Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a crucial first step in managing symptoms that wreak havoc 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 a long time.
Mental health professionals use ADHD symptom checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior during the evaluation process to determine if an adult fits the diagnostic criteria. They may also interview family members and significant others to gain more insight.
1. Speak to Your Health Care Provider
If you have been having problems at work or in your relationships and believe that ADHD is at fault, the first step toward finding a treatment and diagnosis is talking to your health care provider. Your doctor can help you understand your symptoms and may refer you to a specialist in the event of need.
You can also ask your friends, family and colleagues to recommend professionals who are experts in ADHD assessments of adults. You can also inquire from your insurance company about providers in your area. Another option is to go to an ADHD support group to talk with other people who are facing similar challenges and to learn about how they deal with these challenges.
Many adults choose to seek a diagnosis because they're unhappy with how their symptoms interfere with everyday functioning, whether at work or in their personal lives. They are fed up of getting lost keys and being late for meetings and having trouble maintaining healthy relationships. You can manage these signs by obtaining an appointment with a doctor.
Be honest when talking to your doctor about your health issues. Don't be afraid to speak up because you do not want to be perceived as unreliable or weak. Your doctor will require a complete picture of your problems and how they've affected your work performance and personal life.
Be prepared to explain your position on medication if your doctor recommends it. Some adults aren't disposed to take medication and prefer other treatments like psychotherapy (the medical term used to describe mental health therapy) and lifestyle changes that are referred to as accommodations. Accommodations help those who suffer from ADHD to achieve their goals, just as the step stool allows people who are shorter to attain the same height as the rest of us.
Your specialist will ask about your history of ADHD. It is recommended to remember specific details from your childhood since this is when the disorder will likely manifest. It is possible to speak to your teachers or other adults from your childhood depending on where you live. But, these things don't necessarily mean that you have the diagnosis.
2. Request a recommendation
If you are concerned about how your behavior affecting your work, school or your relationships, your family doctor may suggest an ADHD evaluation and treatment. They can also refer you to other specialists who deal with adults suffering from ADHD like psychologists and psychiatrists.
If you're going to a specialist to get an evaluation, be sure to be open and honest about your problems. This is especially true for any ADHD-related issues. It is crucial not to hide information due to feelings of shame or fear that you could be judged. Your history will determine the accuracy of your evaluation as well as the effectiveness of any treatment recommendations.
Examiners will review your academic, social, and emotional background. They will also discuss how these issues are affecting 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 inquire about your current symptoms as well as any other symptoms you might have experienced in the past. They will interview you and when possible, talk to people who knew you when you were a kid.
In addition to evaluating whether you meet the requirements 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 condition, like anxiety or depression. They will also determine if you have a neurodevelopmental disorder or a learning impairment.
If a doctor does not think you are suffering from ADHD then they will inform you what other conditions or problems might be causing your issues and why they do not think you have ADHD. This does not mean you have to accept the diagnosis, but it could aid in planning your future care.
In many cases, someone who is diagnosed with adult ADHD will receive support from others with ADHD and their families, as well as co-workers, friends as well as teachers and coaches. They could also benefit from therapy, classes that teach communication skills or marriage and couple counseling. People with ADHD typically struggle with low self-esteem, so counseling can help boost their confidence and help them learn how to improve their interpersonal skills.
3. Request a Consultation
ADHD is caused by a lack or imbalance of neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can impact a person's concentration and ability to finish tasks. Adults with untreated ADHD may have difficulties with their work, relationships and other aspects of their lives. If you suspect that you have ADHD consult your doctor or seek an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in mental illness.
A mental health professional will employ an assessment system to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. They may also conduct interviews with significant people in your life, such as spouses, and complete the symptom checklist. A thorough evaluation might include psychological testing that measures working memory and executive functioning (the abilities that are involved in making decisions and planning), visual and spatial capabilities and reasoning skills. The results can be used to rule out conditions that may cause similar symptoms such as anxiety or depression.
During your assessment the health care professional will also take into consideration how you've been managing your symptoms over time. For example, if you often miss appointments, don't remember deadlines and make impulsive decisions, your health care provider might suggest classes or therapy to teach you more effective strategies to deal with these challenges. Your doctor might also suggest medication. The most common stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are extremely effective. But they don't work for everyone, and can have side negative effects. Nonstimulant drugs that don't have the potential for be abused are now available. They can be equally effective as stimulants.
While finding a diagnosis and a treatment are crucial for people suffering from ADHD It's also beneficial to make others aware of the disorder. For instance, many adults who suffer from ADHD find their spouses, parents and co-workers have trouble understanding their behavior. Instructing others can help improve relationships and boost support systems. There are also ADHD online and in many communities.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be difficult but it's doable. Talk to your GP who can recommend a treatment that is best suited to your needs.
4. Schedule for an Evaluation
It may take a while to get a precise evaluation and diagnosis. Request a referral from your primary care physician, however, in the event that your GP is hesitant or does not accept a referral to other health experts. Contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of local specialists who specialize in adult ADHD or consult the professional groups that serve people with ADHD to determine if they have any recommendations.
Once you've been referred to an evaluator be prepared for a lengthy and thorough interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The evaluator is going to examine your medical as well as family and personal background, as well as any current problems. They'll also want to know if the symptoms have affected your financial situation, relationships, or work performance. They may use standardized ratings scales to compare your behavior to people who do not have ADHD. These ratings can help determine whether your symptoms are related to ADHD or if they are better explained by other disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Your evaluator might also request cognitive tests in order to determine if you have intellectual or learning difficulties that could cause your problems at school or at work. Some evaluators test for conditions that can produce symptoms similar to ADHD, such thyroid disorders or seizures disorders.
adhd diagnosis adults may order additional physical exams or laboratory testing, such as brain imaging and blood tests to rule out other health problems. They may request you to fill out an assessment questionnaire that seeks out specific signs, such as trouble with organizing and planning or being overly active and impulsive. They might also interview relatives or your friends about your childhood to look for evidence that you suffer from ADHD.
It is important to be open and honest during the interview. Many adults are uncomfortable asking for a diagnosis, and they may not divulge information, believing that it will make their appearance worse. But, it is essential to get a positive diagnosis that the evaluator gets accurate information about your issues with organizational skills, impulse control, and relationships.