Adult ADHD Diagnosis
For some, a diagnosis of adult ADHD is the first step toward getting treatment. They may be unhappy in their jobs, homes or social lives due to symptoms such as fidgeting, ignoring things or interrupting others.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD typically undergo an exhaustive evaluation, which involves interviewing them and their families and taking standardized tests. The evaluation usually includes physical examination.
Symptoms
A diagnosis of ADHD may change the course of a lot of adult lives. It can help them understand why they have been through so much and discover the meaning behind their previous decisions. It can also offer hope for the future to be brighter. If you're struggling with losing your keys, feeling as if you'll never finish your work or being accused of being irresponsible or lazy, getting an assessment is the first step towards finding the right treatment for you.
For most adults, the signs manifest in different areas of their lives. They are more prevalent in one area than the other. They may be restless and impulsive in school, but have trouble keeping up at work. They may forget appointments or struggle to estimate how long they will need to complete their work. They may struggle to make friends or argue with their spouses often. If these problems are severe, they may interfere with everyday life and cause depression or anxiety.
While it's crucial to think about the possibility of being diagnosed with ADHD however, it's equally important to look at the other factors contributing to the symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and certain medications are often associated with symptoms that are similar. A thorough evaluation by a qualified professional is necessary to make sure that the issue is being addressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD do not show the same signs of hyperactivity as children. Instead, the signs of hyperactivity manifest more subtly, such as fidgeting or having trouble sitting in the chair. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit these signs more frequently because they are able to hide their inattention within their social and professional lives.
During the examination, the doctor will review the patient's medical background and how their symptoms impact their daily lives. They will also ask about family history, and when possible, ask a family member their views on childhood behavior. They might also conduct the neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. In certain instances it might be required to conduct an examination of the body to rule out certain diseases that may mimic the symptoms that are associated with ADHD.
Diagnosis
It's important for those who believe they might be suffering from ADHD to discuss their symptoms with a medical specialist, especially if the issues are related to school or work. Primary health care providers can refer patients to mental health specialists who specialize in adult ADHD assessments and treatment. Hamdani states that professionals who deal with adults suffering from ADHD should be able and willing to share information about their training and experiences. Hamdani says that anyone who is unwilling to provide the information needed to be viewed with suspicion.
Being diagnosed with adult ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It provides an explanation to years of frustration and self-criticism for certain. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis feel a sense satisfaction that there's a rationale for the difficulties they've experienced in their lives, or that their struggles were not just "in their heads."
In the majority of cases, an adult with ADHD is diagnosed by conducting a thorough interview with a qualified professional. This may include a thorough review of the person's personal, family and medical history. Additionally, the doctor will likely ask the individual to rate their behaviors on one or more of the standardized ADHD behavior rating scales. These ratings are from research that compares behaviors of people with ADHD to those of people who do not have the disorder.
The individual will also be asked how the symptoms affect their life. In order to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, an adult must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment in at least two settings (such as home, school and work) and that are not better explained by other factors.
Comorbidities are frequently present in those who have been diagnosed as having adult ADHD. Anxiety disorders, depression and alcohol or drug use are typical comorbidities of ADHD. Some experts believe that these comorbidities are maladaptive strategies for coping with the frustrations of untreated ADHD.
It is also important to remember that ADHD is more prevalent in men than women, and it may be difficult for many people who are affected to be diagnosed due long-held prejudices about the symptoms and their impact on men and women. Women are also capable of masking their symptoms better, which can result in an incorrect diagnosis or delay in getting it.
Treatment
It is recommended for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD to talk to an expert in mental health that has experience treating adults with ADHD. This person can teach adults behavioral strategies to help them manage their symptoms, and improve their performance in school, at work or at home. They can also help adults recognize the reasons why their behavior is different and what triggers them.
Because a person may suffer from multiple disorders that cause similar symptoms to the symptoms of ADHD It is essential for a mental health professional to examine the adult thoroughly. This may include a detailed description of the individual's symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by the person in question and others who know him well, a complete medical and psychiatric history, and an exhaustive physical exam.
A thorough evaluation is also important for determining whether the adult suffers from a comorbid disorder, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can trigger the symptoms of ADHD and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional may also perform cognitive or neuropsychological testing to look at how the brain functions and to identify other causes for the problem, like an intellectual impairment or physical illness.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as educational programs. Individual talk therapy can help a person develop confidence in their self and manage the emotional baggage that often is associated with a diagnosis of ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also help improve time management and organization, as well as impulse control. They also can deal with the effect that stressors can affect an individual's ability to perform.
Some people with ADHD benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy can give them the chance to meet others who face similar challenges and discuss ways to overcome them. These groups are usually run by groups of support or an advocacy group.
The use of medication is also an option for many adults suffering from ADHD. There are several medications available that include stimulants, which increase the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain (for instance, methylphenidate that is marketed as Ritalin). Antidepressants and the antipsychotic drug Wellbutrin (Bupropion) aid in regulating moods and reduce impulse-driven behavior. Your Mercy doctor can discuss all treatment options with you.
Support
Adults suffering from ADHD may have the disorder for many years without even realizing it. Frustration with everyday challenges such as forgetting appointments, making careless mistakes at work or breaking family or friendship commitments can prompt them to seek an assessment. It's normal for these people to feel a sense relief when they receive an answer, particularly when they can see why they have been struggling throughout their lives.
A mental health professional can conduct an evaluation for ADHD, but the primary care physician is usually a good place to start. If necessary, the doctor may refer the patient to a specialist. A psychiatric nursing, psychiatrist or psychologist may also be able to assess ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans list specialists according to their specialization and help people find an expert in health care who is experienced in ADHD in adults.
During the evaluation, the mental health professional will ask questions about the person's behavior, including past problems and how they've been affected by their ADHD symptoms. It is essential to be open and honestly during the evaluation so that the mental health professional is able to make a full assessment.
Psychological counseling, or therapy can help people learn to manage their problems and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach people specific skills to change their behavior patterns and thinking patterns. Therapy is often paired with medications, which can help lessen the effects of the disorder.
Social support groups can be beneficial to a lot of adult ADHD patients. The opportunity to share their experiences with other people who are experiencing similar issues can provide a lot of motivation and inspiration. Some of these groups are based online and are open to anyone who suffers from ADHD. Some groups are specifically for populations, such as African Americans with ADHD, couples impacted by the disorder, or people who identify as gay or lesbian.
Some people may experience feelings of shame or embarrassment about their symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to seek help. A health professional should explain to the patient that ADHD is not a weakness or failure.