivers or teachers, as well as completing scales or questionnaires. The health professional will also go over the person's psychiatric, medical and family history and may refer the patient for a physical exam to rule out other causes for his or her symptoms. He or she will also look at the person's sleeping habits, diet and work and home environment to assess any stressors that may be contributing to their symptoms. Diagnosis If you think you might have ADHD, you should consult a doctor who is an expert in the field of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they impact your daily life. They'll want to know if have difficulty completing tasks, if you often lose things, or forget where you left your keys. They might ask whether or not these problems cause you stress at work, home or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and physical examination. This information will aid your doctor in determining other conditions that may cause the symptoms of ADHD, such a sleep disorders, depression anxiety, thyroid disorders or anxiety. Your health care professional may interview family members, caregivers and friends about your behavior. They will also discuss your behavior in various settings such as at work, school or with scouts or religious leaders. Your doctor may also request you to complete an assessment or self-test to evaluate your symptoms. These are available on the internet, but they shouldn't be used as a substitute for a face-to-face appointment with your doctor. Adults must have an upper threshold than children in order to be diagnosed with ADHD — five of nine symptoms within a six-month time period. adhd undiagnosed in adults must also be able demonstrate a significant impact on your school, work, and home life. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend neuropsychological or psychological testing to determine if you have the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive subtype of ADHD. These tests examine the way your brain works, and can determine if there are coexisting mental disorders like anxiety or depression. If you're diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can cause complex emotions. Matlen's feelings ranged from grief over missed opportunities to relief that she finally found a clear reason for her problems. Ask your doctor or local support group for a referral to a medical specialist who conducts ADHD evaluations in adults. You can also call your insurance provider to find out which providers are listed. Treatment The medication is often the first option for many patients suffering from ADHD. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which regulate attention and behaviors. They can help people with ADHD concentrate better and remain organized and in control of their impulses. They can also help them make more rational choices, improve communication and relationships and reduce impulsive behavior. There are also nonstimulant medications such as atomoxetine and certain antidepressants that work slower than stimulants, but may still be effective for some people with ADHD. The kind of medication that works best for a particular person can change over time, which is why it is crucial to discuss all possible options with your healthcare professional conducting the evaluation. A medical specialist with experience in ADHD will conduct a thorough assessment. This may include an interview, the filling out of questionnaires, scales, and a review of the family history, mood disorders, and medical conditions, including sleep disorders, as well as other physical illnesses. A referral for a medical examination may be added to determine if there is a medical cause for the ADHD symptoms. The evaluation is likely to take some time, particularly when the patient is an adult who has struggled to manage symptoms for a long period of time. The assessment should be thorough which is why the person should bring their old reports and copies of their performance evaluations from school or at work. The healthcare professional might ask permission to speak to relatives or close friends to get a full picture of the individual's previous experiences and behavior. A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be life-changing. People often feel a mix of emotions, from relief to finally have an explanation for their struggles, to sadness at the loss of opportunities and relationships caused by untreated ADHD. Matlen however, claims that following the diagnosis, she was able to make a change in her life, including in her career and her relationships. Counseling Many people suffering from ADHD are aware that seeking assistance from a therapist is an essential step. Finding the right therapist is not always straightforward. There are many methods to find a therapist in the area. Ask your regular doctor to recommend you. They might have a list of specialists who are experienced with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also check online. There are a variety of websites that have directories of doctors and include details about their areas of expertise and specialization. Another option is to seek recommendations from friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health center or ADHD support group for suggestions. It is crucial to be honest when you visit a therapist with experience in treating ADHD. This involves discussing the ways in which ADHD symptoms impact your life and the effect they have on other people. It's also important to discuss your medical background. This will help the therapist rule out conditions such as anxiety or depression that could have similar symptoms. In addition to observing the individual's behavior, the therapist will likely conduct interviews and use standardized rating scales to assess the severity of symptoms. The therapist might also solicit other caregivers to provide their feedback, such as teachers, religious leaders, or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of behavior of a person in various situations. Adults with ADHD often feel depressed and embarrassed by their symptoms, and they might be unwilling to talk about their issues. This can affect the accuracy and quality of the diagnosis. A therapist with experience in working with adults with ADHD is usually able to assist them to overcome these obstacles. It is also important to know that getting a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean the therapist will automatically prescribe medication. While some individuals who suffer from ADHD require medication but there are plenty of treatments that are efficient, such as behavioral therapy. These treatments can be utilized in conjunction with medication or as separate treatments.