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What to Expect From an Adult ADHD Assessment Many people who have symptoms of ADHD get diagnosed in childhood however it is possible to be misdiagnosed as an adult. A thorough examination by a medical professional or mental health professional is essential. The evaluator may interview the person and others who know them well, use rating scales, and look over school records from the past. Psychologists use questions that are 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 usually manifest in the early years of childhood. ADHD symptoms, however generally occur in late adolescence or early adulthood, as the burdens and responsibilities increase. When ADHD symptoms are severe, it can be a significant influence on the daily activities of a person. They may struggle at work or school and have difficulty creating and maintaining relationships with family and friends. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk with a physician to determine if you suffer from ADHD. Your doctor will get a full medical history and perform physical examination. 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 also ask about your use of drugs or alcohol and any medical conditions that could be similar to ADHD (such as seizure disorder or thyroid disorder). There are many different ratings scales that can be used to evaluate the signs 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 experts. They must interpret and score 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 in order to be diagnosed with the condition. People with ADHD are at higher risk of suffering from anxiety and depression. 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. These conditions can also impact their self-esteem as they are constantly told they need to perform better. This can be a self-fulfilling saga that leads to a chronic cycle of frustration and stress. Diagnosis You could request the person being assessed to complete one or more standardized behavior rating scales. These are built on research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD and those who do not. These can help the professional determine if the symptoms are present and how they are. It's important to be honest when filling out these questionnaires. In some instances the expert may request the spouse or significant other to fill out these scales too. This is not to verify their answers, but to gain a better understanding of the effect ADHD symptoms can have on their relationship. The evaluator will also take an extensive history, which includes a description of symptoms that have developed throughout adulthood. In addition, the evaluator will be looking to determine whether they had similar issues when they were children, and, if so, how they were handled at the time. Some evaluators may require medical tests to rule out other conditions that can sometimes be similar to the symptoms of ADHD like seizures or thyroid disorders. They can also ask to talk with family members or coworkers to gain an understanding of the behavior of the individual at home and work. During the evaluation, the assessor will discuss the severity of symptoms, their impact on relationships, work performance, school or social life. The evaluation determines if the symptoms of ADHD are mild, moderate, or severe. Mild means that the symptoms are in line with the requirements for an ADHD diagnosis, but they don't interfere with everyday functioning. Moderate means that symptoms are a problem for daily functioning while severe indicates that the symptoms cause significant disruptions. In certain instances, an evaluator may recommend that a person go to psychotherapy (the technical term used to describe mental health therapy), or make adjustments to routines or the environment to accommodate ADHD-related problems. Many health insurance plans will assist you in finding a health professional who is qualified. The evaluator will usually be willing to provide details about their education and expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. However should they be reluctant to share this details, it's worth looking into a different expert. Treatment There are a variety of treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. There are many treatment options available for adults with ADHD. The right treatment plan can assist an adult suffering from ADHD live a more enjoyable and more productive life. assessing adhd in adults is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in an adult than it is in a child. The DSM-V is designed for children. The majority of experts agree that a thorough clinical interview with someone who has expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adult patients will give a reliable diagnosis. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms over the last six months, and how they have affected your work and personal life. She might also ask about your symptoms as a child, and whether you have any family members with ADHD. Certain professionals employ cognitive behavioral therapy to help those with ADHD learn how to manage their problems and improve their relationships. They may also suggest counseling for your family or marriage to help your loved ones understand your challenges and learn how to better assist you. Many people with ADHD also have depression or anxiety. People who suffer from ADHD are also more likely to have physical health problems like chronic pain or eating disorders, like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). If your symptoms aren't severe, you may not need medication. For mild symptoms, medication may help reduce symptoms so that you are able to concentrate at work or in your social interactions. If you have severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of medication or recommend a mix of medications. To determine whether you have an actual diagnosis of ADHD Your doctor may request to look over your school report cards and speak to your parents. They will look for any signs that could suggest ADHD like poor academic performance or behavioral issues. They may also inquire whether you've experienced any issues at work or in your relationship. Researchers utilize a variety of tests to measure the level of attention and control over impulses. Certain tests are computer-based and allow you to compare your results to those of people who don't have ADHD. Some tests, like the Test of Variable Attention Test (TOVA) test your ability to finish a task without distraction. Support If you are experiencing symptoms of ADHD There are many different kinds of support available. Some of these resources are provided by experts and some are completely free. Online resources are also available. These can help you comprehend your symptoms and treatment options, as well as provide advice on how to support a loved one suffering from ADHD. CHADD is the largest national support group for those with ADHD. CHADD's website includes a list of local affiliate groups. It also contains educational materials and an extensive list of professionals who offer assessments, coaching therapy, and assessment. The site includes the ability to search, which allows you to search by state or region to find a group close to you. Another option is to seek out a neurodiversity-affirming therapist. Many directories on the Internet list therapists that specialize in ADHD. Therapists who specialize in ADHD can teach you to use strategies for managing your ADHD symptoms. They can also provide guidance and understanding. A few support groups meet to discuss personal stories and offer each other encouragement. Some groups provide education, guest lecturers and coping skills training. Some groups are run by mental health professionals whereas others are led by peers. You can find a local group via CHADD or speak with a mental health professional who is specialized in ADHD. The evaluation will consider many factors, such as the person's mood or medical history. The evaluator might also ask if the person has other medical conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like depression, anxiety, and physical illness. The evaluator might also ask to see childhood report cards and talk to family members. It is important to communicate with your mental health professional if you are considering an ADHD assessment. To ensure that they can accurately assess you, they should be aware of your entire symptoms. If you're not willing to disclose all the symptoms you're experiencing, you may be unable to get the assessment done and a bit frustrating. The evaluator will likely want to conduct neuropsychological testing or performance-based measures. These tests are designed to gather information regarding a person's executive functioning deficits and can be conducted in combination with a clinical interview to aid in gaining confidence in their observations.