Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
Getting a diagnosis as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. Many people discover that their ADHD symptoms are linked to depression, anxiety or other mental health issues.
It's never too late to seek help. Adults can benefit from effective treatment like medications, lifestyle changes and therapy. It is essential to consult an experienced mental health professional to get an evaluation.
Evaluations
While qualified healthcare practitioners may vary slightly in their testing procedures and tools, they generally follow standard protocols for ADHD evaluations. They will conduct a thorough diagnostic interview, information from non-independent sources like spouses or other family members, DSM-5 symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD. Some professionals also ask patients to complete online surveys that help identify impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity-related symptoms. Although these surveys aren't diagnostic but they can be a great starting point to help the healthcare professional determine if it's appropriate to move on to more thorough assessment tools.
It's crucial for a person being assessed to be honest, even when reminiscing about things from the past. Many adults with ADHD have spotty memories, particularly of their childhood. Therefore, it's a good idea to bring any documentation, such as report cards or old school tests, that can provide insight into those times. Your healthcare provider may also require you to talk to your spouse or partner to gain the same kind of understanding.
DSM-5 criteria for ADHD diagnosis states that symptoms must be present "often" in order to interfere with social, academic, or occupational functioning. These symptoms must have been present throughout the adulthood and not be triggered by another mental disorder. For those who weren't diagnosed with ADHD in their early years, their symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months, and be inappropriate for their level of development.
Many mental health experts advise avoid self-diagnosis with online surveys when it comes to ADHD. These surveys do not have a scientific basis and can result in an incorrect diagnosis. This is particularly true for adults. In reality, many of the questions on these online questionnaires are employed in other psychiatric disorders and may result in false positives for ADHD.
Your doctor will typically perform a physical exam and order any necessary lab tests, such as blood work or an EKG to rule out medical issues that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD like thyroid problems or a seizure disorder. These tests also allow you to determine if the person suffers from any coexisting conditions that may contribute to ADHD symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
Symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to stay organized, following through and keeping track of their tasks. They may also appear to be easily distracted, have difficulty remembering things and be bored quickly. This is a combination of symptoms that makes it difficult for them to complete tasks that don't hold their interest, and could create issues at school, work and in relationships.
The symptoms of ADHD can manifest in various ways and are unique for each individual. The symptoms can be mild or severe. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) defines the criteria that doctors employ to diagnose the condition.
Doctors visit the patient with ADHD and review their medical, family and psychiatric history from childhood through the present. They also evaluate the person's mood and consider any other health issues or illnesses they have. They also inquire about their work, their home life and their relations with family and friends.
It's important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean there's something wrong in the brain or that the person is less intelligent than others. The presence of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on task and may cause issues in many areas of life, but if the symptoms are treated, people with ADHD can achieve success at work and in their private lives.
For many adults, getting the diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in learning how to manage their symptoms. This is an important goal since untreated ADHD can cause problems at school and work. It can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships and can cause people to become self-critical or think of themselves as lazy or irresponsible.
If an adult is diagnosed with ADHD it is possible that they experience a variety of emotions including relief and gratitude. They may also be astonished to discover that they've been suffering from their symptoms for a lengthy time. They might be shocked to find out that they've been misunderstood and called names due to their lack of memory or lack of organization.
Diagnosis
Adults can have a difficult time getting diagnosed with ADHD. Adults have to meet an upper threshold for symptoms than children to be considered for diagnosis. They must show five of nine symptoms that last at least six months in order to be considered as having a diagnosis. The doctor will also have to rule out other reasons, like stress, mental health issues and physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history as well as the psychiatric history and look for signs that started before the age of 12. He or she may seek out family members and friends, as well as school teachers and counselors. It's not meant to get "right" answers, but to get an understanding of the individual. People with ADHD often have a difficult time admitting to their symptoms and are particularly adept in faking them.
A physician will want to understand how the patient manages their home and work life and how his behavior affects their daily life. To help determine the cause the condition, a doctor might use clinical interviewing, rating scales, or symptom checklists. Doctors can also request school and work records and may also administer psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests.
Being honest in answering questions is essential. Do not be afraid to admit that you are embarrassed or shame. It's also important to keep in mind that, although it can be difficult for people suffering from ADHD to admit it, they often suffer from low self-esteem and struggle in interpersonal relationships. They are also under pressure to perform at work and home. They may be frustrated and stressed, which may make their symptoms worse. If left untreated and undiagnosed, ADHD can lead to long-term problems in virtually every aspect of one's life. Untreated adult ADHD is estimated to cost the country $70 billion annually. Untreated ADHD can have negative consequences. Fortunately, medications or other treatments are available to reduce the effects. Adult ADHD can be treated with a variety of medications. get diagnosed with adhd benefit from behavioral therapy.
Treatment
For adults, the same treatments used in childhood can help relieve symptoms. Medications, behavior strategies, and therapy can all help to reduce ADHD symptoms. The aim of treatment for ADHD is to lessen the effects of it and to encourage independence.
The first step is to obtain an evaluation from a professional. A health care provider or mental health professional will discuss the person's history and perform tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms, for example anxiety disorders or physical ailments.
A diagnosis is determined by determining if the patient meets criteria for ADHD according to DSM-5 criteria. These criteria include hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, which have been present for at least six months. In adults the inattention and impulsivity must have interfered significantly with the performance at work or in school.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis for adult ADHD since the signs change as you age and don't cause the same problems as in children. Furthermore, those with the condition may be skilled in hiding symptoms or figuring out ways to alleviate their symptoms, which makes it difficult for doctors to determine if they have it.
Once an ADHD diagnosis is in place It is crucial for the sufferer to speak with their doctor about how they're feeling and how their symptoms affect their daily life. The doctor may then recommend medication, therapy, and other methods to help improve their functioning.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with medication. Stimulants are used to improve concentration and control impulsivity by increasing the levels of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between nerve cells. Presently, two stimulants are approved by the FDA to be used by adults suffering from ADHD such as Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the lisdexamfetamine (Focalin).
In addition to taking medications, many individuals find that lifestyle changes and therapy can help ease their symptoms. Therapy helps them develop skills in time management and organization and learn to better recognize and cope with their symptoms. Therapy helps them overcome mental distortions that can lead to negative emotions and a feeling of being out of control.