Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD could be the first step towards managing the effects of ADHD that cause chaos at work, home and in relationships. It's also a great opportunity to gain a new perspective on issues that have been a source of confusion and frustration throughout the time.
During the process of evaluation, mental health professionals use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria. They can also interview significant others and family members to gain more insight.
1. Talk to your Health Care Provider
If you've experienced issues at work or in your relationships and think ADHD is the cause, the first step toward finding a treatment and diagnosis is talking to your health medical professional. Your doctor can assist you in understanding your symptoms and refer you to an expert if needed.
You can also ask your family members, friends and co-workers to recommend experts in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also request information from your insurance company about the services available in your region. Another option is to go to an ADHD support group to talk with other people who are facing similar issues and learn about how they deal with these challenges.
Many adults choose to seek treatment because they're frustrated that their symptoms hinder their everyday functioning, whether at work or in their private lives. They are frustrated with having keys stolen or being late to meetings and struggling to maintain healthy relationships. You can control these symptoms by getting an appointment with a doctor.
Be honest when you speak to your doctor about your health issues. Do not hide diagnosis of adhd as you do not want to appear unreliable or weak. Your doctor must be aware of your issues, including how these have affected your work performance as well as your personal life.
If your doctor recommends medication be prepared to discuss your position on the topic. Some adults prefer to avoid medication and instead opt for alternative treatment methods, such as therapy or lifestyle changes. Accommodations help those who suffer from ADHD to achieve their goals, much like a step stool allows those who are smaller to be as tall as the rest of us.
Your specialist will ask about your past experiences with ADHD. It is important to recall information from your childhood, as this is when the disorder is more likely to show up. Depending on where you live you may have to collect copies of your school records or talk to teachers or other adults who were around you in your youth However, keep in mind that these documents don't always confirm a diagnosis.
2. Request a Referral
If you are concerned about how your behavior affecting your work, school or your relationships, your family physician might recommend an ADHD assessment and treatment. They may recommend you to other specialists who treat adults suffering from ADHD like psychologists and psychiatrists.
When you visit a doctor to get an evaluation, make sure to speak openly and honestly about your issues, including those connected to ADHD. It is crucial not to hide information due to feelings of shame or fear of be judged. Your personal history will determine the validity of your evaluation and the efficacy of any recommended treatments.
Examiners will review your academic, social, and emotional history. They will also discuss how these issues are affecting you in the present. They will also review the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic criteria in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," fifth edition (DSM-5). They will inquire about your current symptoms and any that you may have experienced in the past. They will interview and, if possible speak to people who knew you when you were a child.
In addition to determining whether you meet the criteria for ADHD, they will consider whether your symptoms may be explained better by a different mental health issue or medical problem such as depression or anxiety. They will also determine if you suffer from any learning disabilities or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
If a doctor doesn't believe that you suffer from ADHD they will discuss what other conditions or issues could be causing your difficulties and the reason why they don't believe you suffer from ADHD. This doesn't mean that you must accept this diagnosis. However it could be useful in planning for future treatment.
In many instances adults who are diagnosed with ADHD will receive assistance not just from other adults suffering from ADHD but also from their families, friends coworkers, teachers, and coaches. They may also benefit by taking classes in the art of communication, or marriage and couple counseling. Counseling can help those who suffer from ADHD who have difficulty gaining confidence. It can also teach them how to improve their interpersonal skills.
3. Schedule a Consultation
ADHD is caused by a shortage or imbalance in neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can impact an individual's focus and ability to complete tasks. Adults with untreated ADHD may have difficulty in their relationships, careers and in many other aspects of their lives. If you suspect that you have ADHD consult your doctor or request an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in mental illness.
A mental health professional will employ a rating system to determine if you have ADHD symptoms. They may also speak with important people who are important to you, such as a spouse, and complete a symptom checklist. A thorough assessment could include psychological tests to measure working memory, executive function (the capacities involved in planning and making decisions), visual and spatial ability, and reasoning skills. The results will help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example anxiety and depression.
During an examination your health care provider will also look at how you've managed your symptoms over time. If you tend to forget appointments, make impulsive decisions, and miss deadlines, your doctor could recommend therapy or classes to help you develop better ways of dealing with these issues. Your doctor could also suggest medication. The most commonly prescribed stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are highly effective. They aren't for all people and may have side negative effects. Nonstimulant medicines that do not have the potential for be abused are now available. They can be as effective as stimulants.
It is crucial to educate others about ADHD. While adults with ADHD should be diagnosed and be treated, it is also helpful for them to educate their spouses, parents, and co-workers. For instance, many adults with ADHD have spouses, parents and co-workers have difficulty understanding their behavior. The ability to educate others can improve relationships and strengthen support systems. There are ADHD support groups in many communities and online.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a challenge however it is possible. Talk to your GP who can recommend a treatment that is most appropriate to your needs.
4. Schedule and an Evaluation
It can take time to receive a thorough assessment and a diagnosis. If your GP is not willing or unable to refer you to a different health professional, then ask for an appointment. Call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of local specialists who specialize in adult ADHD or contact the professional groups that serve people with ADHD to find out if they have any recommendations.
Prepare yourself for a detailed and lengthy interview about your symptoms, and how they impact your life. The evaluator is going to examine your medical as well as family and personal background and any current issues. They'll also want to know whether the symptoms have affected your relationships, finances or your work performance. They could use standard rating scales that compare your behavior with those of people without ADHD. These ratings will help them determine if your symptoms are caused by ADHD or better explained by a different disorder, like anxiety or depression.
Your evaluator may also order cognitive tests to identify intellectual or learning difficulties that could cause your problems at school or at work. Some evaluators test for conditions that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD, such thyroid disorders or seizures disorders.
Some evaluators will request additional physical examinations or lab tests, like brain imaging and blood tests to rule out other health issues. They may request you to complete the questionnaire to determine particular signs like difficulty in organizing and planning, or being overly energetic and impulsive. They may also ask a friend or family member about your childhood to determine whether there are any clues that indicate you have ADHD.
It's important to be honest and transparent during the interview. Many adults are embarrassed by having a diagnosis and may be reluctant to divulge information because they fear it will make them look poor. However, it's crucial to get a positive diagnosis that the examiner receives exact information about your struggles with organizational skills, impulse control, and relationships.