Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a first step to managing symptoms that cause havoc at home, at work and in relationships. It's also a great way to gain a new perspective on problems that have been a source of confusion and frustration over the years.
Mental health professionals utilize ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior in the process of evaluation to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria. They can also conduct interviews with relatives and friends to gain more insight.
1. Talk to your Health Care Provider
If you have been having difficulties at work or with your relationships and think ADHD is to blame the first step to getting a diagnosis and treatment is to speak with your health care provider. Your doctor can help you make sense of your symptoms and refer you to an expert if needed.
adhd diagnosis adults might also ask friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations for specialists who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. You may also get information from your insurance company regarding the services available in your region. Participating in an ADHD support group is a different alternative. You can meet with people who share the same struggles, and learn from them about how they manage them.
Many adults decide to look for a diagnosis because they're frustrated that their symptoms affect their everyday functioning, whether at work or in their private lives. They're tired of losing their keys, constantly being late for meetings and struggling to keep their jobs or maintain healthy relationships. You can take control of these signs by obtaining an appointment with a doctor.
Be honest when talking to your doctor about the symptoms. Do not be shy because you don't want to be seen as weak or irresponsible. Your doctor must know all about your problems and how they have affected your work performance and personal life.
If your doctor suggests medication be prepared to discuss your position on the topic. Some adults prefer to avoid medication and instead opt for alternative treatments, like psychotherapy or lifestyle modifications. Accommodations enable people who suffer from ADHD to reach their goals, just like 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 recommended to remember details from your childhood, since this is when the disorder is likely be evident. Depending on where you live, you may need to get copies of your school records or speak to teachers or other adults who knew you in your youth, but remember that these records don't necessarily indicate the diagnosis.
2. Request a Reference
Your family physician will be able to refer you undergo an ADHD assessment and treatment if you have concerns about the way your behavior is affecting your work, school or relationships. They can recommend you to other specialists who deal with adults with ADHD like psychiatrists and psychologists.
If you're visiting a specialist to get an evaluation, be sure to be open and honest about your problems. This includes any ADHD-related issues. It is essential not to hide information because of feelings of shame or fear that you might be judged. Your past experiences will determine the quality of your evaluation as well as the efficacy of any treatment recommendations.
Examiners will look over your social, academic and emotional past. They will also discuss how these issues impact you in the present. They will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," fifth edition (DSM-5). They will ask you questions about your current symptoms as well as any that you may have had in the past. They will interview and, if possible speak to those who knew you before you were a kid.
In addition to determining whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and other ADHD-related disorders, they will also consider whether your symptoms might be better explained by another mental health issue or medical issue, such as depression or anxiety. They will also determine whether you suffer from a neurodevelopmental disorder or learning disability.
If a professional doesn't agree that you have ADHD they will explain what other conditions or issues could be causing your difficulties and the reason why they don't believe you are suffering from ADHD. This doesn't mean that you have to accept the diagnosis, but it can help plan future care.
In most instances, a person who has been diagnosed with adult ADHD will be supported by others with ADHD and their families as well as friends, co-workers, teachers and coaches. They may also benefit by attending classes that teach communication or marriage and couples counseling. People with ADHD typically struggle with low self-esteem. counseling can boost their confidence and help them learn how to improve their skills in managing relationships.
3. Request a Consultation
ADHD is caused either due to a deficiency or imbalance of neurotransmitters which regulate brain activity. This can impact a person's concentration and ability to finish tasks. Adults with untreated ADHD are likely to struggle with their careers, relationships and many other areas of their lives. If you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD consult your doctor or ask for recommendations to see a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in mental illnesses.
A mental health professional will evaluate whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms by using a scale of rating. A mental health professional might also interview important people in your life like your spouse and complete an inventory of symptoms. A thorough assessment could include psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning (the abilities involved in planning and decision-making), visual and spatial capabilities and reasoning abilities. The results can be used to rule out any conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
In the course of an evaluation, your health care professional will also consider the way you've dealt with your symptoms over time. If you tend to skip appointments, make impulsive choices or miss deadlines, your doctor could suggest classes or therapy to help you learn more effective ways to deal with these challenges. Your health care provider might recommend medication, too. The most common stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD for adults are highly efficient. They aren't suitable for all people and may have adverse negative effects. Nonstimulant medicines that do not have the potential to abuse are now available. They can be as effective as stimulants.
It is essential to educate others about ADHD. While adults who suffer from ADHD need to be diagnosed and seek treatment, it is also helpful to help them educate their spouses, parents and colleagues. Many adults with ADHD have a difficult time getting their spouses, parents, and even their coworkers to understand their behavior. The ability to educate others can improve relationships and increase support systems. There are also ADHD support groups in a variety of communities and online.
It isn't easy to diagnose ADHD in adults however, it is doable. Talk to your GP who can suggest a service that is most appropriate to your needs.
4. Schedule an Evaluation
It can take time to get a thorough evaluation and a diagnosis. If your GP is unable or is not willing 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. You can contact professional organizations that help adults with ADHD.
If you've been referred to an evaluator, you should be prepared for a lengthy and thorough discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The evaluator is going to examine your medical family, personal, and medical history, as well as any current issues. They will probably also want to know how your issues have affected your relationships, work performance, and finances. They could employ standardized ratings scales to assess your behavior with that 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 anxiety and depression.
Your evaluator could also conduct cognitive tests to look for intellectual or learning disabilities that could explain your problems at school or at work. Certain evaluators look for conditions that can produce symptoms similar to ADHD, such thyroid disorders or seizures disorders.
The evaluators might request additional physical examinations or lab testing, such as brain imaging and blood tests to rule out other health problems. They might require you to fill out a the questionnaire to determine specific signs, such as difficulty in organizing and planning or being too energetic and hyperactive. They may also inquire from a family member about your childhood to find out whether there are any clues that suggest you suffer from ADHD.
It is crucial to be honest during the interview. Many adults are embarrassed by seeking a diagnosis and may be reluctant to divulge information because they think it will make them appear poor. But, it is essential to get a positive diagnosis that the evaluator receives exact information about your struggles with organizational skills, impulse control, and relationships.