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What to Expect From an Adult ADHD Assessment Many people with symptoms of ADHD are diagnosed as children, but it is 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 ratings scales, and review school records. Psychiatric professionals use questions designed specifically to identify ADHD symptoms in adults. Signs and symptoms It's not unusual to see ADHD symptoms to manifest in adulthood. Intellectual disability or autism are developmental disorders that typically manifest in the early years of childhood. ADHD symptoms, however, typically manifest in late adolescence, or early adulthood, when the responsibilities and obligations grow. When the symptoms of ADHD are severe, they can result in significant effects on a person's life. They may have difficulty at school or work and may struggle to form and maintain relationships. If you are experiencing these issues should consider seeing a doctor to see whether they have ADHD. Your doctor will request an extensive medical history, and then perform a physical examination. He or she may also ask you to complete an ADHD rating scale, and ask you questions regarding the symptoms that have affected your life. Your doctor will also inquire about your drinking or use of alcohol or drugs and any medical conditions that could appear similar to ADHD (such as seizure disorder or thyroid disorder). There are a variety of scales of rating available to help you assess the symptoms of adult ADHD. Some, such as the Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Screening Questionnaire, are free online. Certain, such as the 40-item Adult ADHD Scale can only be obtained by healthcare professionals. They must interpret and evaluate it. 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 before they can be diagnosed with the disorder. People who suffer from ADHD are at a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Untreated and undiagnosed conditions can cause significant stress for an individual, and interfere with the ability to manage ADHD symptoms. They can also have a negative effect on self-esteem because they receive a constant message that they are expected to perform better than they are. This could be a self-fulfilling saga that creates a cycle of stress and frustration. Diagnosis You can ask the person you are evaluating to fill out one or more standardized behavior rating scales. These are founded on research that compared the behavior of those with ADHD and those without. These questionnaires help professionals determine whether symptoms are present and how severe they could be. When answering these questionnaires it is crucial to be honest. In some cases, a professional may request the person's partner or significant other to fill out the scales. This is not to confirm their answers, but to get a clearer picture of the effect ADHD symptoms affect their relationship. The professional will also request a detailed medical history that includes a description of to how the symptoms developed throughout their adulthood. In addition, the evaluator will be interested in knowing whether they had similar issues when they were children, and if so, how they were handled at the time. Some evaluators will require medical tests to determine if there are other conditions that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD like thyroid or seizure disorders. They can also request to speak with family members or coworkers to gain insight into the person's performance at home and at work. During the interview the evaluator will discuss how severe the symptoms are, and their impact on relationships, work performance, school or social life. The evaluator then decides whether the symptoms of ADHD are mild or moderate. Mild symptoms are those that fit the ADHD criteria but don't interfere with daily functioning. Moderate means that the symptoms interfere with everyday tasks, while severe indicates that the symptoms cause significant disruptions. In certain instances an evaluator might recommend that a patient go to psychotherapy (the technical term used for mental health therapy) or make adjustments to the environment or routines to deal with ADHD-related issues. Many health insurance plans can help in finding a qualified health care provider. The evaluator is usually willing to discuss their training and experience in treating adults suffering from ADHD. If they are unwilling to divulge the information you require, you may think about finding a different expert. Treatment Adults with ADHD can receive a wide array of treatments. These include therapy, medication, and family support. A good treatment plan will assist an adult suffering from ADHD lead a happier and more productive life. It is more difficult to recognize ADHD in an adult than it is in a child. The DSM-V symptom guide is geared toward children, and most experts agree that an accurate diagnosis requires a thorough medical interview conducted by a professional who is skilled in diagnosing ADHD in adults. The specialist may inquire about your symptoms in the past six months and how they impact your work and home life. She may also inquire about your child's symptoms and if you have any family members with ADHD. Some professionals use cognitive behavioral therapy to help people suffering from ADHD improve their skills in managing their problems and improve their relationships. They might also recommend counseling for families or marriages to assist your loved ones to understand your struggles and learn to better support you. Many people who suffer from ADHD also suffer from anxiety or depression. People who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to be suffering from physical health issues like chronic pain conditions or eating disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). If your symptoms aren't severe, you might not require medication. If you experience moderate symptoms, medications may reduce them enough to allow you to focus on your social or work activities. If you experience severe symptoms, your physician may prescribe a higher dose of medication or suggest a combination of medications. Your doctor might ask to see your report cards from school and talk with your parents to determine if you have ADHD. They will look for any remarks that might suggest ADHD like poor academic performance or behavior problems. They may also inquire whether you've had any problems at workplace or in your relationship. Some researchers use several tests to measure your attention and impulse control. Some of these tests are computer-based and compare your results with the results of other people who do not suffer from ADHD. Other tests, like the Test of Variable Attention (TOVA) assess your ability to focus on an activity without distraction. Support If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, there are various supports available. Some of these resources are provided by professionals and some are completely free. You can also access online resources. These sources can help you be aware of your symptoms as well as treatment options and how to support someone with ADHD. CHADD is the most popular national support group for people with ADHD. The CHADD website contains a list of local affiliate organizations. It also has educational materials as well as the names of professionals who offer assessments, coaching and therapy. The site has the ability to search, which lets you filter your search by region or state to find a group close to you. Another option is to seek out a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. There are numerous directories available on the internet that provide the therapists who specialize in ADHD. They can help you to use behavioral strategies to manage your ADHD symptoms. They can also offer insight and empathy. A few support groups meet to share personal stories and give each other support. www.iampsychiatry.uk offer educational opportunities, guest lecturers, and coping skill training. Some groups are run by mental health professionals while others are led by peer. You can find a local group via CHADD or contact a mental health professional who is specialized in ADHD. The evaluation will consider many aspects, including the person's mood or medical history. The examiner may also inquire whether the individual has other medical conditions that can cause symptoms that are similar to ADHD like depression, anxiety, and physical illness. The evaluator could also request reports from childhood as well as to talk to family members. It is important to be open with your mental health practitioner when you are considering an ADHD assessment. They should be aware of all the symptoms you're experiencing in order to assess you in a precise manner. If you're not willing to disclose all the symptoms you're experiencing and experiences, you could be unable to get the assessment done and a bit frustrating. The examiner will likely to conduct neuropsychological testing or performance-based assessments. These are designed to solicit information about a person's executive functioning deficits and can be conducted in combination with a clinical interview to help evaluaters gain confidence in their findings.