Adult ADHD Diagnosis: 11 Thing You're Forgetting To Do
Wiki Article
Adult ADHD Diagnosis
For some people being diagnosed with adult ADHD is the first step toward getting treatment. They may be unhappy at work, at homes, or in their social life due to symptoms such as fidgeting or ignoring things.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often involves undergoing a thorough evaluation that involves conducting interviews with the person and family members using standardized tests and rating scales. It typically includes a physical exam, too.
Signs and symptoms
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people to understand why they've had to struggle for so long and help them make sense out of their past choices. It can also offer hope for the future to be brighter. If you're having trouble finding your keys, feeling as if you can never finish your work or being called unreliable or lazy getting an diagnosis is the first step toward finding the right treatment for you.
For most adults, the signs manifest in different areas of their lives. Some are more prevalent in one place than another. They may be impulsive and irritable at school, but struggle in keeping up with their work. They might forget to make appointments or underestimate the time needed to complete tasks. They may be unable to make friends or fighting with their spouses often. If these problems are severe, they may interfere with daily living and lead to depression or anxiety.
It's important to diagnose ADHD, but it's also important to identify other factors could be contributing to symptoms. Stress, mental health conditions, and certain medications are frequently the cause of symptoms that are similar. To ensure that the root problem is resolved an in-depth evaluation by a specialist is required.
Unlike children, adults with ADHD seldom show the more prominent symptoms of hyperactivity. Instead, the signs of hyperactivity present themselves more subtly, such as fidgeting or having trouble sitting in the chair. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms more frequently since they are able to conceal their inattentive behaviors in their work and social lives.
During an examination the doctor will go over the patient's medical history and look at the ways in which their ailments affect their daily life. They will also request information about the family and, if possible interview a relative to get their perspective on childhood behavior. They might also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological, or learning disabilities tests. In some instances physical exams could be required to rule out certain illnesses that may mimic symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Adults who believe they have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their doctor. This is particularly important if the problems are connected to school or work. Primary care providers can refer patients to mental health professionals with experience in adult ADHD evaluations. Those professionals should be willing to disclose details about their level of training and experiences working with adults suffering from ADHD, Hamdani says. Hamdani warns that anyone who is unwilling to disclose the information needed to be viewed as suspicious.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing diagnosis. For some, it finally provides an explanation for the years of frustration and self-criticism. Some people are relieved that they have a reason for their struggles in life or that they aren't "just in their minds."
In most cases, an adult with ADHD will be diagnosed through a comprehensive interview with a professional who is qualified. This will include a review the person's medical background, family and personal background. The professional will also ask the patient to rate their behavior using one or more of the standard ADHD scales for behavioral assessment. These ratings are from research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD to those of people who don't suffer from the disorder.
The individual will also be asked about how the symptoms interfere with their daily life. In order to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, an adult must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment in at least two settings (such as home, school and work) and that are not better explained by other factors.
Comorbidities are common among those who have been diagnosed as having adult ADHD. Common comorbidities that are associated with ADHD include depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol or drug abuse. Some experts believe that these comorbidities are maladaptive strategies for coping with the stress and frustrations that come with untreated ADHD.
It is also important to remember that ADHD is more prevalent in men than women, and it can be difficult for many people who do have the disorder to be diagnosed due to long-held prejudices about the symptoms and the impact they have on men versus women. Some women are able to hide their symptoms more effectively, which can lead them to delay diagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis.
Treatment
It may be helpful for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD to speak with an expert in mental health, preferably one with experience treating adults with ADHD. The professional can help adults learn ways to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning in the workplace, at school or at home. They can also assist adults to learn to understand why their behavior is different and what triggers it.
A mental health professional should thoroughly evaluate an adult for other disorders similar to ADHD. This could include a thorough description of the person's symptoms as well as questionnaires and scales filled out by the person in question and others who know them well, a full medical history of the family and a psychiatric history, and an extensive physical examination.
A thorough examination is important for determining whether the adult suffers from a co-morbid disorder, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional may also perform cognitive or neuropsychological tests to examine how the brain functions, and to determine the cause of the problem, like the presence of a learning impairment or physical illness.
Treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD typically include counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Adults may benefit from individual talk therapy to improve their self-esteem and cope with the emotional baggage that comes with ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also help improve efficiency, time management and impulse control and may help to reduce the effects of stressors on a person's ability to perform.
Some individuals with ADHD benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy can give them the chance to meet other people with the same difficulties and discuss ways to overcome them. These groups are typically organized by an advocacy or support group.
Many adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medications. There are a variety of medications available that include stimulants, which increase the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain (for example, methylphenidate, that is marketed as Ritalin). Others aid in managing mood and decrease impulsive behavior, like antidepressants or the anti-psychotic drug bupropion (Wellbutrin). Your Mercy doctor will discuss all treatment options with you.
Support
Many adults diagnosed here with ADHD live with the disorder for decades without knowing it. The frustration of everyday problems like missing appointments, making irresponsible mistakes at work or blowing off family or friendship commitments can lead them to seek an assessment. These people often feel relieved when they are given a diagnosis.
A mental health professional can conduct an ADHD evaluation, but the primary physician is typically an excellent starting point. The doctor may also refer the person to a specialist when needed. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist might be qualified to examine ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans include specialists by specialization and can assist people in finding a health care provider who is familiar with ADHD in adults.
During the evaluation, a mental health professional will inquire about the person's past issues, as well as how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It is important to speak openly and honestly during the evaluation so that the mental health professional can complete a thorough assessment.
Psychotherapy, or psychological counseling, can help people manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy, helps people develop specific skills to change their behavior patterns and thinking patterns. The combination of therapy and medication can help reduce the symptoms of the disorder.
Many adult ADHD sufferers benefit from support groups for adults. Having the chance to discuss their experiences with others who are experiencing similar struggles can be a great source of motivation and inspiration. Some of these groups are online and are open to everyone who has ADHD. Some groups are specifically for groups, like African Americans with ADHD, couples affected by the disorder or those who identify as gay or lesbian.
Certain people may feel a sense of shame or embarrassment regarding their symptoms, which can make it difficult for them to seek help. A healthcare professional should explain to the patient that ADHD is not a weakness or failure.