Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a good first step to managing the symptoms that cause chaos at work, home and in relationships. It is also a way to see the bigger picture of issues that have been a source of confusion and frustrating for years.
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 can also conduct interviews with relatives and close friends to gain further 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 you make sense of your symptoms and refer you to an expert if needed.
You can also ask your friends, family and co-workers to recommend experts in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also request information from your insurance company about providers in your region. Another option is to join an ADHD support group to talk with others who face similar challenges and to learn about how they deal with them.
Many adults seek out a diagnosis when their symptoms interfere with their day-to-day functioning at work or home. They are frustrated with getting lost keys, being late for meetings and trying to maintain healthy relationships. You can take control of these symptoms by seeking an assessment.
When get diagnosed with adhd discuss your symptoms with your doctor be honest. adult diagnosis of adhd hold back because you don't want to be seen as weak or irresponsible. Your doctor needs a full picture of your difficulties and how they've affected your job performance and personal life.
If your doctor suggests medication, be prepared to discuss your position on the topic. Some adults choose to avoid medication and instead opt for alternative treatments, like psychotherapy or lifestyle modifications. Just as a step stool helps someone who is short reach the same heights as other people, accommodations enable those with ADHD to achieve their goals and be successful.
Your doctor will inquire about your history of ADHD. It is best to remember particulars 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 aren't a guarantee of a diagnose.
2. Request a Referral
If you are concerned about how your behavior negatively impacting your work, school or your relationships, your family doctor may suggest an ADHD evaluation and treatment. They might also be able to give you recommendations for other specialists, like psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
If you see a doctor for an evaluation, make sure to be honest and honestly about your problems that may be connected to ADHD. It is essential to not cover up information due to fear of shame or being criticized. The quality of your evaluation and the efficacy of any treatment recommended will be largely determined by how accurate your past history is.
The examiner will want to examine your emotional, social and academic background and examine how these issues are affecting you right now. They will also review the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," fifth edition (DSM-5). They will ask you about any symptoms you are experiencing now as well as any you've experienced since childhood. They will interview and when possible, talk to those who knew you when you were a kid.
They will determine if your symptoms could be more likely to be explained by another medical condition or mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression. They will also determine whether you suffer from a neurodevelopmental condition or a learning impairment.
If a professional doesn't agree that you have ADHD they will tell the other conditions or issues that could be causing your difficulties and why they don't think you are suffering from ADHD. This doesn't mean that you must accept this diagnosis; however, it can be helpful in planning your future care.
In most cases adults diagnosed with ADHD will receive assistance not just from other adults suffering from ADHD as well as their families, friends, coworkers, teachers and coaches. They may also benefit by attending classes that teach communication or marriage and couples counseling. Those who suffer from ADHD often struggle with low self-esteem, and counseling can help build their confidence and help them learn how to improve their interpersonal skills.
3. Request a Consultation
ADHD is caused by a lack or imbalance in neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can affect an individual's concentration and ability to finish tasks. Adults with untreated ADHD may struggle with their work as well as in other areas of their lives. If you suspect you may have ADHD consult your doctor or request an appointment with an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in mental illness.
A mental health professional will determine whether you are suffering from ADHD symptoms using a rating scale. A mental health professional could also conduct an interview with important people in your life, such as your spouse, and then complete a checklist of symptoms. A thorough assessment could include psychological tests that test working memory, executive function (the abilities involved with making decisions and planning) spatial and visual ability, and reasoning skills. The results can be used to rule out conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
During the evaluation your doctor will also consider how you have dealt with your symptoms over the course of time. For instance, if you often miss appointments, don't remember deadlines, or make impulsive choices Your health care professional may suggest classes or therapy to help you learn better strategies to overcome these challenges. Your doctor might suggest medication as well. The most common stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are highly effective. They aren't suitable for all people and may have negative side negative effects. Nonstimulant drugs that don't have the potential for abuse are available now and can be just as effective as stimulants.
It is essential to educate others on ADHD. While those with ADHD should be diagnosed and be treated in order to improve their lives, it's also helpful to help them inform their spouses, parents and coworkers. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get their spouses, their parents, and their co-workers to accept their behavior. The ability to educate others can improve relationships and increase support systems. There are also ADHD support groups in many communities as well as online.
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be challenging however it is possible. Begin by talking to your GP, who will be able to recommend the most appropriate service for your needs.
4. Schedule and an Evaluation
It can take some time to get an accurate evaluation and diagnosis. If your GP is unable or is not willing to refer you to another health professional, you can ask for an appointment. Call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find the names of local professionals who specialize in adult ADHD or contact the professional associations that support adults with ADHD to determine whether they have any suggestions.
Prepare yourself for a thorough and lengthy interview about your symptoms, and how they impact your life. The evaluator will review your medical, family, and personal history, as well as any current health issues. They'll likely want to know how the issues have affected your relationships, work performance, and finances. They may use standardized rating scales that measure your behavior against the behavior of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings can help determine whether your symptoms are due to ADHD or if they are better explained by other disorders, like anxiety and depression.
Your evaluator might also request cognitive tests in order to check for learning or intellectual disabilities which could explain your difficulties in school or at work. Certain evaluators look for conditions that can produce symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid disorders or seizures disorders.
Some evaluators may order additional physical examinations or laboratory testing, such as blood work and brain imaging, to rule out other health issues. They might require you to complete an assessment that focuses on specific symptoms, such as trouble with organizing and planning or being too active and impulsive. They could also ask a friend or family member about your childhood to determine if there are any clues that indicate you have ADHD.
It is important to be honest and transparent during the interview. Many adults are embarrassed to ask for a diagnosis and may withhold information, thinking that it could make their appearance worse. But, it is essential to get a positive diagnosis that the evaluator receives precise information regarding your struggles with organizational skills and impulse control relationships.