Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a first step in managing the symptoms that cause chaos at home, work and in relationships. It is also a way to see the bigger picture of issues that have been confusing and frustrating for years.
Mental health professionals use ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior ratings scales in the process of evaluation to determine if an adult fits the diagnostic criteria. They may also speak with relatives and close friends to gain additional insight.
1. Speak to Your Health Care Provider
If you've been experiencing problems at work or in your relationships and think ADHD is to blame, the first step toward getting a diagnosis and treatment is talking to your health care provider. Your doctor can help you make sense of your symptoms and recommend specialists if required.
You can also ask your friends, family and co-workers to suggest professionals who are skilled in ADHD evaluations of adults. You may also get information from your insurance company about the services available in your area. Another option is to go to an ADHD support group and talk with other people who are facing similar challenges and to learn about how they deal with these challenges.
Many adults decide to seek a diagnosis because they're unhappy with how their symptoms affect their everyday functioning, whether at work or in their private lives. They're frustrated with losing their keys, constantly being late for meetings and struggling to keep their jobs or maintain healthy relationships. You can manage these signs by obtaining a diagnosis.
Be honest when you speak to your doctor about the symptoms. Do not be shy because you don't want to be viewed as unreliable or weak. Your doctor must be aware of all the issues you have, including how these have affected your work performance and personal life.
If your doctor recommends medication be prepared to discuss your stance on the topic. Some adults opt to stay clear of medication and instead opt for alternative treatment options, like psychotherapy or lifestyle modifications. Just as a step stool can help someone who is a little short to reach the same heights as others, accommodations enable those with ADHD to reach their goals and be successful.
Your specialist will ask you about your history with ADHD. It is best to recall details from childhood, as this is when the disorder is more likely to come up. Depending on the location you live in, you may need to get copies of your school records or talk to teachers or other adults who were around you in childhood However, keep in mind that these records don't necessarily indicate a diagnosis.
2. Request a recommendation
If you are concerned about how your behavior impacting your school, work or your relationships, your family physician may suggest an ADHD assessment and treatment. They may be able to offer you referrals for other specialists, like psychologists and psychiatrists that specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
If you're going to an expert for an evaluation, be sure you are open and honest about the issues you are facing. This includes any ADHD-related issues. It is crucial not to hide information because of 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 precise your past history is.
Examiners will review your academic, social and emotional background. They will also discuss how these issues affect you today. 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 ask you questions about your current symptoms and any you might have experienced in the past. They will interview and when possible, talk to people who knew you before you were a child.
They will determine if your symptoms can be better explained by a medical condition or mental health issue, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. They will also determine whether you suffer from a neurodevelopmental disorder or a learning impairment.
If a doctor does not think you are suffering from ADHD and they'll tell you the other conditions or issues that might be causing your difficulties and why they don't believe you are suffering from ADHD. This does not mean that you must accept this diagnosis. However, adult diagnosis adhd can be helpful in planning your future care.
In many cases adults who are diagnosed with ADHD will receive support not just from other adults who suffer from ADHD as well as their families, friends teachers, coworkers and coaches. They could also benefit from classes, therapy that teach communication skills or couple and marriage counseling. Those with ADHD typically struggle with low self-esteem, so counseling can boost their confidence and teach them ways to improve their relationship management skills.
3. Request a Consultation
ADHD is caused by a lack or imbalance of neurotransmitters which regulate brain activity. This can hinder an individual's ability to focus and follow through on tasks. Adults who are not treated for ADHD may have difficulties in their jobs or relationships, as well as other aspects of their lives. If you suspect you have ADHD discuss it with your health care provider or ask for a referral to see an a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in mental health.
A mental health professional will evaluate whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms by using a scale of rating. They might also interview significant people who are important to you, such as your spouse, and fill out a symptom checklist. A thorough assessment could include a psychological test that measures working memory, executive functioning (the abilities involved in planning and decision-making) as well as spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills. The results can be used to rule out conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
During the evaluation your doctor will also take into account how you've dealt with your symptoms over the course of time. For example, if you often forget appointments, miss deadlines or make impulsive decisions Your health care professional may suggest classes or therapy to teach you better strategies to overcome these challenges. Your health care provider might suggest medication, too. Stimulant drugs are most commonly used to treat adults with ADHD, and they are extremely effective. However, they aren't for everyone, and they may have adverse effects. Nonstimulant medicines that don't carry the potential to be abused are available now and can be as effective as stimulants.
While getting a diagnosis and treatment are important for adults with ADHD but it's also important to educate others about the condition. For example, many adults with ADHD are frustrated that their spouses, parents and co-workers have difficulty understanding their behavior. Educating others can improve relationships and strengthen support systems. There are also ADHD support groups within many communities as well as online.
It can be challenging to determine ADHD in adults however, it is doable. Begin by talking to your GP, who will be able to recommend the most appropriate service for your needs.
4. Schedule an Evaluation
It may take time to receive a thorough assessment and diagnosis. Ask for an appointment with your primary care physician, however, if your GP is reluctant or doesn't accept a referral to other health experts. You can contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to determine who is specialized in your area in adult ADHD. Also, you should contact professional associations that support adults with ADHD.
If you've been referred to an evaluator be prepared for a long and thorough interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The evaluator is going to review your medical family, personal, and medical history along with any current health issues. They'll probably want to know how the problems have affected your relationships as well as your work performance and financial situation. They may use standardized rating scales that compare your behavior to those of people with ADHD. These ratings can help determine whether your symptoms are due to ADHD or if they are more likely to be explained by other disorders, like anxiety and depression.
Your evaluator will likely also conduct cognitive tests to identify intellectual or learning impairments that could explain your problems at school or at work. Certain evaluators may also look for other conditions that could cause symptoms similar to those caused by ADHD such as seizures or thyroid disorders.
Some evaluators may order additional physical examinations or laboratory testing, such as brain imaging and blood tests, to rule out other health problems. They may ask you to fill out the questionnaire to determine specific symptoms such as difficulty planning and organizing or being too energetic and hyperactive. They could also ask a family or friend member about your childhood to determine whether there are any clues that suggest you suffer from ADHD.
It's important to be open and honest during the interview. Many adults are uncomfortable asking for a diagnosis and may refuse to divulge information because they believe it will make their appearance look worse. It is essential that the person evaluating you is given accurate information regarding your issues in the areas of impulse control, organizational skills and interpersonal relationships.