Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Many people suffer from mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. They may get a diagnosis if their life problems are so severe that they interfere with relationships and work.
They might feel stressed at work or school or feel embarrassed about procrastinating. They can ask their primary care doctor for recommendations, or look online or through a phone number for health professionals who can conduct ADHD evaluations.
What is the Diagnosis process?
The diagnosis process starts with a thorough interview that focuses on the medical history of the person. This includes family history as well as significant life events like relationships, work or school performance, drug usage and driving records. It also includes lifestyle habits such as diet, sleep and exercise, as well as any supplements or vitamins the individual is taking.
The physician then reviews the patient's symptoms and compares these to the diagnostic criteria defined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include symptoms of impulsivity and inattention which are present for at six months or more, are significant enough to interfere with school or work and aren't better than a mental health condition. For adults the threshold is lower: five out of nine criteria are required to establish a diagnosis.
The next step is usually a physical exam, as certain conditions such as thyroid issues and seizures can cause signs that resemble ADHD. This gives the healthcare provider more information to narrow down possible causes and help them come up with the list of "suspects" that they then evaluate with further tests. The tests can involve anything from brain imaging to cognitive testing. These tests can take some time however they are essential to ensure that your doctor does not miss any issue that could be the cause of ADHD symptoms.
Once the list is narrowed down and a definitive diagnosis is made. The doctor will go over the results and recommend treatment based on their findings. For many people, getting diagnosed is a life-changing experience. It can provide a reason for years of struggles and difficulties that were unfairly blamed by some for incompetence or laziness. It also helps individuals to understand their strengths and the best ways to utilize them. For some, it may lead to a period of sadness as they think about the opportunities they missed because the symptoms were not treated.
If you're looking to be diagnosed with ADHD on the NHS, it's best to get a specialist assessment. adhd diagnosis in adults will include a mental health assessment as well as an ADHD assessment, and the referral to your GP to discuss the management. It can be difficult to get a diagnosis in private but certain GPs are willing to accept it when you pay for private consultation.
What are the symptoms?
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to manage their symptoms to enjoy a productive and satisfying life. If their symptoms become severe however, they might be unable to keep a job, maintain healthy relationships, or manage the stress of everyday life. They may also experience problems with finances due to absences from doctor appointments, late fees, or an impulsive spending. This could cause them to feel that they are failing and have low self-esteem.
It's important to speak with your doctor if that you may suffer from ADHD in adulthood. They can offer guidance on the best treatment options and may refer you to a specialist, should you require. The healthcare professional will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose you. This is the book that lists the symptoms of mental health issues.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have experienced several inattentive symptoms and five or more of the hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms before age 12. In addition, the signs should have been present in more than one setting and they must have a negative impact with or hinder the quality of your social, school or work performance.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty in paying attention to tasks, losing details or failing to follow instructions. They can also result in losing things like keys, eyeglasses, and paperwork. Hyperactivity-impulsive symptoms include fidgeting or tapping feet, leaving your seat in situations when it's not appropriate, talking too much, or feeling restless.
A person with ADHD may also have trouble maintaining a routine or staying organized. They may also have difficulty completing chores and homework. They may also have trouble remembering appointments or dates and may be easily distracted by people or activities.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be empowering, since it helps you to understand that your issues aren't your fault. You can then alter your behavior and improve how you handle time, money, and tasks. You can also develop coping strategies to help you manage your symptoms. Your health care professional might recommend lifestyle changes, in addition to medication. This includes eating a balanced diet, regularly exercise and a healthy lifestyle. It's also important to get enough sleep and avoid sugar, caffeine and other stimulants during the hours prior to bedtime.
What is the treatment process?
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult requires more than finding the right medication. People with the condition also have to change their lifestyle and behavior and may require counseling to help them deal with their symptoms.
If an adult goes to an expert in healthcare for an ADHD assessment, he or must be forthcoming about any issues they're experiencing that could be due to ADHD like problems with relationships, issues at work, or issues at school. You will be asked to complete the questionnaire which asks for details in these areas. You may also be allowed to ask your family or acquaintances to complete the same. These responses can provide valuable information about whether the person's issues result from ADHD or other factors like physical or mental stress like depression or even ADHD.
The evaluator also takes into consideration the person's past including their childhood experiences and any traumas they might have suffered. The examiner may request the person to complete one or several standardized behavior ratings scales that measure the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those without. Psychological tests may be administered to measure executive function, working memory and visual and spatial abilities.
If a healthcare professional thinks someone has ADHD the doctor will typically recommend him or her to a specialist who is experienced in treating the condition in adults. They can find these specialists by asking your primary physician to recommend a specialist or searching the online directory for a mental healthcare professional who is familiarized with ADHD. You can also join a local support group for adults suffering from ADHD and meet with other people who have had the same experience.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can trigger a variety of emotions, including relief that there is finally a reason behind their symptoms and frustration that they were not diagnosed for too long. Some people might even feel guilt for not having strive harder or perform better in their lives. However, this feeling can be overcome by acknowledging that their problems aren't their own fault and identifying the appropriate treatment to improve their lives.
What is the Support Process?
When an adult is diagnosed with ADHD, he or she may feel a range of emotions. They may feel relieved that they have a reason to their challenges, disappointed by missed opportunities that could have been avoided if the diagnosis was been given earlier, or upset at the fact that their symptoms were omitted for many years. But, having treatment can help you overcome the difficulties and achieve your goals. It's essential to speak to a healthcare professional who has had experience treating adults with ADHD. They can help you establish realistic expectations, find effective ways to improve your everyday life, and also get your family members on the same page.
You can try self-testing or rate yourself using online questionnaires, but these tools aren't able to give you an accurate diagnosis. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is to ask your primary physician for the referral to a specialist, or contact your health insurance company's online directory to find the doctor with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD.
If you are able to locate a medical professional you must prepare for your appointment by obtaining any documents that pertain to your specific situation. This might include performance evaluations from your workplace as well as copies of previous psychological tests, and old report cards from schools. Prepare yourself to answer questions about your personal issues at home and in work as well as your use of alcohol or other drugs and your relationship with family and friends. You may also need to carry the records of other professionals such as a neurologist or psychologist, or a psychiatrist.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD typically struggle to be successful in both their personal and professional life and are eager to know what's going on. They may feel their productivity is declining or their relationships are strained, or they may have an ongoing sadness that is not explained by any other cause.
For some who are struggling to receive a diagnosis because health professionals may have preconceived ideas about the symptoms of ADHD look like. This can be especially the case for those who are minorities, have a to be female at birth, or who are not native English speakers. There is a growing awareness of these biases as well as efforts to overcome them.