Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a good first step towards managing symptoms that cause havoc at home, work and in relationships. It also provides a means to see the bigger picture of issues that have been a source of confusion and frustrating for a long time.
Mental health professionals employ ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior ratings scales in the process of evaluation to determine if an adult fits the diagnostic criteria. They may also interview family members and other significant others to gain further insights.
1. Talk to your Health Care Provider
If you've experienced problems at work or in your relationships and suspect that ADHD is the cause the first step towards finding a treatment and diagnosis is to speak with your health care provider. Your doctor will assist you in understanding your symptoms and refer you to specialists if required.
You can also ask your family, friends and colleagues to recommend experts in ADHD evaluations of adults. Your insurance company may also be able to provide details about the services available in your area. Participating in an ADHD support group is a different alternative. diagnosis for adhd in adults can speak to others who face the same struggles, and learn from them about how they manage these challenges.
Many adults decide to look for a diagnosis because they're unhappy with how their symptoms interfere with the daily routine, whether at work or in their private lives. They're fed up of losing their keys, being late for meetings and struggling to keep their jobs or maintain healthy relationships. Being diagnosed with ADHD can help you gain the control you require over these issues and help restore balance to your life.
Be honest when you talk to your doctor about your health issues. Don't hold back because you don't want to be viewed as a weak or unreliable person. Your doctor will need to be aware of all the issues you have and how they have affected your work performance and personal life.
If your doctor suggests taking medication be ready to discuss your opinion on it. Some adults don't like to take medication and prefer other treatments like psychotherapy (the medical term used to describe mental health therapy) and lifestyle changes that are known as accommodations. Accommodations allow those with ADHD to reach their goals, just like the step stool allows people who are shorter to attain the same height as the rest of us.
Your specialist will ask you about your history with ADHD. It is important to keep specific details from your childhood as this is when the disorder will likely be evident. You may need to talk to your teachers or other adults from childhood depending on where you live. But, these things aren't a guarantee of the diagnosis.
2. Request a reference
Your family physician will be able to refer you for an ADHD assessment and treatment if you have any concerns about how your behavior is affecting your school, work or relationships. They might also be able to provide you referrals for other specialists, such as psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
When you visit a specialist for an evaluation, be sure to talk openly and honestly about your problems such as those related to ADHD. It is essential not to hide information due to feelings of shame or fear that you could be judged. Your past experiences will determine the accuracy of your assessment as well as the efficacy of any treatment suggestions.
The examiner will examine your emotional, social and academic history and also discuss how these problems are affecting you now. The examiner will also go over 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 about your current symptoms as well as any other symptoms you might have had in the past. They will ask you questions and, if possible, also speak with people who knew you as a kid.
They will determine if your symptoms could be more likely to be explained by another mental health or medical issue, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. They will also determine if you have any learning disabilities or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
If a professional doesn't agree that you have ADHD they will tell what other conditions or issues could be causing problems and why they do not believe you are suffering from ADHD. It doesn't mean you must accept the diagnosis, but it may help plan future care.
In most instances, a person who is diagnosed with adult ADHD will receive help from other people with ADHD and their families as along with co-workers, friends teachers, coaches and trainers. They may also benefit from classes, therapy that teach communication skills, or marriage and couple counseling. Counseling can aid those with ADHD who have difficulty gaining confidence. It can help them improve their interpersonal skills.
3. Schedule a Consultation
ADHD is caused either due to a deficiency or imbalance of neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can hinder the ability of a person to pay attention and follow through on tasks. Adults who have not been treated for ADHD may have difficulty in their careers, relationships and other aspects of their lives. If you suspect you have ADHD consult your doctor or ask for recommendations to see a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in mental illness.
A mental health professional will employ an assessment system to determine if you have ADHD symptoms. A mental health professional might also interview people important to your life like your spouse and complete the checklist of symptoms. A thorough assessment could include psychological testing that measures working memory and 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 could cause similar symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
During your evaluation, your health care professional will also take into consideration how you've managed your symptoms over time. If you tend to skip appointments, make impulsive decisions or miss deadlines, your doctor may suggest therapy or classes to assist you in learning how to better manage these challenges. Your doctor might also suggest medication. The most popular stimulant medications used to treat ADHD in adults are extremely effective. However, they aren't suitable for everyone, and may have adverse consequences. Nonstimulant drugs that don't have the potential to abuse are now available. They can be equally effective as stimulants.
While getting a diagnosis and treatment is crucial for adults with ADHD It's also beneficial to inform others about the disorder. For example, many adults with ADHD are frustrated that their spouses, parents, and colleagues are unable to comprehend their behavior. Education can improve relationships and support systems. There are ADHD support groups in a variety of communities as well as online.
It can be challenging to identify ADHD in adults however it is a possibility. Start by talking to your GP, who will be able to guide you to the best service for your needs.
4. Schedule for an Evaluation
It can take some time to obtain an accurate assessment and diagnosis. If your GP is not willing or is not willing to refer you to a different health professional, then you should ask for a referral. You can contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to discover which chapter in your area is specialized in adult ADHD. You can check with professional groups which support adults suffering from ADHD.
If you've been referred to an evaluator be prepared for a long and detailed interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The evaluator will look over your personal, medical and family history as in addition to the issues you're currently experiencing. They'll also ask whether the symptoms have affected your finances, relationships, or work performance. They may use standardized ratings scales to assess your behavior to people who don't have ADHD. These ratings can help determine if your symptoms are due to ADHD or if they are more likely to be explained by other disorders, like depression and anxiety.
Your evaluator may 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 screen for conditions that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid disorders or seizures disorders.
The evaluators might request additional physical examinations or laboratory tests, like brain imaging and blood tests, to rule out other health issues. They may ask you to fill out the questionnaire to determine specific signs, such as difficulty planning and organizing or being overly active and indecisive. They could also inquire from a family member about your childhood to find out if there are any clues that suggest you suffer from ADHD.
It is essential to be honest and transparent during the interview. Many adults are embarrassed to ask for a diagnosis and may refuse to divulge information because they believe it will make their appearance worse. It is crucial that the evaluator receives accurate information about your struggles in terms of organization skills, impulse control and interpersonal relationships.