Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is an important first step to manage the issues that can cause chaos at work, at home and in relationships. It's also a great way to gain a new perspective on problems that have been confusing and frustrating over the time.
During the process of evaluation, mental health professionals use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to help determine if an adult meets diagnostic criteria. They may also speak with family members and significant others to gain further insight.
1. Talk to Your Health Care Provider
Speak to your doctor is the first step in getting a diagnosis. Your doctor will be able to help you make sense of your symptoms and recommend a specialist if necessary.
You can also ask your family, friends and colleagues to recommend experts in ADHD evaluations of adults. You may also get information from your insurance company regarding the services available in your area. Another option is to attend an ADHD support group to chat with other people who are facing similar issues and learn how they handle these challenges.
Many adults choose to seek a diagnosis because they're frustrated that their symptoms interfere with everyday functioning, whether at work or in their private lives. how is adhd diagnosed in adults are frustrated with losing keys and being late for meetings, and having trouble maintaining healthy relationships. Finding a diagnosis of ADHD can give you the control you require over these issues and help bring balance back into your life.
If you are discussing your symptoms with your physician Be honest with your health care provider. Do not be shy because you don't want to be viewed as a weak or unreliable person. Your doctor should be aware of all the issues you have, including how these have affected your work performance and personal life.
If your doctor suggests medication, be prepared to discuss your stance on the topic. Some adults don't like to take medication and prefer alternative methods of treatment including psychotherapy (the medical term used to describe mental health therapy) and lifestyle changes that are known as accommodations. Accommodations allow those with ADHD to achieve their goals, just as a step stool allows people who are shorter to reach the same height as others.
Your doctor will inquire about your experience with ADHD. It is important to recall information from your childhood, as this is when the disorder is more likely to come up. You may need to talk to your teachers or other adults from your childhood depending on the location you live in. However, these kinds of things aren't a guarantee of a diagnose.
2. Ask for a referral
If you are concerned about how your behavior is impacting your school, work or your relationships, your family doctor may recommend an ADHD evaluation and treatment. They may recommend you to other specialists who treat adults suffering from ADHD including psychiatrists and psychologists.
If you see a doctor for an evaluation, make sure to speak openly and honestly about your problems that may be related to ADHD. It is important not to hold back information due to feelings of shame or fear that you could be criticized. The quality of your evaluation and the effectiveness of any treatment recommended will be largely determined by how thorough your history is.
Examiners will review your academic, social and emotional past. They will also discuss how these issues affect you in the present. The examiner will also review the diagnostic guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will want to know about any symptoms you have now in addition to any symptoms you have had since childhood. They will interview and as much as possible talk to those who knew you when you were a kid.
In addition to determining if you meet the requirements for ADHD in addition, they will look at whether your symptoms might be attributed to another mental health issue or medical problem such as depression or anxiety. They will also determine if there is an intellectual disability or any other neurodevelopmental disorder.
If a professional doesn't agree that you suffer from ADHD they will tell the other conditions or issues that might be causing you difficulties and why they do not believe you are suffering from ADHD. This does not mean you have to accept the diagnosis, but it can help you plan your future treatment.
In many instances adults diagnosed with ADHD will receive support not only from other adults who suffer from ADHD, but also their family members, friends, teachers, coworkers, and coaches. They may also benefit from taking classes in relationships or marriage and couples counseling. Counseling can help those with ADHD who have difficulty gaining confidence. It can help them improve their communication skills.
3. Schedule a Consultation
ADHD is caused by a lack or imbalance in neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can affect an individual's ability to focus and to follow through on tasks. Adults who are not treated for ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, careers and other aspects of their lives. If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD talk to your doctor or request recommendations to see a psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in mental illness.
A mental health professional will employ a rating system to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms. A mental health professional might also interview important people in your life such as your spouse and create a checklist of symptoms. A thorough evaluation may include psychological tests that measure working memory and executive function (the capabilities involved in planning and making decisions), visual and spatial ability and reasoning abilities. The results can be used to rule out any conditions that can cause similar symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
During the assessment the healthcare professional will also consider how you have dealt with your symptoms over the course of time. For instance, if often miss appointments, don't remember deadlines, or make impulsive choices your doctor might recommend therapy or classes to teach you more effective strategies for dealing with these issues. Your doctor may recommend medication, too. The most common stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are highly efficient. But they don't work for everyone, and they may have adverse consequences. Nonstimulant medicines that don't carry the potential for abuse are now available and could be as effective as stimulants.
While receiving a diagnosis and treatment are crucial for those suffering from ADHD but it's also important to educate others about the disorder. Many people suffering from ADHD have a difficult time getting their spouses, their parents, and even their coworkers to understand their behavior. The ability to educate others can improve relationships and strengthen support systems. There are also ADHD support groups in many communities as well as online.
It can be challenging to determine ADHD in adults, but it is possible. Talk to your GP who can suggest a service that is best suited to your needs.
4. Schedule and an Evaluation
It may take a while to get a precise evaluation and diagnosis. Ask for an appointment from your primary care physician, however, should your GP is reluctant or doesn't consent to refer you to other health professionals. You can contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to determine who in your area specializes in adult ADHD. Or, you can check with professional groups which support adults suffering from ADHD.
After you've been referred an evaluator be prepared for a long and thorough discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The evaluator is going to examine your medical family, personal, and medical background and any current problems. They'll likely want to know how your symptoms have impacted your relationships or work performance as well as financial situation. They may employ standardized rating scales to compare your behavior with the behavior of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings can help determine whether your symptoms are due to ADHD or if they're better explained by other disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Your evaluator may also order cognitive tests to check for intellectual or learning difficulties that could explain your difficulties at school or work. Certain evaluators look for conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid disorders or seizures disorders.
Certain evaluators may request additional physical examinations or lab tests, including brain imaging or blood tests, to rule out any other health issues. They might require you to complete a questionnaire that looks for specific symptoms, such as difficulties in organizing and planning or being too active and hyperactive. They could also interview relatives or a friend about your childhood, looking for information that could indicate that you suffer from ADHD.
It is essential to be honest during the interview. Many adults are uncomfortable asking for a diagnosis and may not divulge information, believing that it will make their appearance worse. However, it's crucial for a successful diagnosis that the evaluator gets precise information regarding your issues with organization, impulse control, and relationships.