What Freud Can Teach Us About Diagnose ADHD
How to Get a Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a difficult one for many adults. Some people feel relieved at finally realizing their struggles, whereas others are sad for having missed out on life opportunities due to symptoms that were not treated for a long time.
A mental health healthcare professional or health care provider can diagnose ADHD by analyzing the mood of a person, their past and current mental and physical ailments as well as their childhood behavior and experiences at school. The assessment usually includes ADHD symptoms checklists as well as the standardized scales of rating.
Signs and symptoms
People suffering from ADHD have difficulty completing tasks that require mental effort or attention to detail. These problems are usually caused by other underlying conditions like depression or substance abuse disorders. Getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards getting control of the symptoms that cause destruction in both professional and personal life.
ADHD symptoms typically start in childhood and last throughout adulthood. To be considered to have ADHD, symptoms must cause significant impairment in at least two areas of a person's life (home school, home, and work). To meet the criteria to be considered severe, they must have been present for at least six month and cannot be caused by mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorder dissociative disorder, personality disorders.
The health care professional will also go over the patient's medical and mental history. The doctor will speak with the person, and if possible their family members, to gain a perspective on childhood behavior. The health care provider may review the patient's present working and home environments, and talk with their teachers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. To be diagnosed with the inattentive version of ADHD, an individual must exhibit six or less inattention symptoms that are severe enough to interfere in their daily functioning. To be diagnosed with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD, an individual must have six of the following symptoms:
A thorough psychiatric evaluation is usually enough for a healthcare professional to recognize someone suffering from ADHD. undiagnosed adhd in adults may include a lengthy interview with the person, his or her family and any caregivers or teachers, as well as taking the time to complete questionnaires and scales. The health care provider may also examine the person's medical, psychiatric and family history and refer the individual to a physical exam to determine the cause of symptoms. The doctor will also examine the person's sleep patterns, diet, and the home and work environments to determine if stressors may be contributing their symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you suspect that you might have ADHD it is recommended that you consult a specialist doctor in the disorder. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They'll be interested in how often you experience difficulty completing tasks and how often you misplace things or forget to put away your keys, and whether these issues cause stress at home, work or in relationships. Your doctor will also look over your medical history and physical exam. This information will aid your doctor in determining other conditions that could mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD like depression, sleep disorders, anxiety or thyroid problems.
Your health professional could interview family members, caregivers, and friends about your behavior. They'll also inquire about how you behave in different situations, like at school and work or with your scout or religious leaders. Your doctor may also ask you to fill out a self-test or rating scale to determine the severity of your symptoms. They are available online, however, they shouldn't be used in lieu of an in-person visit with your physician.
For adults diagnosed with ADHD requires you to meet the threshold of symptoms lower than children - five out of nine symptoms in a six-month period. Additionally, you must be able demonstrate a significant impact in 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 typically look at the ways your brain functions and may aid in determining if you suffer from co-existing mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
When you are diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, it can result in a range of complex emotions. The emotions of Matlen ranged from sadness at missed opportunities to relief she could pinpoint a cause for her problems. Consult your doctor or a local support group for a referral to a health professional who performs ADHD assessments for adults. You can also call your insurance company to find out the providers that are listed.
Treatment
For many people with ADHD, medication is the first option for treatment. The stimulants methylphenidate and amphetamine boost or balance levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters which regulate attention and behavior. They can help people with ADHD focus better and stay focused manage their impulses, make more reasonable decisions improve communication and relationships and decrease impulsive behavior.
There are also nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine or antidepressants that work slower than stimulants but can still be effective for some people suffering from ADHD. The type of medication which is best for a person will change over time. It is important to discuss with the medical professional who is conducting the evaluation all options.
A health specialist with expertise in ADHD will conduct an assessment which includes an interview with the person as well as the answers to questionnaires and scales for the individual as well as an examination of the family history, mood disorders and medical conditions, including sleep disorders and other physical ailments. A referral for an examination by a doctor could be included to determine if there is a medical reason for the ADHD symptoms.
It is likely that the evaluation will take some time. This is especially true if you are an adult who has had to struggle to manage symptoms for many years. The evaluation should be as thorough as possible, which means that the patient should bring copies of the performance evaluations from their school or job and other information like old reports. The healthcare professional may ask permission to speak with close family members or friends to get a full understanding of the individual's past experiences and behaviors.
For adults, diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing event. It is normal for people to experience an array of emotions, ranging from relief at finding a clear explanation for their problems to sadness over lost opportunities and relationships that have been damaged due to untreated ADHD. However, Matlen says that once she was diagnosed she was able to begin making changes in her life and progress in her career and relationships.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD find that getting assistance from a therapist can be an essential step. Finding the right therapist isn't always straightforward. There are many ways to find a therapist in the area. Ask your regular doctor to refer you. He or she may have a list of specialists who are acquainted with ADHD and can treat it effectively. You can also look for them online. There are numerous websites which list doctors, as well as details about their specialties and areas of interest. Another alternative is to request a recommendation from your friends or family members. You can also contact your local mental health clinic, or an ADHD support group to get suggestions.
It is essential to be honest when you visit the therapist who is experienced in treating ADHD. It is essential to discuss how ADHD affects your life as well as the lives of other people. It is important to discuss your past and present medical background. This will help your doctor rule out other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
The therapist will also conduct interviews and utilize standard scales to assess the severity of the symptoms. The therapist could also solicit other caregivers for their input like teachers, religious leaders, or scout and scout leaders to get an accurate picture of the behavior of an individual in different situations.
Adults suffering from ADHD might feel overwhelmed and irritated by their problems and may be reluctant to talk about them. This can affect the accuracy and validity of the diagnosis. A therapist who has worked with adults with ADHD can assist them in overcoming these obstacles.
It is crucial to understand that having a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that a therapist will prescribe medication. While some individuals with ADHD require medication but there are plenty of treatment options that are successful, including treatment for behavioral issues. These methods of treatment can be utilized in conjunction with medication or as an alternative treatment.