Although children are frequently diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this is not always the case. A person may be diagnosed with ADHD for the first time in adulthood for a variety of reasons, some of which we’ll discuss here. Getting evaluated for ADHD symptoms can be a crucial initial step in the treatment process, regardless of the reason for the delay. We’ll outline the main points of what to anticipate when getting an adult ADHD assessment here.
Why do some individuals not receive an adult ADHD diagnosis?
According to estimates, the prevalence of ADHD in adults is 3-5%, compared to 5-7% in children. Because they have lived with their symptoms for so long without recognizing they might be signs of a treatable disorder for which they might seek care, many adults with ADHD may go untreated. Furthermore, kids usually interact more with adults who might be knowledgeable about identifying symptoms of this disorder—like teachers. Put another way, one reason for late diagnoses of ADHD may be a lack of knowledge of the disorder and its symptoms.
What does an assessment for ADHD aim to achieve?
If a mental health professional decides to diagnose someone with ADHD, they will often conduct a comprehensive assessment. But determining whether or not ADHD is present isn’t the sole reason these evaluations are carried out. They might additionally Assist in ruling out further causes of the observed behaviors, such as illnesses, learning disorders, and sleep disorders.
be used to check for co-occurring mental illnesses including depression and anxiety that are common in persons with ADHD.
There isn’t just one “ADHD test,” though. Instead, a mental health expert like a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker will usually conduct a thorough evaluation and a variety of tests as part of the adult ADHD diagnostic procedure. The process’s phases and evaluation instruments are usually determined by each person’s particular situation. Nevertheless, the objective is usually the same: to get a clear, correct diagnosis if necessary, create a successful treatment plan, and provide the client with the best possible outcome.
Typical elements of an evaluation for ADHD
It might be very beneficial to obtain an evaluation from a licensed mental health professional if you think you might have ADHD. They could be able to assist you in creating coping strategies and establishing connections with resources that could promote better functioning in your day-to-day activities, regardless of whether you obtain a diagnosis or not. Furthermore, undiagnosed and untreated ADHD can have its own set of potential problems, ranging from persistent difficulties with day-to-day functioning to a higher risk of substance abuse and depression.
first conversation In order to obtain information about your present symptoms, medical history, family history, educational background, employment history, and any prior events linked to ADHD symptoms, the assessment procedure typically starts with an interview. Inquiries on further physical and mental health issues you may have may also be made by the provider.
Evaluation of symptoms
Subsequently, standardized instruments like rating scales and questionnaires are frequently employed to evaluate any present signs of ADHD. To provide a complete picture of your symptoms, these could include self-report questionnaires, ratings from observers, and/or interviews with close friends or family members. Since symptoms of ADHD are thought to be on a continuum and can vary greatly, this part of the evaluation will probably be quite extensive.
Mostly a demonstration of inattention
inability to focus on tasks
being quickly sidetracked by outside stimulus
tending to “zone out” or act as though they aren’t paying attention when interacting with people face-to-face
Mostly impulsive and hyperactive presentation
agitation or fidgeting
Difficulty maintaining composure or quiet in social settings
Talking too much
All-inclusive display
Some people could exhibit symptoms of both hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention at the same time. For instance, individuals could find it difficult to focus when doing an assignment, grow irritated, and eventually give up.
Medical Assessment
When you visit a physician or psychiatrist for your evaluation, they might also perform a medical evaluation to rule out any diseases like thyroid malfunction or seizure disorders that could cause or mimic the symptoms of ADHD. This phase could entail going over your medical history, getting a physical examination, and, if needed, requesting laboratory testing. The doctor will probably also inquire about any potential family medical history.
Psychological Evaluation
Psychological testing may be necessary in particular situations to evaluate cognitive performance, attention spans, and other pertinent psychological aspects. Additional information can be obtained through this approach to assist the doctor in confirming or rejecting an ADHD diagnosis. Psychological testing can also be done to rule out the existence of any other mental health issues, such as mood or personality disorders, that may present with symptom to ADHD.
Functional evaluation
In this step, the provider will determine whether you have any executive functioning issues in your daily life and will find out how they affect your capacity to fulfill your obligations and achieve your goals.
These obstacles can include, but are not limited to:
Having trouble organizing, planning, or dividing work into manageable steps
Inadequate arrangement of personal or work areas
inability to accurately estimate and manage one’s time
Procrastination and trouble initiating or finishing projects
Problems with short- and/or long-term memory
mental processing of knowledge is difficult
In order to track your progress and identify effective techniques, your care provider—such as a coach or therapist—may test your capacity to overcome these obstacles on a regular basis if you are diagnosed with ADHD.
Assessment in relation to diagnostic standards
After gathering all the required data, the doctor will diagnose ADHD using the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 specifies the following requirements for adults in order to be eligible for an ADHD diagnosis:
For a minimum of six months, individuals who are 17 years of age or older must have five or more of the specified symptoms.
A number of the symptoms had to be noticed prior to turning twelve.
A physical or mental illness cannot adequately explain symptoms that do not only arise during a psychotic episode or as a result of other psychotic diseases.
They have to be in two or more contexts (e.g., the workplace, social gatherings, the family, the classroom, or other activities).
They have to seriously affect one’s ability to operate in social, intellectual, or professional contexts.
Recommendation for treatment
After the evaluation is finished, the doctor will discuss whether or not to diagnose ADHD based on the data gathered and offer commentary on the results. Additionally, they could suggest courses of action for your care, which typically entail counseling, medicine, dietary adjustments, behavioral therapies, and/or needs-based accommodations.
