Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a good first step towards managing the symptoms that cause chaos at work, home and in relationships. It's also a great way to gain a fresh perspective on issues that have been a source of confusion and frustration over the many years.
During the process of evaluation mental health professionals employ standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD checklists for symptoms to help determine whether an adult meets diagnostic criteria. They may also interview relatives and friends to gain additional insights.
1. Talk to Your Health Care Provider
Talking to your doctor is the first step towards finding out the cause. Your doctor can help you understand your symptoms and may refer you to a specialist in the event of need.
You can also ask your family members, friends and co-workers to suggest professionals who are skilled in ADHD evaluations of adults. You can also inquire from your insurance company about the services available in your area. Another option is to go to an ADHD support group to talk with others who face similar issues and learn how they manage them.
Many adults seek medical attention when their symptoms hinder their everyday functioning at home or at work. They are fed up of losing keys and being late for meetings, and trying to maintain healthy relationships. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can help you gain the control you need over these issues and help bring balance back into your life.
When you discuss your symptoms with your doctor be honest. Do not be shy because you do not want to be perceived as weak or irresponsible. Your doctor must know all about your problems and how they have affected your work performance as well as your personal life.
If your doctor recommends medication Be prepared to discuss your stance on the topic. Some adults aren't disposed to use medication and prefer other treatments including psychotherapy (the medical term used to describe mental health therapy) and lifestyle modifications that are known as accommodations. Just as a step stool helps someone who is short reach the same heights that other people achieve accommodations allow those with ADHD to reach their goals and be successful.
Your specialist will ask about your past experiences with ADHD. It is best to recall specific details from your childhood, when the disorder is more likely to show up. It is possible to speak to your teachers or other adults from your childhood depending on the location you live in. But, diagnosis adhd aren't a guarantee of the diagnosis.
2. Request a Reference
Your family doctor can refer you to undergo an ADHD assessment and treatment if you have any concerns about how your behavior affects your work, school or relationships. They may also be able to provide you referrals to other specialists, like psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
If you're going to an expert for an evaluation, make sure to be open and honest about your problems. This includes any issues related to ADHD. It is crucial not to keep information from being revealed because of feelings of shame or fear that you could be judged. Your history will determine the accuracy of your evaluation and the efficacy of any treatment suggestions.
Examiners will look over your academic, social and emotional past. They will also discuss how these issues impact your life today. 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 ask you about your current symptoms as well as any you might have experienced in the past. They will conduct an interview with you and if possible, also speak with people who knew you as a child.
In addition to determining if you meet the requirements for ADHD, they will consider whether your symptoms may be explained better by a different mental health issue or medical problem such as anxiety or depression. They will also determine if there is any learning disabilities or any other neurodevelopmental disorder.
If a medical professional isn't convinced that you have ADHD they will tell what other conditions or issues could be causing problems and the reason why they don't believe you are suffering from ADHD. This doesn't mean that you have to accept the diagnosis, but it can help you plan your future treatment.
In many instances adults diagnosed with ADHD will receive help not only from other adults suffering from ADHD but also from their families, friends, coworkers, teachers, and coaches. They may also benefit by taking classes in relationships or marriage and couples counseling. Counseling can aid those who suffer from ADHD who struggle with low confidence. It can teach them how to improve their relationship skills.
3. Request a Consultation
ADHD can be caused by a lack or imbalance of neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can interfere with the ability of an individual to pay attention and to follow through on tasks. Adults who are not treated for ADHD may struggle in their jobs or relationships, as well as other aspects of their lives. If you suspect that you be suffering from ADHD, speak to your doctor or ask for a recommendation to see a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in mental illnesses.
A mental health professional will determine whether you are suffering from ADHD symptoms using a scale of rating. They might also interview significant people who are important to you, such as your spouse, and fill out the symptom checklist. A thorough evaluation may include psychological tests that measure working memory and executive function (the capabilities involved in making decisions and planning), visual and spatial ability and reasoning skills. The results will help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example depression and anxiety.
During an assessment your health care provider will also look at how you've been managing your symptoms over time. For instance, if you often miss appointments, don't remember deadlines and make impulsive decisions Your health care professional might suggest classes or therapy to help you learn better strategies to deal with these challenges. Your doctor could also suggest medication. The most popular stimulant medications used to treat ADHD in adults are extremely efficient. But they don't work for everyone, and they may cause side negative effects. Nonstimulant drugs that don't have the potential for abuse are now available. They can be equally effective as stimulants.
While receiving a diagnosis and treatment is crucial for adults with ADHD It's also beneficial to inform others about the disorder. More suffering from ADHD have difficulty getting their spouses, their parents, and their co-workers to understand their behavior. The ability to educate others can improve relationships and boost support systems. There are also ADHD on the internet and in a variety of communities.
It can be challenging to diagnose ADHD in adults however, it is doable. Begin by talking to your GP, who will be able to guide you to the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
4. Schedule an Evaluation
It can take a while to get a thorough evaluation and a diagnosis. If your GP is unable or is not willing to refer you to another health professional, you can ask for an appointment. You can contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to discover who is specialized in your area in adult ADHD. Or, you can check with professional groups which support adults suffering from ADHD.
Once you've been referred to an evaluator be prepared for a long and detailed interview 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 likely want to know how your symptoms have impacted your relationships or work performance as well as financial situation. They may employ standardized rating scales that compare your behavior with the behavior of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings can help you determine whether your symptoms are related to ADHD or if they're better explained by other disorders, like anxiety and depression.
Your evaluator will likely also conduct cognitive tests to look for learning or intellectual disabilities that may be the cause of your difficulties at school or at work. Certain evaluators look for conditions that can produce symptoms similar to ADHD like thyroid disorders or seizures disorders.
Some evaluators may order additional physical exams or laboratory tests, like brain imaging and blood tests, to rule out other health problems. They might require you to fill out a a questionnaire aimed at identifying particular signs like difficulty planning and organizing or being overly active and indecisive. They may also ask a family or friend member about your childhood in order to find out whether there are any clues that suggest you suffer from ADHD.
It is crucial to be honest during the interview. Many adults are embarrassed to ask for a diagnosis and may not divulge information, believing that it will make their appearance worse. However, it's crucial for a successful diagnosis that the evaluator gets exact information about your issues with organizational skills and impulse control relationships.