Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
A lot of people suffer from moderate or mild ADHD symptoms. If their issues are serious enough to affect the work environment or relationships they could be diagnosed.
They may feel stressed at work or school, or ashamed for procrastinating. They can ask their primary care doctor for recommendations, or look online or through a phone number for health professionals who conduct ADHD assessments.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The process of diagnosis starts by conducting a thorough interview which is focused on the medical background of the patient. This includes the family history, and major life events like relationships, work and school performance drug use, and driving record. This includes habits of daily life such as sleep, diet and exercise as well as any vitamins or supplements the person is taking.
Then the provider examines the patient's symptoms and compares them to the diagnostic criteria laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include symptoms of impulsivity and inattention which are present for at six months or more, are significant enough to interfere with work or school and are not better explained by another mental health issue. For adults, the threshold is lower that is five out of nine criteria are needed to be diagnosed.
A physical exam is typically the next step, as some ailments like thyroid problems and seizure disorders may cause ADHD-like symptoms. This step gives the provider more information to narrow down possible causes and allows them to make the list of "suspects" which they evaluate with further tests. The tests can involve anything from brain imaging to cognitive testing. They can take a while but are essential to make sure that your provider doesn't miss the issue that may be the cause of your ADHD symptoms.
After the list has been reduced to a specific list, a final diagnosis can be established. The doctor will go over the results and make a recommendation according to what they've discovered. For many, receiving an diagnosis is a life-changing event. It can provide a reason for years of struggles and difficulties that were unfairly attributed by some to incompetence or lazyness. It can also bring an appreciation for their strengths and how they can be used to their advantage. Others may feel a sense of regret as they reflect on the opportunities that were missed because of their ailments not being properly treated.
If you're looking to be diagnosed with ADHD on the NHS it is recommended to have a specialist assessment. This will include a mental health assessment, an ADHD assessment and a referral to your GP to discuss your the management. It can be difficult to get a diagnosis in private however, certain GPs are willing to do so if you pay for an appointment in private.
What are the signs?
Adults who suffer from ADHD tend to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling and productive lives. However, if their symptoms become more severe, they can struggle to keep jobs, maintain healthy relationships, and cope with the stress of day-to-day life. Financial problems may also arise due to absences from doctor's appointments, late fees or impulse purchases. This can cause feelings of failure and low self-esteem.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you think you might have ADHD in adulthood. They can offer guidance on the best treatment options and may refer you to a specialist, should you require. The healthcare professional will diagnose you using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is a book that lists symptoms of mental health disorders.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have experienced several inattentive symptoms and five or more of the hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms before age 12. In addition, the signs must have been present in more than one setting and they should interfere with or reduce the quality of your school, social or work performance.
Inattentive symptoms include difficulty paying attention to tasks, losing details or not following instructions. You may also lose things like keys, eyeglasses, and paperwork. 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 can also have difficulty adhering to a plan, staying organized or completing homework and chores. They can also have difficulty remembering dates or appointments, and they may be easily distracted by other people or activities.
A diagnosis of ADHD is empowering, as it helps you understand that your difficulties aren't your responsibility. You can then take steps to alter your behaviors and improve your ability to manage your time, tasks and finances. You can also learn strategies for coping to manage your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, in addition to medication. This can include an appropriate diet, regular exercise and a balanced diet. It is also essential to get enough sleep and avoid sugar, caffeine and other stimulants in the hours before bedtime.
What is the Treatment Process?
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often requires more than finding the right medication. People who suffer from the condition have to change their lifestyle and behavior and they may need counseling to help them deal with their symptoms.
If a person is going to a healthcare professional to get an ADHD evaluation, they should be honest about any issues in their lives that could be linked to the disorder, for example issues with relationships, as well as problems at work or school. They will likely be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire that asks for details about these areas, and may be given permission to request that their family members or close friends complete the same. These answers can be a valuable source of insight into whether a person's problems are caused by ADHD or other factors like physical or mental stress, for example depression.
The examiner will also take into consideration the history of the individual especially their childhood experiences and any traumas they may have suffered. The evaluator may ask the person to complete one or more standardized behavior ratings scales that measure the behavior of those with ADHD and those who do not. They may also be given psychological tests that test working memory, executive functioning and visual and spatial skills.
A healthcare professional can refer an adult with ADHD to a specialist that is familiar with the disorder. These specialists can be found by asking their primary care physician to refer them or searching for a mental health professional who is familiar with ADHD in the online directory of their health insurance plan. You can also join an adult ADHD support group and meet other adults who have experienced the same thing.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can trigger a variety of emotions, such as relief that there is finally a reason for their symptoms, and anger that they were unable to be diagnosed for too long. Some people may be feeling guilty for not trying harder or doing better in their daily lives. However, this guilt can be overcome when they realize that their issues were not their own fault and seek the appropriate treatment to improve their quality.
What is the Support Process?
When an adult gets diagnosed with ADHD they might experience complicated emotions, like happiness that they have finally found an explanation for their difficulties, regret over missed opportunities that could have been prevented through a earlier diagnosis, or anger that their issues have been overlooked for many years. However, getting treated can help you overcome the obstacles and achieve your goals. It's important to talk to a medical professional who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They can help you to establish realistic expectations, devise efficient strategies to improve your daily life, and bring family members closer.
You can try to self-test yourself or rate your performance on online questionnaires. However, these tools cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. A conversation with your primary care physician for a referral to an ADHD specialist or using the online directory of your health insurance company to find a specialist who has experience treating adults is the best way to receive the correct diagnosis.
If you are able to locate a medical professional you must prepare for your appointment by collecting any records that are relevant to your situation. This could include old school reports, reports from psychological tests, and evaluations of performance at workplace. Prepare yourself to answer any questions you may have about your behavior at home and at work, your use of alcohol or other drugs and your relationships with family and friends. You may also have to present records from other professionals, such as a psychiatrist, neurologist, or psychologist.
Adults who seek an assessment for ADHD typically do so because they're struggling to be successful in their personal and professional lives, and want to understand what's going on. how is adhd diagnosed in adults might notice that their performance is declining or their relationships are becoming strained or they may be experiencing ongoing sad moods that don't seem to be explained by other causes.
It isn't easy for some people to obtain a diagnosis, because the health care professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD symptoms look like. This can be especially the case for those who are minorities, have a female at birth, or who are not native English speakers. However, there is increasing awareness of these biases and attempts to combat them.
