Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Many people suffer from moderate or mild ADHD symptoms. They may be diagnosed when their issues in their lives are so severe that they interfere with relationships and work.
They might be overwhelmed at school or work or embarrassed for putting off work. They can ask their primary physician for recommendations, or look online or by phone number for health professionals who conduct ADHD evaluations.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The process of diagnosis begins with a thorough interview that focuses on the medical history of the patient. This includes the family history, and major life events like relationships, work and school performance drug use, and driving history. It also includes lifestyle habits like diet, sleep, and exercise, as in addition to any vitamins or supplements that the individual is taking.
The doctor then examines the symptoms of the patient and compares them to the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This includes symptoms of impulsivity or inattention which have been present for at least 6 months and are serious enough to cause disruption to school or work. Adults have a lower threshold for diagnosis: only five of nine criteria are required to determine a mental health condition.
A physical exam is usually next, since some conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. This gives the healthcare provider more information to narrow down possible causes and help them come up with an inventory of "suspects" that they can test with additional tests. The tests could range from brain imaging to cognitive testing. These tests can take some time but they are vital to ensure that your provider does not miss any problems that could be causing ADHD symptoms.
Once the list is narrowed down, a final diagnosis is established. The doctor will go over the results and suggest treatment according to their findings. A diagnosis can be a life-altering event for a lot of people. It can help make sense of many years of unanswered challenges and problems that were often blamed on incompetence or laziness. It also helps them to appreciate their strengths and how to make use of them. Some may experience a sense of regret as they reflect on the opportunities they missed because of their ailments not being addressed.
If you're looking to be diagnosed with ADHD on the NHS, it's best to get a specialist assessment. This will include an assessment for mental health and an ADHD assessment, and the referral to your GP to discuss your management. It can be more difficult to get a diagnosis privately however some GPs will agree to assess your ADHD in the event that you're willing to make a payment for an appointment in private.
What are the Symptoms?
Adults who suffer from ADHD are often able to manage their symptoms and live productive and satisfying lives. However when their symptoms get more severe they may have difficulty to find work, maintain healthy relationships, and deal with the stress of everyday life. They may also experience problems with finances due to missed doctor appointments, late fees, or impulsive spending. This can lead to feelings of failure and low self-esteem.
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD as an adult, it's crucial to talk with your health care professional. They can provide suggestions on how to treat it and can refer you to a specialist if needed. 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 conditions.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have experienced several inattentive symptoms and five or more of the hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms before age 12. The symptoms must also be present in more than one environment and impact your ability to function at work, school or socially.
Inattentive symptoms are a lack of attention to tasks, ignoring details or not following instructions. They can also cause you to lose items like 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 with ADHD may also have trouble keeping a schedule or staying organized. They may also have difficulty completing homework and chores. They may also have trouble remembering appointments or dates, and become easily distracted by people or activities.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be empowering, since it helps you understand that your problems aren't entirely your responsibility. You can then alter your behavior and improve how you handle time, money and tasks. You can also learn strategies for coping to help you manage your symptoms. In addition to medication your doctor may prescribe lifestyle changes, such as an appropriate diet and regular exercise. It is important to get enough sleep and stay away from sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants before bedtime.
What is the Treatment Process?
Adults with ADHD often require more than a prescription to be diagnosed. People who suffer from the condition must work to improve their lifestyles and behavior, and may require counseling to help cope with their symptoms.
If an adult decides to a healthcare professional to get an ADHD evaluation, they should be honest about any issues in their lives that could be related to the disorder, including problems with relationships and difficulties at work or school. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire that asks for specific information about these areas. how to diagnose adhd might also be permitted to ask your family members or acquaintances to complete the same. These responses can be an important source of information on whether a person's issues are caused by ADHD or by other factors like stress or physical conditions like depression.
The evaluator also takes into account the person's past as well as their childhood experiences as well as any traumas that they may have endured. The evaluator might request the person to complete one or several standard behavior ratings scales that compare the behavior of those with ADHD and those who do not. They may also be given psychological tests that look at executive functioning, working memory and visual and spatial skills.
A healthcare professional will refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a specialist who is familiar with the disorder. These specialists can be found by asking your primary physician to recommend a specialist or searching the internet for a mental health professional who is familiarized with ADHD. They are also able to join a local adult ADHD support group and talk to other adults who have experienced the same issues.
The diagnosis of ADHD can cause a range of emotions for adults, such as satisfaction and anger at not being diagnosed earlier. Many people may feel guilt for not having try harder or do better in their lives. However, this guilt can be overcome by recognizing that their difficulties aren't their own fault and finding the appropriate treatment to improve their quality of life.
What is the Support Process?
When an adult gets diagnosed with ADHD, they may be confronted with a variety of emotions, including happiness that they have finally found an answer to their struggles, grief over missed opportunities that could have been avoided with a more early diagnosis, or anger that their issues have been overlooked for too long. However, getting treated can help you overcome the difficulties and achieve your goals. It's important that you speak to a healthcare professional who has had experience treating adults with ADHD. They can assist you in setting realistic expectations, identify effective ways to improve your daily life, and get family members on the same page.
You might try to self-test or rate yourself using online questionnaires, but these tools won't provide you with a definitive diagnosis. Asking your primary care doctor for a referral to an ADHD specialist or using the online directory of your health insurance company to find a doctor who has experience treating adults is the best way to receive an accurate diagnosis.
When you have found an experienced medical professional to see, you should prepare for your appointment by obtaining any documents that pertain to your specific situation. This could include old school reports, copies of psychological tests, and performance evaluations at workplace. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your work-related symptoms and at home, as well as your drug or alcohol use, and your relationships relationships with family and friends. You may also need to bring records of other professionals, such as a neurologist or psychologist, or a psychiatrist.
Adults seeking a diagnosis for ADHD typically struggle to function well in both their personal and professional life and are keen to find out what's going on. They might find that their productivity is sagging or their relationships are straining, or they might have constant sadness that doesn't appear to be attributed to other factors.
For certain people who are struggling to be diagnosed because healthcare professionals might have preconceived notions about the symptoms of ADHD look like. This is particularly relevant for those who are minorities, assigned to be female at birth, or who are not native English people. However, there is increasing awareness of these biases and attempts to combat them.