Adult ADHD Diagnostic Assessment and Treatment
Many adults with ADHD have a difficult finding a way to diagnose. Doctors need to assess whether symptoms are present in the present, and whether they were present at different times throughout life (technically prior to age 12).
Usually, a thorough evaluation involves more than one person. It is usually beneficial to include family members, colleagues and teachers.
Self-Assessment Tool
The Adult ADHD Symptom Self Report Scale is the most sought-after instrument for self-assessment of adults with ADHD. It is available online and can be completed by adults at home. This tool asks a series of questions about symptoms that are typically experienced by those with ADHD. This tool can be used as a starting step to determine if you should seek further assessment by a healthcare professional.
Other symptom inventories for adults include the BADDS42 and the AD/HD Symptom Inventory for Adults (AD/HD-IS) and the CAARS44. The BADDS, a 40-item assessment that provides a context for ADHD symptoms in real-life situations It is a 40-item measure. It can be administered as a self-report or as an observer-rated instrument. It provides a range of beneficial supplementary factors aside from the DSM-5 subscales, and also provides norms that are based on age.
These inventories of symptoms are helpful for diagnosing ADHD since they provide a wider range of data than a single clinical interview, however, their low positive predictive values restrict them. This means they over-identify probable ADHD cases. The reason for this is that many of the symptoms identified by these tools are also present in healthy individuals and are not specific to ADHD.
Another issue is that the diagnosis of ADHD must be based on the existence of symptoms that are present over time and in a variety of situations. This requires a more thorough assessment of functioning under different angles, and consideration of comorbidities, such as addiction or depression. These comorbidities are frequently present with ADHD, and can have a negative impact on the quality of life of people with these disorders.
Despite the limitations, self-assessment tools are still a great initial screening tool that can alert a person to the possibility of having higher levels of ADHD symptoms and should be able to consider a clinical evaluation. This is particularly relevant for those who are concerned that their symptoms may be affecting their quality of life in the school, at work or within their own family.
In contrast to self-assessment instruments, clinical interviews with a specialist in the field of ADHD can give a more complete picture and more certainty in the diagnosis. They can draw from an array of data that can include the results of neuropsychological tests and other measures based on performance, as well as anecdotal evidence from the daily activities of a patient.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can only be determined by a licensed mental health professional who is trained in conducting such evaluations. While online tools like self-tests and rating scales may give a clue as to the possibility that your symptoms could be due to ADHD however they cannot offer you a definitive diagnosis.
A professional ADHD evaluation involves a comprehensive interview, information from independent sources like a spouse or family member and psychometric tests that are standardized. The aim of a thorough examination is to determine whether the person's symptoms are serious enough to cause impairment in at least two aspects of their life. Impairment can include getting fired from a job, experiencing financial issues due to not paying bills on time or experiencing distress and conflict in relationships.
It is important that patients talk about their issues honestly and openly during the clinical interview. Adults who suffer from ADHD tend to conceal their symptoms because they're embarrassed or fear that others might criticize them. It can be a challenge, but it's important that a clinician have a complete picture of the individual's life and their symptoms.
Diagnostic interviews that are structured can be used to evaluate adult ADHD. These kinds of interviews could help reduce the dependence on the DSM-based symptoms inventory that was designed for children but does not always translate well for adults. Adult ADHD inventories and executive function inventories and impairment/quality of life ratings are all valuable tools for the evaluation process. They allow the clinicians to track the patient's progress throughout treatment.
Ask your primary doctor to refer you to a local professional who is specialized in adult ADHD diagnosis. You may also request a referral from your insurer or a hospital affiliated with a university or check with your local psychology group or support group to locate an experienced professional. If you are having trouble finding a psychologist in your area, you can call an organization that provides video or phone consultations. These services can be an affordable way to get the assistance you need today.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may have difficulties at work, home and in their relationships. Inattention or impulsivity, inattention and disorganization could affect self-esteem and social functioning, creating anxiety and a feeling that they'll never get things right. It's crucial to find a specialist who is aware of the difficulties associated with diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD.
Adults need to show more serious symptoms than children to be diagnosed. Adults must show more severe, chronic problems in multiple domains of their lives. It is important to collect an entire medical history since some diseases can have similar symptoms as ADHD including thyroid disorders, hearing or vision problems, and seizures. Certain medications and drugs may also cause ADHD-like symptoms and signs.
Structured diagnostic interviews help clinicians confirm that the symptoms being reported are indeed those of ADHD and not related to other neurodevelopmental or psychiatric disorders. This can include asking about the patient's education, work and family background. The physician may also inquire about current and past drug and alcohol abuse, and any other health issues, such a sleep disorder or hearing or vision issues or sleep disorders.
Other tests can be used in addition to the structured interviews. These include IQ and achievement tests, and a variety of neuropsychological or psychological tests. adhd assessment adults do not diagnose ADHD however, they could provide valuable information regarding the effects of ADHD on an individual.
Once an accurate diagnosis is established, psychosocial treatment and pharmacological therapies are usually used to address the symptoms. These treatments can be used either in conjunction or individually. For instance the patient could be treated with cognitive behavior therapy to help him identify and modify "thought distortions" and improve his capacity to prioritize tasks and organize. ADHD medication can also be used to lessen the inattention and impulsiveness that make it difficult for patients to complete their school or work assignments.
It is recommended that all adults with the diagnosis of ADHD or uncontrolled symptoms should consult their healthcare provider within 30 days. Regular follow-up visits are recommended until symptoms and functioning have improved. It is also essential for the health professional to monitor comorbid conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders, while receiving treatment.
Support
Adults suffering from ADHD can find support in various ways. Some are at ease in online forums and peer support groups online, like those offered by ADDitude magazine. They can also connect with other people through attending meetings of local support groups or camps for kids, teens and adults with ADHD. These groups can offer support, resources, materials and guest speakers who can assist with learning and coping skills.
Diagnosing an adult is trickier than diagnosing a child and a majority of the tools for self-assessment do not give a precise diagnosis. The symptom guidelines contained in the DSM-V are designed to diagnose children, and an adult ADHD diagnosis is only derived from a comprehensive clinical evaluation that includes structured diagnostic interviews as well as a variety of objective measures. Neuropsychological tests and performance-based assessments are particularly helpful in assessing executive function deficits. They permit a clinician to observe symptoms in action and can provide a better understanding of the extent of impairment than self report instruments.
It is crucial to speak with other significant people in the life of the patient like the spouse or spouse, parents or siblings, and employers. It can be difficult for those being assessed to open up and talk about their problems. Adults who suffer from ADHD might not be aware of the negative consequences of their actions on others.
A thorough assessment requires a thorough review of the patient's past background to identify mental and non-psychiatric disorders that may be causing the symptoms. It is not unusual for a person with ADHD to suffer from more than one disorder simultaneously.
Since symptom ratings are dependent on subjective perceptions, it is essential that people with ADHD have someone else complete questionnaires designed to assess their symptoms and impact on their quality of life. This person is a close friend or sibling who is familiar with the person and is able to confirm their observations. Some doctors ask that a trusted co-worker or employer complete a similar questionnaire to obtain additional information not provided in an interview with a clinician.
