Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
A lot of people suffer from mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. If their problems are severe enough to cause problems with work or relationships, they may be diagnosed.
They may feel overwhelmed at school or work, or ashamed for procrastinating. You can ask your primary care doctor for recommendations or look on the internet for health professionals who conduct ADHD assessments.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The diagnosis process starts with an extensive interview that focuses on the medical history of the patient. This includes the family's history, as well as major life events like relationships, work or school performance, drug use and driving records. It also includes habits of daily life like sleep, diet and exercise, as well as any vitamins or supplements the person is taking.
The doctor then examines the symptoms of the patient and compares them 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 signs of impulsivity and inattention which are present for at least six months, are significant enough to interfere with school or work and aren't better explained by another mental health issue. For adults, the threshold is lower and five out of nine criteria are required to establish a diagnosis.
A physical exam is typically the next step, as some ailments like thyroid problems and seizure disorders may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. This helps the doctor determine the possible causes. It also helps them create an "suspects list" that they can examine through further tests. These tests may include brain imaging, blood tests, and cognitive tests. They can take some time but are crucial to make sure that your doctor doesn't overlook an issue that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms.
When the list is narrowed down, it's the time to make a definitive diagnosis. The doctor will review the results and suggest treatment based on their findings. A diagnosis can be a life-altering event for many. It can help make sense of many years of unanswered problems and struggles, which were sometimes unfairly attributed to laziness or incompetence. It may also give people a new appreciation of their strengths and how they can be utilized to their advantage. Others may feel some regret as they think about the opportunities that were lost due to their conditions not being treated.
If you're hoping to be diagnosed with ADHD on the NHS it is best to get a specialist assessment. This will include an assessment of mental health, an ADHD assessment, and a referral to your GP to discuss management. A private diagnosis can be difficult however, certain GPs will accept it in exchange for a private consultation.
What are the signs?
Adults with ADHD have a tendency to manage their symptoms and enjoy a productive and satisfying life. If their symptoms become severe however, they might struggle to find a job and maintain healthy relationships or manage the stress of daily life. Financial issues can also be the result due to missed doctor's appointments, late fees or impulsive purchases. This can lead to feelings of failure and low self-esteem.
If you suspect that you have ADHD as an adult, it's crucial to talk with your health care professional. They will be able to advise you about treatment options and recommend you to a specialist when needed. Your healthcare professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose you, which 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. Additionally, the symptoms must have been evident in more than one setting and they must have a negative impact with or reduce the quality of your school, social or work-related performance.
Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention to tasks, losing details or not following instructions. They can also cause you to lose items such as eyeglasses, keys, and papers. 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 suffering from ADHD is also prone to having difficulty following a schedule or staying organized. They may also have difficulty completing homework and chores. They may also have trouble remembering appointments or dates and be easily distracted by people or activities.
A diagnosis of ADHD is empowering because it helps you to understand that your difficulties aren't your responsibility. You can then take steps to change your habits and improve how you manage your time, work, and money. You can also learn strategies to help you manage your symptoms. Your health care professional might recommend lifestyle changes in addition to medications. This includes an appropriate diet, regular exercise and a balanced diet. It is also essential to get enough rest and avoid caffeine, sugar and other stimulants during the hours prior to bedtime.
What is the treatment procedure?
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult usually requires more than simply finding the appropriate medication. People who have ADHD may need to change their lifestyles and their behaviour, and they may need counseling to cope with their symptoms.
When an adult visits a healthcare professional to get an ADHD evaluation, he or she should be honest with any issues they're experiencing that could be related to ADHD issues, like relationship issues, difficulties at work, or issues in school. You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire that requests specific information about these areas. You might also be allowed to ask your family members or friends to do the same. The answers could provide valuable insight into whether the person's issues result from ADHD or other issues such as stress, physical conditions like depression, or even ADHD.
The evaluator takes into consideration the individual's past including their childhood experiences and traumas that they may have suffered. The evaluator might ask the person to complete one or several behavioral ratings scales that are standardized that compare the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not. They can also administer psychological tests that look at executive functioning, working memory and spatial and visual skills.
If a healthcare professional thinks an individual has ADHD the doctor will typically recommend him or her to a specialist who is experienced with the disorder in adults. They can find these specialists by asking the primary doctor for a recommendation or by searching the online directory for a mental health professional who is experienced in ADHD. You can also join a local adult ADHD support group and meet other adults who have experienced the same thing.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can trigger a variety of emotions, including relief that there's a reason for their symptoms, and anger that they went undiagnosed for so long. Some people might be feeling guilty for not trying to do better in their lives. However, the guilt can be eased when they realize that their problems were not their fault and find the right treatment to improve their overall quality of life.
What is the Support Process?
When an adult gets diagnosed with ADHD they might have a range of complicated emotions, like relief that there is finally an explanation for their difficulties, regret over missed opportunities that could have been avoided through a earlier diagnosis, or frustration that their symptoms have been overlooked for too long. But, having treatment can help you overcome the obstacles and achieve your goals. It is essential to talk to a health professional who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They can help you establish realistic expectations, find effective strategies for improving your day-to-day life, and also get your family members on the same page.
You can attempt to test yourself or rate your own performance using online questionnaires. However these tools can't provide a definitive diagnosis. Asking your primary care physician for a referral an ADHD specialist or using the online directory of your health insurance provider to locate a doctor who is experienced in treating adults is the best way to get an accurate diagnosis.
When you have found a medical professional, you should prepare for your appointment by gathering any documents that pertain to your particular situation. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult might include performance evaluations from work, copies of previous psychological tests, and old reports from your school. Be prepared to answer questions about your symptoms at work and at home, your alcohol or drug use and your relationships relations with family and friends. You might also need to present records from other professionals, like a psychiatrist psychologist, neurologist, or psychiatrist.
Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD typically do so because they're struggling to perform well in their personal and professional lives, and they wish to know what's happening. They might feel that their productivity is down or their relationships are strained or they may experience a persistent sad mood that cannot be explained by any other factor.
For some people, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis due to the fact that health care professionals may have preconceived ideas about what the symptoms of ADHD appear to be. This is particularly the case for people of color, born female and non-native English speaking individuals. There is a growing awareness of these biases, and efforts are being made to combat these biases.