Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a good first step to managing symptoms that cause havoc at home, at work and in relationships. It's also a fantastic way to gain a fresh perspective on problems which have been confusing and frustrating over the years.
During the evaluation process mental health professionals employ the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD checklists for symptoms to help determine if an adult meets diagnostic criteria. They can also conduct interviews with relatives and friends to gain more insight.
1. Talk to Your Health Care Provider
Speak to your doctor is the first step in receiving a diagnosis. Your doctor can assist you in understanding your symptoms and recommend a specialist if necessary.
You can also ask your family, friends and colleagues to recommend professionals who are experts in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also inquire from your insurance company regarding the services available in your region. Another option is to join an ADHD support group and talk with people who have similar issues and learn how they handle these challenges.
Many adults seek out a diagnosis when their symptoms affect their everyday functioning at home or at work. They are fed up of losing keys and being late for meetings and having trouble maintaining healthy relationships. Being diagnosed with ADHD will give you the control you need over these symptoms and restore balance to your life.
If you are discussing your symptoms with your doctor, be honest. Do not hold back your feelings because you do not want to look weak or unreliable. Your doctor will require a complete picture of your problems, including how they have affected your work performance and personal life.
If your doctor suggests medication be prepared to discuss your stance on the topic. Some adults don't like to take medication and prefer alternative treatments, such as psychotherapy (the medical term used to describe mental health therapy) and lifestyle changes known as accommodations. Accommodations enable people with ADHD to achieve their goals, just like a step stool permits someone who is shorter to reach the same height as others.
Your doctor will inquire about your experience with ADHD. It's best to be able to recall information from your childhood, as this is when the disorder is more likely to come up. Depending on the location you live in you may be required to obtain copies of your school records or talk to teachers or other adults who knew you in childhood However, keep in mind that these documents don't always confirm the diagnosis.
2. Ask for a referral
Your family physician will be able to recommend you for an ADHD evaluation and treatment if there are any concerns about how your behavior affects your school, work or relationships. They might be able to offer you referrals to other specialists, including psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
If you are visiting an expert for an evaluation, make sure to be open and honest about the issues you are facing. This includes any issues related to ADHD. It is crucial not to hide information because of feelings of shame or fear that you could be scrutinized. Your history will determine the accuracy of your evaluation and the efficacy of any treatment recommendations.
The examiner will examine your emotional, social and academic history as well as discuss 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 inquire about your current symptoms as well as any you might have had in the past. They will conduct an interview with you and should they be able to, if possible, speak with those who knew you as a child.
In addition to evaluating whether you meet the requirements for ADHD and other ADHD-related disorders, they will also consider whether your symptoms may be explained better by a different mental health condition or medical problem such as depression or anxiety. They will also determine whether you suffer from a neurodevelopmental disorder or a learning disability.
If a doctor doesn't believe that you suffer from ADHD they will discuss what other conditions or issues might be causing you difficulties and why they do not believe you suffer from ADHD. This doesn't mean that you have to accept the diagnosis, however, it can be helpful in planning for future treatment.
In most cases, someone who has been diagnosed with adult ADHD will be supported by others with ADHD and their families, as well as co-workers, friends, teachers and coaches. They may also benefit from classes, therapy that teach communication skills, or couples and marriage counseling. People with ADHD often struggle with low self-esteem, so counseling can help build their confidence and help them learn how to improve their relationship management skills.
3. Request a Consultation
ADHD is caused due to a deficiency or an imbalance in neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can impact an individual's focus and ability to finish tasks. Adults with untreated ADHD might have difficulty in their jobs, relationships and other aspects of their lives. If you think you might have ADHD discuss it with your health medical professional or request a referral to see a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in mental health.
A mental health professional will assess whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms using a scale of rating. They may also conduct interviews with significant people in your life, like a spouse, and complete the symptom checklist. A thorough evaluation may include psychological tests that test working memory and executive function (the capabilities involved in planning and making decisions) as well as spatial and visual ability and reasoning skills. The results can be used to rule out any conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.
During the assessment your doctor will also take into account how you've managed your symptoms over time. If you tend to forget appointments, make decisions impulsively, and miss deadlines, your doctor could suggest therapy or classes to help you develop better ways of dealing with these issues. Your doctor might recommend medication as well. More Support used to treat ADHD for adults are highly efficient. They aren't for all people and may have negative side effects. Nonstimulant medications that don't have the potential to abuse are now available. They are as effective as stimulants.
While getting a diagnosis and treatment are important for those suffering from ADHD, it's also helpful to make others aware of the condition. Many adults with ADHD have a difficult time getting their spouses, their parents, and their colleagues to understand their behavior. The ability to educate others can improve relationships and increase support systems. There are ADHD support groups in a variety of communities as well as online.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be challenging but it's doable. Begin by talking to your GP who will be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
4. Schedule and an Evaluation
It can take some time to get an accurate evaluation and diagnosis. Request an appointment from your primary care physician however, if your GP is reluctant or doesn't agree to refer you consult other health professionals. You can contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to find out who in your area specializes in adult ADHD. You should contact professional associations that support adults with ADHD.
Prepare yourself for a detailed and lengthy interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The evaluator will look over your personal, medical, and family history, as along with the issues you're experiencing now. They'll likely want to know how your issues have affected your relationships, work performance, and financial situation. They could use standardized rating scales to compare your behavior to people who do not suffer from ADHD. These ratings can help you determine whether your symptoms are related to ADHD or if they are more likely to be explained by other disorders, like anxiety and depression.
Your evaluator will likely also order cognitive tests to look for intellectual or learning disabilities that may be the cause of your difficulties at school or at work. Certain evaluators may also look for other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD such as thyroid disorders or seizure disorders.
Some evaluators may order additional physical exams or laboratory tests, like brain imaging and blood tests to rule out any other health problems. They might request you to fill out an assessment questionnaire that seeks out specific symptoms, such as trouble with organizing and planning or being too active and hyperactive. They might also inquire from a family member about your childhood to determine if there are any clues that suggest you suffer from ADHD.
It is essential to be honest during the interview. Many people feel embarrassed asking for a diagnosis, and they may hesitate to share information because they think it will make them look bad. But, it is essential to get a positive diagnosis that the evaluator receives accurate information about your issues with organization and impulse control relationships.