Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a good first step in managing the effects of ADHD that cause chaos at work, home and in relationships. It can also be a way to see the bigger picture of issues that have been a source of confusion and frustrating for decades.
During the process of evaluation mental health professionals utilize standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to help determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria. They can also conduct interviews with significant others and family members to gain more insight.
1. Speak to Your Health Care Provider
If you've been experiencing issues at work or in your relationships and suspect that ADHD is to blame the first step to getting a diagnosis and treatment is talking to your health care provider. Your doctor can help you identify the symptoms and refer you to a specialist, if needed.
You could also ask your friends, family members and colleagues for recommendations on specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also inquire from your insurance company regarding professionals in your region. Another option is to join an ADHD support group and talk with other people who are facing the same challenges and learn how they handle them.
Many adults decide to seek a diagnosis because they're unhappy with how their symptoms hinder their the daily routine, whether at work or in their private lives. They are frustrated with getting lost keys and being late for meetings, and struggling to maintain healthy relationships. You can manage these symptoms by getting a diagnosis.
Be honest when talking to your doctor about your health issues. Don't hide your feelings since you do not want to appear weak or irresponsible. Your doctor requires a complete picture of your problems and how they have affected your work performance and personal life.
If your doctor suggests taking medication, be prepared to discuss your position on it. Some adults aren't disposed to use medication and prefer other methods of treatment like psychotherapy (the medical term for mental health therapy) and lifestyle adjustments that are known as accommodations. Just as the step stool helps a person who is a little short to achieve the same heights as other people accommodations allow those with ADHD to achieve their goals and be successful.
Your doctor will inquire about your history of ADHD. It is important to recall information from your childhood, as this is when the disorder is more likely to show up. Depending on the location you live in, you may need to obtain copies of your school records or talk to teachers or other adults who were around you as a child, but remember that these records don't necessarily indicate the diagnosis.
2. Request a recommendation
Your family doctor can refer you to undergo an ADHD evaluation and treatment if you have concerns about the way your behaviors are impacting your school, work or relationships. They may also be able to give you referrals for other specialists, including psychologists and psychiatrists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
If you see a doctor to get an evaluation, make sure to speak openly and honestly about your issues, including those connected to ADHD. It is crucial to not conceal information for fear of shame or fear of being judged. Your past experiences will determine the accuracy of your assessment as well as the efficacy of any treatment recommendations.
The examiner will review your social, emotional and academic background as well as discuss how these problems are affecting you right now. The examiner will also go over the diagnostic guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will inquire about your current symptoms as well as any that you may have experienced in the past. They will ask you questions and, should they be able to, if possible, speak with people who knew you as a kid.
In addition to evaluating whether you meet the requirements for ADHD in addition, they will look at whether your symptoms could be explained better by a different mental health issue or medical condition, like depression or anxiety. They will also determine whether you suffer from a neurodevelopmental condition or a learning disability.
If getting a adhd diagnosis agree that you suffer from ADHD they will tell the other conditions or issues that might be causing you difficulties and why they do not believe you have ADHD. This doesn't mean that you have to accept this diagnosis; however, it can be helpful in planning your future care.
In many instances, a person who has been diagnosed with adult ADHD will be supported by other people with ADHD and their families, as along with co-workers, friends, teachers and coaches. They may also benefit from taking classes in relationships or marriage and couples counseling. Those with ADHD often struggle with low self-esteem. counseling can boost their confidence and teach them ways to improve their relationship management skills.
3. Schedule a Consultation
ADHD is caused either by a lack or imbalance in neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can impact a person's focus and ability to finish tasks. Adults with untreated ADHD might have difficulty in their jobs or relationships, as well as other aspects of their lives. If you suspect you have ADHD talk to your doctor or seek an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist who is specialized in mental illness.
A mental health professional will assess whether you have ADHD symptoms using a rating scale. A mental health professional might also interview people important to your life, such as your spouse, and then complete an inventory of symptoms. A thorough examination could include psychological tests that test working memory, executive function (the capacities involved in making decisions and planning) as well as spatial and visual ability and reasoning abilities. The results can be used to rule out conditions that could be causing similar symptoms, like anxiety or depression.
In the course of an evaluation, your health care professional will also take into consideration the way you've dealt with your symptoms over time. If you tend to forget appointments, make impulsive decisions and fail to meet deadlines, your doctor could recommend therapy or classes to assist you in learning better ways of dealing with these challenges. Your health care provider might suggest medication, too. These drugs are commonly used to treat adults with ADHD and are extremely efficient. They aren't for all people and may have negative side effects. Nonstimulant medications that don't have the potential to be abused are now available. They can be equally effective as stimulants.
While finding a diagnosis and a treatment are important for people suffering from ADHD It's also beneficial to make others aware of the disorder. For instance, many adults who suffer from ADHD have spouses, parents, and colleagues are unable to comprehend their behavior. Education can help improve relationships and support systems. There are ADHD support groups in many communities, as well as on the internet.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a challenge, but it's possible. Begin by speaking to your GP who will be able to refer you to the most appropriate service for your needs.
4. Schedule for an Evaluation
It may take a while to obtain an accurate assessment and diagnosis. If your GP is unwilling or unable to refer you to a health professional, you can ask for a referral. You can contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to determine who in your area specializes in adult ADHD. You should contact professional associations that help adults with ADHD.
Once you've been referred to an evaluator be prepared for a lengthy and thorough interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The evaluator will look over your personal, medical, and family history as in addition to the issues you're experiencing right now. They'll also want to know how the symptoms affect your finances, relationships, or your work performance. They could employ standardized ratings scales to assess your behavior with that of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings can help 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 could also conduct cognitive tests to determine if you have intellectual or learning difficulties that could be the reason for your struggles 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 may order additional physical examinations or lab testing, such as blood work and brain imaging, to rule out other health issues. They might require you to fill out a a questionnaire aimed at identifying specific symptoms such as difficulties in planning and organizing or being overly active and indecisive. They might also interview relatives or your friends about your childhood, looking for clues that you suffer from ADHD.
It is essential to be honest during the interview. Many people feel embarrassed having a diagnosis and they may hesitate to share information because they think they will look bad. It's important that the evaluator is given accurate information regarding your issues in the areas of impulse control, organizational skills, and relationships.