Adult ADHD Diagnosis
For some who are diagnosed with adult ADHD is the first step towards treatment. They may be unhappy in their work, homes or social lives due to symptoms such as fidgeting, forgetting things, or interrupting others.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often requires a thorough evaluation that involves interviewing the person and their family members using standardized tests and rating scales. It usually includes a physical exam, too.
Signs and symptoms
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help adults to understand why they've had to struggle for so long and help them make sense of their past choices. It can also offer hope for an improved future. Whether you are having trouble finding your keys, feeling that you'll never finish your work, or being accused of being irresponsible or lazy, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards finding the best treatment for you.
For most adults, symptoms appear in several areas of their lives. They are more prevalent in one area than the other. They may be indecisive and unfocused at school, but have difficulty with keeping up at work. They may forget to keep appointments or underestimate the time needed to complete tasks. They might have difficulty making friends or engage in frequent arguments with their spouses. If these issues are serious they could affect everyday life and cause anxiety or depression.
It is crucial to identify ADHD however, it's important to determine what other factors could be contributing to symptoms. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications are typically the cause of symptoms that are similar. A thorough assessment by a trained professional is required to be sure that the issue is being treated.
Like children, adults who suffer from ADHD seldom show the more prominent symptoms of hyperactivity. Instead, the signs of hyperactivity present themselves more subtly as fidgeting or difficulty sitting still in the chair. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to show these signs, since they are more likely to hide their inattention at work and in social life.
During an evaluation the doctor will go over the patient's medical history and consider the ways in which their ailments affect their daily life. They will also inquire about family history and, when possible, interview a family member to get their views on childhood behavior. They can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological, or learning disabilities tests. In certain cases physical exams may be needed to rule out certain illnesses which may resemble the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
It is essential for those who believe they might have ADHD to discuss their symptoms with a health care professional, especially if their problems stem from school or work. Primary care providers can refer patients to mental health professionals with expertise in adult ADHD evaluations. Those professionals should be willing to disclose information about their training level and experiences working with adults suffering from ADHD, Hamdani says. Anyone who isn't willing to disclose this information should be regarded with suspicion Hamdani says.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing event. For some, it gives an explanation for the years of frustration and self-criticism. Others feel a sense relief that there's an explanation for the difficulties they've experienced in their lives or that their issues weren't simply "in their head."
In the majority of instances, an adult suffering from ADHD will be diagnosed by a thorough interview with a professional who is qualified. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk may include a thorough review of the individual's personal, family and medical history. The doctor will also ask the person to rate their behavior using one or more of the different ADHD scales for behavioral assessment. These ratings are from research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD to the behavior of those who don't have the disorder.
The person will also be asked about how the symptoms impact their 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.
The people who are diagnosed of adult ADHD often have coexisting conditions which are referred to as co-morbidities. Common comorbidities associated with ADHD include anxiety disorders, depression and drug or alcohol abuse. Some experts believe that these comorbidities are maladaptive coping strategies to deal with the stress and frustrations that come with untreated ADHD.
It's important to remember that ADHD is more prevalent in men than women. Many people with the disorder may struggle to be diagnosed because of long-held beliefs about the symptoms of the disorder and how they affect men and women. Women may be able to mask their symptoms better and can lead to being diagnosed later or to an incorrect diagnosis.
Treatment
It is recommended for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD to talk to an expert in mental health, preferably one with experience treating adults with ADHD. This individual can teach the adult behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their performance at home, work or school. They can also assist adults to understand why their behavior differs and what triggers it.
A mental health professional must thoroughly evaluate an adult for other disorders that are similar to ADHD. This may include a detailed description of the condition and scales completed by the patient or other individuals who know them along with a family and psychiatric history and a thorough physical exam.
It is important to conduct a thorough assessment to determine if the adult suffers from a comorbid condition such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can cause the symptoms of ADHD and make treatment more challenging. A mental health professional may also conduct neurological or cognitive tests to assess how the brain works and to rule out other causes, such as a physical illness or learning disability.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with psychotherapy (psychotherapy), and educational programs. Adults may benefit from individual talk therapy to boost their self-esteem and cope with the emotional burdens that come with ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also improve efficiency, time management and impulse control. They can also address the impact of stressors on the individual's ability to perform.
Certain people who suffer from ADHD benefit from group therapy. This kind of therapy can offer the opportunity to connect with other people who have the same issues and discuss strategies to overcome these challenges. These groups are often organized by groups of support or an advocacy group.
Medication is also an option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. There are a variety of medications available which include stimulants that boost the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain (for instance, methylphenidate that is marketed as Ritalin). Others aid in managing mood and reduce impulsive behavior like antidepressants and bupropion, an antipsychotic medication (Wellbutrin). Your Mercy doctor will be able to discuss all of your treatment options with you.
Support
Adults suffering from ADHD may suffer from the disorder for a long time without realizing it. Discontent with everyday issues like forgetting appointments, making careless mistakes at work or abandoning family or friend commitments can lead them to seek an evaluation. It is common for people to feel a sense relief once they get an answer, particularly when they understand why they've struggled all their lives.
A mental health professional can perform an assessment for ADHD, but the primary care physician is usually an ideal place to begin. The doctor can also refer the person to a specialist when needed. A psychiatric nurse, psychiatrist or psychologist might also be qualified to assess ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans list professionals according to their specialties, which can help people locate the right health professional who is knowledgeable about ADHD among adults.
During the examination, a mental health professional will ask about the person's previous issues and how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It is crucial to be honest and transparent during the assessment, so that the mental health professional can provide a precise assessment.
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy can assist people in learning to manage their symptoms and improve relationships. Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, helps people develop specific skills to change their behavior patterns and thinking patterns. Therapy is often combined with medication, which can lessen the effects of the disorder.
Many adults ADHD sufferers benefit from support groups for adults. The opportunity to share their experiences with others who are experiencing similar struggles can be a great source of encouragement and inspiration. Some of these groups are based online and are open to anyone who has ADHD. Some groups are for specific groups, such as African Americans who have ADHD or couples with the disorder, or those who identify as gay or lesbian.
Certain people may feel a sense of shame or embarrassment over their symptoms, which may hinder their desire to seek help. However, a healthcare professional must explain that ADHD is not an indication of failing or weakness.