ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
The diagnosis of ADHD should be confirmed by an accredited mental health specialist or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family doctor). The symptoms are evaluated using standard behavior rating scales that are developed from research that compares the behaviors of people with and without ADHD.
A medical exam is also typically performed, as certain medical conditions, such as seizure disorders or thyroid issues can be akin to symptoms of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
Most people who seek an assessment for ADHD say their symptoms affect their lives. They may have difficulty keeping an occupation, maintaining healthy relationships or keep up with household chores, and they may be suffering from anxiety and mood disorders or have problems with substance use. The first step in finding out if you are suffering from a disorder is to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Your doctor may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist who is certified to conduct the evaluation. You can also request recommendations from your local medical school or university hospital. Some insurance plans also list professionals according to their specialties.
During the evaluation, the mental healthcare professional will review your medical and personal history, and look you over to determine if you meet any of the ADHD diagnostic criteria. These are provided by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. The doctor will be looking for signs of hyperactivity as well as impulsivity and inattention. Inattention symptoms include ignoring others, not heeding instructions and not paying attention to small details. Those with ADHD are usually forgetful and have trouble finishing tasks, particularly when they're not interested in them.
Hyperactive and impulsive people may run and climb in places they shouldn't. They might also interrupt games, conversations, or take other people's sports equipment or toys for homework assignments. They can't wait for their turn or to play in a quiet manner. They often respond to questions before the questioner has finished thinking, or they can't wait to speak in a group setting, at school, or at work. They might have a difficult time waiting for help, or spending money. They also frequently skip appointments.
A thorough mental health assessment is essential prior to diagnosing ADHD, because many conditions may mimic the symptoms of the disorder, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, certain medications and head injuries. A psychiatric examination usually involves an organized interview that is focused on your social emotional, academic and personal life. It could also include family and friends interviews. Your mental health professional might conduct psychological tests to measure your visual spatial and visual memory capabilities as well as executive functioning and working memory.
Diagnosis
It can be life-changing for adults to be given an ADHD diagnosis. It could provide a legitimate reason for the frustrations they encounter every day: problems at work or difficulties establishing relationships, relationship conflicts or a lack financial stability. It may also help them to understand the reasons they were labeled as irresponsible or lazy in their early years.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children since the symptoms vary as time passes. To diagnose the disorder, doctors follow the guidelines laid out by the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This is a thorough examination that may include symptoms checklists and standardized scales for assessing behavior, and interviews with significant others such as parents or spouses and teachers.
In addition to a thorough interview, some physicians will also ask patients to fill out questionnaires or take psychological tests to measure working memory, executive functioning capabilities (such as decision-making and planning), visual and spatial skills, and reasoning (thinking) capabilities. Depending on the person doctor's needs, some doctors might require a brain scan, or conduct other clinical lab tests, like physical more info examination or blood tests.
It is essential that a doctor considers possible co-occurring disorders that may be similar to ADHD. These could include mood disorders and learning difficulties, as well as head injuries, or addiction to drugs (Austerman 2015). During an evaluation, a clinician may also speak with the patient's family and acquaintances to gather additional information about the condition.
Lastly, many people with ADHD are unable to recall events from their childhoods particularly when they are experiencing emotional distress or issues. It's not uncommon for physicians to ask parents or other family members to complete an ephemeral ADHD report detailing a child's behavior and school performance.
Some patients are reluctant to seek out a diagnosis because they do not believe their problems are serious. If not diagnosed, ADHD can cause severe consequences for those suffering from it.
Treatment
The first step to finding treatment for adults with ADHD is to obtain an assessment. Most people with ADHD will start by speaking to their primary care physician, who can refer them to a mental health professional.
A psychiatric examination typically consists of a description and discussion of symptoms, interviews with the patient and other sources like spouses and family members, completions of ADHD symptoms lists, standardized behavior scales, and psychometric tests, such as tests for learning disabilities and intelligence. It's also important to rule out any other medical conditions that can be similar to ADHD symptoms, like thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
Most of the time, the most difficult part of a diagnosis of adhd for adults is adjusting to the stigma that comes with the condition. It's not uncommon for an adult suffering from untreated ADHD to feel like a failure, particularly in areas like work and relationships. A diagnosis can help those who suffer from ADHD recognize what's happening and recognize that it's not about them according to research psychologist Karla Pretorius, M.Psych, who specializes ADHD in adults.
Discussion of your symptoms with colleagues or supervisors can be helpful. The process of educating them on ADHD will help them to understand your issues and make small adjustments to help you to achieve your goals, such as giving you more time to complete your work or providing a quiet area to study. In a lot of cases, you'll find that your instructors and coworkers are more knowledgeable than you have thought.
If you're considering trying medications for your ADHD discuss with your primary care provider about the possibility of taking part in a clinical trial. These trials are designed to test new methods to prevent and treat illnesses and conditions. You can get access to the most recent treatments and therapies before they are widely accessible.
Treatments for ADHD can improve your ability to concentrate and follow directions as well as manage impulsive behaviors. But, it's important to combine medication with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help you develop how to cope, help you develop healthy habits and to manage your feelings of disappointment and shame about past failures. It can help you understand how your ADHD affects the dynamics of your family and relationships.
Counseling
For many adults, receiving an diagnosis of ADHD can be a transformative experience. Many adults have had to deal with impulsive, unorganized or inattentive behaviors for years before they knew why. A diagnosis allows them to see that their difficulties aren't just due to being unlucky or unsuccessful.
The first step in obtaining a diagnosis is an interview with an expert in mental health. During the interview, the person is asked about their symptoms and how they affect their life professionally and personally. The clinician will want to be aware of a person's history especially from childhood. This may include asking about any previous diagnoses or mental health issues. It is typically beneficial to bring an immediate family member or friend with them for the interview, since they can aid in recalling specifics.
In the course of the evaluation, a person will also be required to take psychological tests that measure their working memory, executive functioning spatial and visual skills and reasoning capabilities. Answering all questions honestly and completely is essential for obtaining a complete image of a candidate's capabilities. It is essential to not conceal information during an interview out of embarrassment.
To receive a diagnosis, a person must have symptoms of ADHD that result in significant impairment in two or more settings. For instance, a person may struggle at school or at work and have problems with relationships because of their ADHD symptoms.
Counseling can assist those who have been diagnosed with ADHD to discover how they can cope with their symptoms and devise strategies for success at school, work, and in relationships. Individual therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and learning to manage impulsive or inattentional behaviors are all a aspects of this. It is also recommended that individuals who have been diagnosed as having ADHD seek out marriage and family counseling to address the issues that can arise as a result of their symptoms.
OT (occupational therapy) and yoga techniques are also beneficial for people suffering from ADHD. These techniques combine the physical benefits of exercise with the mental benefits of meditation. OT can assist people with ADHD establish a structure and routines while yoga teaches the practice of breathing and relaxation to promote mental calmness.