Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a first step towards managing the symptoms that cause chaos at home, work and in relationships. It also provides a means to see the bigger picture of issues that have been confusing and frustrating for years.
Mental health professionals employ ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior ratings scales during the evaluation process to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria. They may also interview family members and significant others to gain more insight.
1. Speak to your Health Care Provider
Speak to your doctor is the first step in finding out the cause. Your doctor can help understand your symptoms and may refer you to a specialist if needed.
You can also ask your family, friends and colleagues to recommend professionals who are experts in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also inquire from your insurance company about professionals in your region. Participating in an ADHD support group is another alternative. You can talk to people who share the same challenges and learn from them how they deal with them.
Many adults seek out a diagnosis when their symptoms hinder their everyday performance at home or at work. They are fed up of getting lost keys, being late for meetings and trying to maintain healthy relationships. Being diagnosed with ADHD can give you the control you require to manage these issues and bring balance back into your life.
Be honest when you talk to your doctor about your health issues. Do not be shy because you do not want to be perceived as a weak or unreliable person. Your doctor must be aware of your issues and how they've affected your work performance as well as your personal life.
If your doctor suggests taking medication, be prepared to discuss your position on it. Some adults prefer to avoid medication and opt for other treatment methods, such as psychotherapy or lifestyle adjustments. Accommodations allow those with ADHD to achieve their goals, much like a step stool allows someone who is shorter to attain the same height as others.
Your doctor will inquire about your history of ADHD. It is important to keep particulars from your childhood, because this is the time when the disorder is most likely show up. You might need to talk to your teachers or other adults from childhood depending on the location you live in. However, these kinds of things don't necessarily mean that you have a diagnose.
2. Request a Referral
Your family physician will be able to refer you to undergo an ADHD evaluation and treatment if you have any concerns about the way your behaviors are impacting your work, school or relationships. They can recommend you to other specialists who deal with adults with ADHD like psychologists and psychiatrists.
If you're going to a specialist to get an evaluation, make sure you are open and honest about your issues. This includes any ADHD-related issues. It is essential to not cover up information out of fear of being criticized. The accuracy of your assessment and the effectiveness of any treatment you recommend will be determined by how accurate your history is.
Examiners will examine your academic, social and emotional past. 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'll want to know about any symptoms you experience currently, in addition to any symptoms you have had since childhood. They will conduct an interview with you and when possible, talk with those who knew you as a child.
They will determine if your symptoms are more likely to be explained by another medical condition or mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression. They will also determine if you have any learning disabilities or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
If a professional does not believe that you suffer from ADHD, they will tell you what other conditions or issues could be causing your problems and the reason they don't think you suffer from ADHD. This does not mean that you have to accept this diagnosis; however it could be useful in planning future care.
In get diagnosed with adhd who are diagnosed with ADHD will receive support not just from other adults who suffer from ADHD as well as their family members, friends, coworkers, teachers and coaches. They may also benefit by attending classes that teach communication or marriage and couples counseling. Counseling can be beneficial for those with ADHD who struggle with low confidence. It can teach them how to improve their interpersonal skills.
3. Request a Consultation
ADHD is caused either due to a deficiency or imbalance in neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can impact a person's concentration and ability to complete tasks. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are likely to struggle with their work, relationships and many other areas of their lives. If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD discuss it with your health doctor or seek a referral to see an a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in mental health.
A mental health professional will employ a rating system to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. 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, executive functioning (the abilities involved in planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities and reasoning skills. The results can be used to rule out conditions that can be causing similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
During the evaluation, your healthcare professional will also take into account how you have managed your symptoms over time. If you tend to skip appointments, make impulsive choices, and miss deadlines, your doctor may suggest therapy or classes in order to help you learn how to better manage these issues. Your doctor could also suggest medication. The most popular stimulant medications used to treat ADHD in adults are extremely efficient. But they don't work for everyone, and they can have side negative effects. Nonstimulant medications that don't have the potential for abuse are now available and could be just as effective as stimulants.
While getting a diagnosis and treatment is crucial for adults with ADHD, it's also helpful to educate others about the condition. For instance, many people with ADHD are frustrated that their spouses, parents and co-workers are unable to comprehend their behavior. Instructing others can help improve relationships and strengthen support systems. There are also ADHD on the internet and in a variety of communities.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be challenging but it's doable. Begin by speaking to your GP, who will be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
4. Schedule for an Evaluation
It can take some time to obtain an accurate assessment and diagnosis. Request a referral from your primary care physician, however, should your GP isn't willing or doesn't agree to refer you, talk with other health experts. Contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find the names of local specialists who specialize in adult ADHD, or check with the professional associations that support adults with ADHD to determine if they have any recommendations.
If you've been referred to an evaluator be prepared for a lengthy and detailed interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The evaluator is going to review your medical, family, and personal background along with any current health issues. They'll also inquire whether the symptoms have affected your financial situation, relationships, or your work performance. They could use standardized rating scales that compare your behavior with those of people with ADHD. These ratings can help you determine if your symptoms are due to ADHD or if they're better explained by other disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Your evaluator will likely also order cognitive tests to look for intellectual or learning impairments that could explain your problems at school or at work. Certain evaluators look for conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such thyroid disorders or seizures disorders.
Some evaluators will request additional physical examinations or lab tests, including brain imaging or blood tests to rule out other health issues. They may require you to complete a questionnaire that looks for specific symptoms, such as difficulties in planning and organizing or being too active and hyperactive. They could also ask a family or friend member about your childhood to find out whether there are any clues that suggest you suffer from ADHD.
It is important to be honest during the interview. adhd diagnosis in adults feel embarrassed about seeking a diagnosis and they may hesitate to share information in fear that they will look poor. However, it's crucial for a successful diagnosis that the evaluator receives exact information about your issues with organizational skills and impulse control relationships.