Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is an important first step in managing issues that can cause chaos at work, home and in relationships. It also provides a means to understand the causes that have been confusing and frustrating for decades.
Mental health professionals employ ADHD symptoms checklists and standardized behavior ratings scales in the process of evaluation to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria. They can also interview relatives and friends to gain additional insights.
1. Speak to your Health Care Provider
Speak to your doctor is the first step to receiving a diagnosis. Your doctor can assist you in understanding your symptoms and refer you to specialists if required.
You might also ask friends, family members and co-workers for recommendations for specialists in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also inquire from your insurance company regarding the services available in your area. Another option is to attend an ADHD support group and talk with other people who are facing the same challenges and learn about how they deal with them.
Many adults seek out a diagnosis when their symptoms interfere with their day-to-day performance at home or at work. They're frustrated with losing their keys, constantly being late for meetings and struggling to keep their jobs or maintain healthy relationships. how is adhd diagnosed in adults can take control of these symptoms by getting an appointment with a doctor.
If you are discussing your symptoms with your doctor Be honest with your health care provider. Do not be shy because you don't want to be seen as weak or irresponsible. 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 treatments, like psychotherapy or lifestyle modifications. Accommodations enable people with ADHD to achieve their goals, much like a step stool permits people who are shorter to attain the same height as others.
Your specialist will ask about your history of ADHD. It is best to recall information from your childhood, as this is when the disorder is more likely to show up. Depending on the location you live in you may have to obtain 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 Referral
Your family doctor will be able to recommend you undergo an ADHD assessment and treatment if you have concerns about how your behavior is affecting your school, work or relationships. They can recommend you to other specialists who deal with adults with ADHD like psychologists and psychiatrists.
When you visit a doctor for an evaluation, be sure to talk openly and honestly about the issues you are having such as those connected to ADHD. It is essential to not conceal information for fear of shame or fear of being judged. Your past experiences will determine the accuracy of your assessment as well as the effectiveness of any treatment suggestions.
Examiners will look over your social, academic and emotional past. They will also discuss how these issues impact you in the present. 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 about your current symptoms as well as any other symptoms you might have had in the past. They will interview and when possible, talk to people who knew you when you were a child.
They will determine if your symptoms are better 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 medical professional isn't convinced 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 does not mean you must accept the diagnosis, but it could help you plan your future treatment.
In most instances, an adult diagnosed with ADHD will receive help not only from other adults who suffer from ADHD as well as their families, friends, colleagues, teachers, and coaches. They may also benefit from therapy, classes which teach communication skills, or couple and marriage counseling. Counseling can aid those with ADHD who have difficulty gaining confidence. It can also teach them how to improve their interpersonal skills.
3. Schedule a Consultation
ADHD is caused due to a deficiency or imbalance in neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can hinder the ability of a person to focus and to follow through on tasks. Adults who have not been treated for ADHD are likely to struggle with their careers, relationships and in many other aspects of their lives. If you think you might be suffering from ADHD consult your health medical professional or request a referral to see a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in mental health.
A mental health professional will use an assessment system to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms. A mental health professional might also conduct an interview with important people in your life like your spouse, and then complete a checklist of symptoms. A thorough assessment could include psychological tests that measure working memory executive function (the capabilities involved in planning and making decisions) spatial and visual ability and reasoning skills. The results can help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example depression and anxiety.
During the evaluation the healthcare professional will also take into account how you've dealt with your symptoms over the course of time. If you tend to skip appointments, make impulsive choices or miss deadlines, your doctor could suggest therapy or classes to help you learn better ways of dealing with these challenges. Your doctor might also suggest medication. The most popular stimulant medications used to treat ADHD for adults are highly efficient. But they don't work for everyone, and may cause side negative effects. Nonstimulant medicines that do not have the potential for abuse are now available. They are as effective as stimulants.
It is crucial to educate others on ADHD. While people with ADHD need to be diagnosed and receive treatment as needed, it's also beneficial to help them educate their spouses, parents, and coworkers. Many people suffering from ADHD have a difficult time getting their spouses, their parents, and even their coworkers to accept their behavior. The ability to educate others can improve relationships and boost support systems. There are also ADHD support groups within many communities as well as online.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be difficult but it's doable. Talk to your GP who can suggest a service that is best suited to your needs.
4. Schedule and an Evaluation
It may take a while to get an accurate evaluation and diagnosis. If your GP is not willing or does not agree to refer you to a different health professional, then ask for an appointment. Contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for names of local specialists who specialize in adult ADHD or contact the professional associations that help people suffering from ADHD to determine if they have any recommendations.
Once you've been referred to an evaluator, you should be prepared for a long and detailed interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The evaluator is going to examine your medical family, personal, and medical history along with any current issues. They'll also ask whether the symptoms have affected your financial situation, relationships or work performance. They may use standardized rating scales that compare your behavior to those of people without ADHD. These ratings can help them determine whether your symptoms are related to ADHD or better explained by a different disorder like anxiety or depression.
Your evaluator might also request cognitive tests in order to identify intellectual or learning difficulties that could cause 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.
Certain evaluators may request additional physical examinations or laboratory tests, like brain imaging and blood tests to rule out any other health problems. They may ask you to fill out the questionnaire to determine particular signs like difficulty planning and organizing, or being overly energetic and impulsive. They could also interview a family member or friends about your childhood in order to search for evidence that you may have ADHD.
It's important to be honest and transparent during the interview. Many adults are embarrassed by asking for a diagnosis, and may be reluctant to divulge information because they fear they will look bad. It is crucial to get a positive diagnosis that the evaluator gets accurate information about your issues with organizational skills and impulse control relationships.