Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
A lot of people suffer from moderate or mild ADHD symptoms. If their issues are serious enough to affect work or relationships they could be diagnosed.
They might feel overwhelmed at school or work, or ashamed for procrastinating. They can consult their primary care physician for recommendations, or search online or call a number to find health professionals who conduct ADHD evaluations.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The diagnosis process starts with an extensive interview that delves into the person's medical history. This includes the family's history, as well as major events in life such as relationships, school or work performance, drug use and driving records. It also includes habits of daily life such as diet, sleep and exercise, as along with any vitamins or supplements the individual is taking.
The doctor then analyzes the patient's symptoms and compares them to diagnostic criteria outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include symptoms of impulsivity and inattention which are present for at minimum six months, and are significant enough to interfere with school or work, and are not better explained by another mental health issue. For adults, the threshold is lower: five out of nine criteria are required to establish a diagnosis.
A physical exam is usually next, as certain illnesses like thyroid issues and seizure disorders may cause symptoms resembling ADHD. This test helps the physician identify possible causes. It also helps them create an "suspects list" that they can examine through further tests. These tests can range from bloodwork, brain imaging and cognitive tests. These tests can take a long time, but they are necessary to ensure your doctor isn't missing any issues that could be the cause of ADHD symptoms.
After the list has been narrowed down, it's time to determine a final diagnosis. The doctor will review the results and suggest treatment in light of their findings. For many, receiving an diagnosis is a life-changing event. adhd adults diagnosis can help explain years of struggles and difficulties that were wrongly attributed by some to incompetence or lazyness. It may also give people the awareness of their strengths and the ways to use them to benefit themselves. For some, it may result in a period sorrow as they consider the opportunities missed because the symptoms were not treated.
If you're looking to be diagnosed with ADHD on the NHS it is best to undergo a specialist evaluation. This should include a mental health assessment and an ADHD assessment, and the referral to your GP to share management. It can be difficult to get a diagnosis in private however, certain GPs are willing to do so if you pay for private consultation.
What are the signs?
Adults with ADHD are usually able to manage their symptoms and live productive and satisfying lives. However when their symptoms become severe they may have difficulty to keep jobs, maintain healthy relationships, and cope with the stresses of daily life. The financial issues may also arise due to delayed appointments with doctors, missed doctor's appointments, fees, or impulse purchases. This can lead them to feel that they are failing and feel low self-esteem.
It is essential to speak to your doctor if you suspect that you may suffer from ADHD in your adulthood. They can provide advice on treatment options and refer you to a specialist when necessary. The healthcare professional will diagnose you using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that is an encyclopedia that lists the symptoms of mental health disorders.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have experienced several inattentive symptoms and five or more of the hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms before age 12. The symptoms must be present in more than one environment and must affect your ability to perform at school, work or socially.
Inattentive symptoms include difficulty paying attention to tasks, ignoring details, or failing to follow instructions. They can also cause you to lose items like eyeglasses, keys and papers. Hyperactivity-impulsive symptoms include fidgeting or tapping feet, leaving your seat in situations when it's not appropriate, talking too much, or feeling restless.
A person suffering from ADHD might also have difficulty maintaining a routine or staying organized. They may also have difficulty doing their homework and chores. They may also have trouble remembering dates or appointments, and may be easily distracted by other people or activities.
A diagnosis of ADHD is empowering because it helps you realize that your issues aren't your responsibility. You can then change your behavior and improve how you handle time, money, and tasks. You can also learn strategies to help cope with your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes in addition to medication. This includes an appropriate diet, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. It's also important to get enough rest and avoid caffeine, sugar and other stimulants in the hours prior to bedtime.
What is the Treatment Process?
Adults with ADHD typically require more than the right medication to be diagnosed. People with the condition also need to work on changing their lifestyles and behavior, and may require counseling to help them cope with their symptoms.
If a person is going to see a healthcare professional to get an ADHD assessment, they must be honest about any problems in their lives that could be related to the disorder, for example issues with relationships, as well as problems at school or work. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire that asks for specific information about these areas. You may also be allowed to ask your family members or friends to do the same. These answers can be a valuable source of insight as to whether an individual's problems are caused by ADHD or other causes like physical or mental stress, for example depression.
The evaluator also takes into account the person's past including their childhood experiences as well as any traumas that they might have experienced. They may ask the person to fill out one or more of the standardized behavior rating scales to compare the behavior of people with and without ADHD. They may also be given psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory and spatial and visual skills.
A healthcare professional can refer an adult with ADHD to a specialist that is familiar with the disorder. People can find these specialists by asking their primary physician for a referral or looking for a mental health professional who is experienced with ADHD in the online directory of their health insurance plan. They can also attend a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD and speak with others who have been through the same thing.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can bring up many emotions, such as satisfaction that there is now a reason behind their symptoms, and anger that they were unable to be diagnosed for so long. Some people may be feeling guilty for not trying harder or doing better in their lives. However, this guilt can be overcome when they realize that their issues were not their own fault and find the right treatment to improve their performance.
What is the Support Process?
When an adult is diagnosed with ADHD, they might experience a range of emotions. They might be relieved that they have a reason behind their difficulties, or sad about missed opportunities that could have been avoided if the diagnosis had been made earlier, or angry at the fact that their symptoms were omitted for so long. However, treatment can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. It's essential to talk to an expert in health care who is familiar with treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can help you set realistic expectations, develop efficient strategies to improve your daily life, and bring family members closer.
You can attempt to test yourself or rate your own performance on online questionnaires. However, these tools cannot give you a definitive diagnose. Inquiring with your primary doctor for a referral to an ADHD specialist or using the online directory of your health insurance provider to locate a doctor who is experienced in treating adults is the best way to get the correct diagnosis.
You should collect any relevant documentation regarding your situation after you have located an expert medical professional. These could include performance evaluations from your job, copies of previous psychological tests, and old reports from your school. Prepare yourself to answer questions about your behavior at home and in work and at work, your use of alcohol or other drugs and your relationships with family and friends. You may also have to bring records from other professionals, such as a psychiatrist psychologist, neurologist, or psychiatrist.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD are usually struggling to function effectively in their professional and personal lives and want to know what's going on. They might notice that their performance is declining or their relationships are straining, or they might have persistent mood swings that don't seem to be explained by other causes.
For some who are struggling to get a diagnosis due to the fact that health care professionals may have preconceived notions of the symptoms of ADHD appear to be. This is particularly the case for those who are minorities, assigned female at birth, or non-native English speakers. There is an increasing awareness of these biases and efforts are being made to overcome them.