Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a crucial first step in managing symptoms that cause havoc at home, work and in relationships. It's also a fantastic way to gain a fresh perspective on problems that have been a source of confusion and frustration over the years.
In the course of evaluating mental health professionals employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if an adult is meeting diagnostic criteria. adult diagnosis adhd can also interview significant others and family members to gain additional insights.
1. Speak to your Health Care Provider
If you've been experiencing difficulties at work or with your relationships and suspect that ADHD is to blame, the first step toward finding a treatment and diagnosis is talking to your health healthcare provider. Your doctor can help you understand your symptoms and may refer you to a specialist, if needed.
You can also ask your friends, family and co-workers to recommend experts in ADHD evaluations of adults. Your insurance company might be able to give you information about the providers in your region. Participating in an ADHD support group is another option. You can meet with others who face the same struggles, and learn from them about how they manage these challenges.
Many adults choose to seek treatment because they're unhappy with how their symptoms affect their everyday functioning, whether at work or in their personal lives. They are fed up of losing keys or being late to meetings and having trouble maintaining healthy relationships. You can control these symptoms by seeking a diagnosis.
Be honest when you speak to your doctor about the symptoms. Do not hold back your feelings as you do not want to look weak or unreliable. Your doctor must be aware of all the issues you have and how they have affected your work performance and personal life.
Be prepared to speak up regarding medication if your doctor recommends it. Some adults choose to avoid medication and opt for other treatment options, like psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments. Just as a step stool helps someone who is a little short to achieve the same heights that other people achieve accommodations help those who suffer from ADHD to meet their goals and be successful.
Your doctor will inquire about your experience with ADHD. It is important to recall specific details from your childhood, when the disorder is more likely to show up. It is possible to speak to your teachers or other adults from childhood depending on the location you live in. But, these things aren't a guarantee of a diagnose.
2. Ask for a Referral
Your family doctor can refer you for an ADHD assessment and treatment if there are any concerns about how your behavior affects your work, school or relationships. They may be able to offer you referrals for other specialists, such as psychologists and psychiatrists that specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
When you visit a doctor for an evaluation, be sure to speak openly and honestly about your problems, including those that are related to ADHD. It is essential not to hold back information because of feelings of shame or fear that you could be judged. The accuracy of your assessment and the effectiveness of any treatment you recommend will be largely determined by how precise your medical history is.
The examiner will examine your emotional, social and academic history as well as discuss how these issues are affecting you now. They will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines, which are found in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," fifth edition (DSM-5). They will want to know about any symptoms you are experiencing currently, and any that you've had since childhood. They will conduct an interview with you and if possible, also speak with those who knew you as a kid.
They will also determine if your symptoms could be better explained by another mental health or medical problem, like anxiety or depression. They will also determine if you suffer from any learning disabilities or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
If a doctor does not think you are suffering from ADHD, they will tell you what other conditions or issues could be causing your problems and why they don't believe you are suffering from ADHD. It doesn't mean you have to accept the diagnosis, but it could help you plan your future treatment.
In many instances adults diagnosed with ADHD will receive help not just from other adults suffering from ADHD but also from their families, friends, coworkers, teachers, and coaches. They may also benefit by taking classes in communication or marriage and couples counseling. Those who suffer from ADHD often struggle with low self-esteem, and counseling can help build their confidence and teach them how to improve their relationship management skills.
3. Request a Consultation
ADHD is caused either due to a deficiency or an imbalance of neurotransmitters which regulate brain activity. This can interfere with an individual's ability to focus and complete tasks. Adults with untreated ADHD may have difficulties in their jobs, relationships and other aspects of their lives. If you suspect that you have ADHD talk to your doctor or request a recommendation to see an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in mental illnesses.
A mental health professional will assess whether you are suffering from ADHD symptoms using an assessment scale. They may also speak with important people in your life, such as spouses, and complete the symptom checklist. A thorough assessment could include psychological testing that measures working memory and executive functioning (the abilities that are involved in making decisions and planning) as well as spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning abilities. The results will help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example depression and anxiety.
During the assessment, your healthcare professional will also consider how you have managed your symptoms over time. If you tend to forget appointments, make impulsive decisions, and miss deadlines, your doctor may recommend therapy or classes to help you learn better ways of dealing with these issues. Your doctor could also suggest medication. The most commonly prescribed stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are highly effective. However, they aren't for everyone, and they may cause side negative effects. Nonstimulant medicines that don't carry the potential to be abused are now available and could be just as effective as stimulants.
While getting a diagnosis and treatment are crucial for people suffering from ADHD It's also beneficial to make others aware of the condition. For example, many adults with ADHD are frustrated that their spouses, parents and co-workers are unable to comprehend their behavior. The ability to educate others can improve relationships and boost support systems. There are also ADHD online and in many communities.
It can be difficult to identify ADHD in adults however, it is doable. Begin by talking to your GP who can guide you to the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
4. Schedule and an Evaluation
It can take a while to complete a thorough examination and a diagnosis. If your GP is not willing or does not agree to refer you to another health professional, then ask for a referral. You can contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to find out which chapter in your area is specialized in adult ADHD. Also, you should contact professional associations which support adults suffering from ADHD.
After you've been referred an evaluator be prepared for a long and detailed interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The evaluator will review your personal, medical and family history as well as the problems you're experiencing now. They'll also want to know how the symptoms affect your relationships, finances, or your work performance. They may use standardized ratings scales to assess your behavior to people who don't have ADHD. These ratings can help determine whether your symptoms are due to ADHD or if they're more likely to be explained by other disorders, like anxiety and depression.
Your evaluator could also conduct cognitive tests to determine if you have intellectual or learning impairments that may be the cause of your difficulties at school or at work. Some evaluators also screen for other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those caused by ADHD, such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders.
Certain evaluators may request additional physical examinations or lab testing, such as blood work and brain imaging to rule out any other health problems. They might request you to complete an assessment questionnaire that seeks to identify specific symptoms such as difficulty planning and organizing or being too energetic and impulsive. They might also ask a friend or family member about your childhood to determine if there are any clues that indicate you have ADHD.
It is important to be honest during the interview. Many adults are embarrassed to ask for a diagnosis and withhold information, thinking that it will make their appearance look worse. It is essential that the person evaluating you is given accurate information regarding your challenges in terms of organization skills, impulse control and interpersonal relationships.