Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is a good first step to managing symptoms that cause havoc at home, work and in relationships. It's also a great way to gain a fresh perspective on problems which have been confusing and frustrating over the years.
In the course of evaluating mental health professionals employ standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if an adult is meeting diagnostic criteria. They may also interview relatives and close friends to gain additional insights.
1. Speak to Your Health Care Provider
If you've been experiencing issues at work or in your relationships and think ADHD is at fault the first step towards finding a treatment and diagnosis is to speak with your health medical professional. Your doctor will help you identify the symptoms and refer you to a specialist if needed.
You could also ask your family members, friends and colleagues for recommendations on specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Your insurance company may also be able to give you details about the services available in your region. Another option is to join an ADHD support group to chat with people who have similar challenges and to learn how they handle these challenges.
Many adults look for a diagnosis because they're unhappy with how their symptoms affect their daily functioning, either at work or in their personal lives. They're fed up of losing their keys, being late for meetings, and struggling to keep their jobs or maintain healthy relationships. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can give you the control you need over these issues and help restore balance to your life.
Be honest when talking to your doctor about the symptoms. Do not hold back your feelings as you do not want to look weak or unreliable. Your doctor will need to be aware of all the issues you have, including how these have affected your work performance and personal life.
Be prepared to discuss your views on medication if your doctor suggests it. Some adults don't like to use medication and prefer other treatments including psychotherapy (the medical term for mental health therapy) and lifestyle changes known as accommodations. Like a step stool helps someone who is a little short to achieve the same heights that other people achieve, accommodations enable those who suffer from ADHD to meet their goals and succeed.
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. Depending on where you live, you may need to collect copies of your school records or talk to teachers or other adults who knew you in your youth however, remember that these don't necessarily confirm a diagnosis.
2. Request a reference
If you are concerned about how your behavior impacting your school, work or relationships, your family doctor can suggest an ADHD assessment and treatment. They may recommend you to other specialists who treat adults suffering from ADHD like psychiatrists and psychologists.
If you're visiting an expert for an assessment, be sure that you are honest and honest about the issues you are facing. This includes any ADHD-related issues. It is crucial to not hide information for fear of shame or fear of being judged. The quality of your evaluation and the effectiveness of any treatments recommended will be largely determined by how accurate your past history is.
The examiner will review your social, emotional and academic background and also discuss how these issues 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'll want to know about any symptoms you have currently, and any that you've had since childhood. They will interview you 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 and other ADHD-related disorders, they will also consider whether your symptoms might be attributed to another mental health condition or medical condition, like depression or anxiety. They will also determine if you suffer from an intellectual disability or any other neurodevelopmental disorder.
If a professional does not think you are suffering from ADHD and they'll tell you what other conditions or problems might be causing your difficulties and why they don't believe you are suffering from ADHD. This does not mean that you have to accept this diagnosis; however it can be helpful in planning your future care.
In most cases, someone who has been diagnosed with adult ADHD will be supported by other people suffering from ADHD and their families as well as friends, co-workers as well as teachers and coaches. They could also benefit from therapy, classes which teach communication skills, or couples and marriage counseling. Counseling can help those with ADHD who have difficulty gaining confidence. It can teach them how to improve their relationship skills.
3. Request a Consultation
ADHD is caused by a lack or imbalance of neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can hinder the ability of an individual to focus and to follow through on tasks. Adults who are not treated for ADHD may struggle in their work as well as in other areas of their lives. If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD talk to your doctor or request an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in mental illness.
A mental health professional will use a rating system to determine whether you suffer from ADHD symptoms. They may also speak with important people in your life, such as your spouse, and fill out an assessment checklist for symptoms. A thorough evaluation might include psychological testing that measures working memory and executive functioning (the abilities involved in planning and decision-making) as well as spatial and visual abilities and reasoning abilities. The results can be used to rule out conditions that can be causing similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
In the course of an assessment your health care provider will also consider the way you've dealt with your symptoms over time. If you are prone to forgetting appointments, make impulsive choices or miss deadlines, your doctor could suggest classes or therapy to help you learn how to better manage these issues. Your doctor may also recommend medication. The most commonly prescribed stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are extremely efficient. However, they aren't for everyone, and may cause side effects. Nonstimulant medicines that don't carry the potential to be abused are now available and could be just as effective as stimulants.
It is crucial to educate others on ADHD. While those who suffer from ADHD should be diagnosed and receive treatment in order to improve their lives, it's also helpful for them to educate their spouses, parents, and colleagues. Many adults with ADHD have difficulty getting their spouses, their parents, and even their coworkers to understand their behavior. The ability to educate others can improve relationships and increase support systems. There are ADHD support groups within many communities and online.
It can be challenging to identify ADHD in adults however, it is doable. Start by talking to your GP who can recommend the most appropriate service for your needs.
4. Schedule and an Evaluation
It may take time to receive a thorough assessment and a diagnosis. If your GP is unable or unable to refer you to another health professional, you can ask for a referral. You can contact your local chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to discover which chapter in your area is specialized in adult ADHD. You can contact professional organizations that help adults with ADHD.
Once you've been referred to an evaluator be prepared for a lengthy and thorough discussion about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The evaluator will review your medical, family, and personal history along with any current issues. They'll also want to know how the symptoms affect your financial situation, relationships, or your work performance. They may use standard rating scales that compare your behavior with the behavior of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings can help determine whether your symptoms are due to ADHD or if they are better explained by other disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Your evaluator could also request cognitive tests to look for learning or intellectual disabilities that could explain your problems at school or at work. Certain evaluators look for conditions that can produce symptoms similar to ADHD, such thyroid disorders or seizures disorders.
The evaluators might request additional physical examinations or lab tests, like blood work and brain imaging to rule out any other health issues. They may request you to complete an assessment questionnaire that seeks to identify specific symptoms such as difficulty planning and organizing, or being overly energetic and indecisive. They may also ask a family member or a friend about your childhood, looking for information that could indicate that you have ADHD.
It is essential to be honest and transparent during the interview. adhd diagnosis for adults feel embarrassed asking for a diagnosis, and they may hesitate to share information because they fear they will look poor. It is crucial for a successful diagnosis that the evaluator gets accurate information about your struggles with organizational skills as well as impulse control and relationships.