Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is an important first step in addressing the issues that can cause chaos at work, at home and in relationships. It can also be a way to gain perspective on problems that have been a source of confusion and frustrating for decades.
Mental health professionals employ ADHD symptom checklists and standardized behavior ratings scales during the evaluation process to determine if an adult fits the diagnostic criteria. They may also speak with family members and significant others to gain additional information.
1. Speak to Your Health Care Provider
If you've experienced issues at work or in your relationships and suspect that ADHD is at fault the first step to finding a treatment and diagnosis is to speak with your health care provider. Your doctor can help understand your symptoms and may refer you to a specialist if needed.
You might also ask family members, friends and colleagues for recommendations on specialists in ADHD assessments for adults. You may also get information from your insurance provider about providers in your area. Another option is to attend an ADHD support group to talk with people who have similar challenges and to learn how they manage these challenges.
Many adults seek medical attention when their symptoms affect their everyday performance at home or at work. They are fed up of having keys stolen or being late to meetings, and having trouble maintaining healthy relationships. You can take control of these symptoms by seeking an assessment.
Be honest when talking to your doctor about the symptoms. Don't hold back because you don't want to be viewed as unreliable or weak. Your doctor requires a complete description of your issues, including how they have affected your work performance and personal life.
If your doctor suggests medication Be ready to discuss your opinion on the topic. Some adults aren't disposed to use medication and prefer other treatments like psychotherapy (the medical term used to describe mental health therapy) and lifestyle modifications known as accommodations. As the step stool helps a person who is small reach the same heights as other people accommodations allow those with ADHD to achieve their goals and be successful.
Your specialist will ask about your past experiences with ADHD. It's best to be able to recall specific details from your childhood, when the disorder is more likely to come up. It is possible to speak to your teachers or other adults from childhood depending on the location you live in. But, these things aren't a guarantee of a diagnose.
2. Request a Reference
Your family doctor will be able to recommend you for an ADHD assessment and treatment if you have concerns about how your behaviors are impacting your school, work or relationships. They may recommend you to other specialists who treat adults with ADHD, such as psychologists and psychiatrists.
When you visit a doctor for an evaluation, be sure to speak openly and honestly about the issues you are having, including those that are related to ADHD. It is important to not cover up information for fear of fear of being criticized. The accuracy of your assessment and the effectiveness of any treatments recommended will be determined by how precise your medical history is.
The examiner will review your social, emotional and academic background as well as examine how these issues are affecting you right now. 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 questions 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 before you were a kid.
In addition to determining whether you meet the requirements for ADHD, they will consider whether your symptoms could be better explained by another mental health condition or medical problem such as anxiety or depression. They will also determine whether you suffer from a neurodevelopmental condition or learning impairment.
If a professional does not believe that you suffer from ADHD then they will inform you the other conditions or issues that might be causing your issues and why they don't think you have ADHD. This doesn't mean that you must accept this diagnosis; however, it can be helpful in planning your future care.
In most instances, a person who has been diagnosed with adult ADHD will receive help from others with ADHD and their families, as along with co-workers, friends teachers, coaches and trainers. They may also benefit from therapy, classes that teach communication skills, or couples and marriage counseling. Counseling can help those with ADHD who struggle with low confidence. It can also teach them how to improve their communication skills.
3. Request a Consultation
ADHD is caused by a shortage or imbalance of neurotransmitters which regulate brain activity. This can affect an individual's ability to pay attention and to follow through on tasks. Adults with untreated ADHD may have difficulties with their work or relationships, as well as other aspects of their lives. If adult adhd diagnoses suspect that you have ADHD talk to your doctor or seek a recommendation to see a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in mental illness.
A mental health professional will evaluate whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms by using an assessment scale. A mental health professional could also conduct an interview with important people in your life, such as your spouse, and then complete an inventory of symptoms. A thorough evaluation may include psychological tests that test working memory and executive function (the capacities involved in planning and making decisions) spatial and visual ability and reasoning skills. The results can be used to determine if there are any conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
During the evaluation the healthcare professional will also consider how you've managed your symptoms over time. For instance, if frequently forget appointments, fail to meet deadlines and make impulsive decisions your doctor might suggest therapy or classes to teach you more effective strategies for dealing with these issues. Your doctor may recommend medication as well. Stimulant drugs are most commonly used to treat adults with ADHD and are highly effective. They aren't suitable for everyone, and may cause adverse consequences. Nonstimulant medications that don't have the potential for be abused are now available. They are as effective as stimulants.
It's important to educate others on ADHD. While those with ADHD should be diagnosed and seek treatment as needed, it's also beneficial for them to educate their spouses, parents, and coworkers. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get their spouses, parents, and their colleagues to accept their behavior. The ability to educate others can improve relationships and boost support systems. There are also ADHD online and in many communities.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can be difficult but it's doable. Begin by talking to your GP, who will be able to refer you to the best service for your needs.
4. Schedule and an Evaluation
It may take time to receive a thorough assessment and diagnosis. If your GP is unwilling or unable to refer you to a different health professional, then ask for a referral. Contact 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 consult the professional groups that serve adults with ADHD to see if they have any recommendations.
After you've been referred an evaluator, be prepared for a long and thorough discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The evaluator will look over your personal, medical, and family history as well as the problems you're currently experiencing. They'll also inquire whether the symptoms have affected your financial situation, relationships or your work performance. They may use standardized rating scales to compare your behavior with the behavior of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings can help you determine whether your symptoms are due to ADHD or if they're more likely to be explained by other disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Your evaluator might also request cognitive tests to identify intellectual or learning difficulties that could be the reason for your struggles in school or at work. Some evaluators also screen for other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD, such as seizures or thyroid disorders.
Some evaluators will request additional physical examinations or lab tests, such as brain imaging and blood tests to rule out other health issues. They might request you to complete an assessment questionnaire that seeks to identify specific symptoms such as difficulties in planning and organizing or being too energetic and hyperactive. They might also ask a family or friend member about your childhood in order to determine if there are any clues that indicate you have ADHD.
It is crucial to be honest during the interview. Many people feel embarrassed asking for a diagnosis, and may be reluctant to divulge information because they think it will make them appear poor. It's important that the evaluator gets accurate information about your issues in the areas of the control of your impulses, organizational skills and interpersonal relationships.