Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
A lot of people suffer from mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. They may get a diagnosis when their issues in their lives are so severe that they interfere with relationships and work.
They may feel stressed at school or at work, or ashamed for procrastinating. You could consult your primary physician for recommendations, or search on the internet for health professionals who perform ADHD assessments.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The diagnosis process begins with an extensive interview that delves into the medical history of the person. This includes family history as well as significant life events like relationships, school or work performance, drug usage and driving records. It also includes habits of daily life such as diet, sleep and exercise as well as any vitamins or supplements the individual is taking.
The provider then reviews the symptoms of the patient and compares them to the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include symptoms of inattention and impulsivity that are present for at minimum six months, and are significant enough to cause problems with school or work and aren't better explained by a different mental health disorder. For adults, the threshold is lower and five out of nine criteria are required for a diagnosis.
A physical exam is usually next, as certain illnesses like thyroid issues and seizure disorders may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. This helps the doctor narrow down possible causes. It also helps them create a "suspects list" which they can then examine through further tests. The tests can involve anything from brain imaging to cognitive tests. They may take some time but are crucial to ensure that your provider doesn't miss an issue that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms.
After the list has been narrowed down, it's time to determine a final diagnosis. The doctor will review the results and suggest treatment based on their findings. A diagnosis can be life-changing for many people. It can help make sense of years of unexplained struggles and difficulties, which were sometimes unfairly blamed on incompetence or lazyness. It can also help individuals to understand their strengths and how to use them to their advantage. Others may feel a sense of regret as they consider the opportunities that were missed due to their symptoms not being addressed.
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD, it is best to get a specialist assessment on the NHS that will include a complete mental health assessment and an ADHD assessment, along with the referral to your GP for shared management. A private diagnosis can be difficult, but some GPs will offer it when you pay for private consultation.
What are the signs?
Adults with ADHD tend to manage their symptoms and live productive and satisfying lives. However, if their symptoms become more severe they may have difficulty to keep jobs, maintain healthy relationships, and deal with the stresses of daily life. They might also have issues with finances as a result of absences from doctor appointments, late fees, or impulsive spending. This can lead them to feel that they are failing and feel low self-esteem.
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD as an adult, it's important to talk with an expert in health care. They can guide you on the best treatment options and refer you to a specialist if needed. 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 diagnosis in adult , you must have experienced several inattentive symptoms and five or more of the hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms before age 12. The symptoms must be present in more than one setting and affect your ability to perform at work, school or socially.
Inattention-related symptoms include difficulty paying attention to tasks, forgetting details or not following instructions. You could also lose items like eyeglasses, keys, 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 keeping a schedule or staying organized. They may also have difficulty finishing chores and homework. They can also have difficulty remembering appointments or dates, and they can be easily distracted by other people or their activities.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be motivating because it helps you understand that your difficulties are not your fault. You can then take steps to alter your habits and improve how you manage your time, tasks, and money. You can also learn strategies to help manage your symptoms. Your health care professional might recommend lifestyle changes, in addition to medication. This can include an appropriate diet, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. It's important to get enough rest and avoid caffeine, sugar and other stimulants prior to the time you go to bed.
What is the treatment procedure?
Adults with ADHD typically require more than just the right medication to be diagnosed. The people who suffer from this condition also need to work on changing their lifestyles and behavior, and may require counseling to help cope with their symptoms.
If an adult decides to a healthcare professional for an ADHD assessment, they must be open about any issues in their lives that may be related to the disorder, including problems with relationships and difficulties at school or at work. They will likely be asked to fill out a questionnaire asking for information about these issues, and they might be granted permission to have their family members or close friends complete the same. These responses can be a valuable source of insight into whether a person's issues are caused by ADHD or other causes, such as physical or psychological conditions such as depression.
The examiner will also take into consideration the history of the individual, particularly their childhood experiences and any traumas they may have suffered. They might ask the person to fill out one or more standard behavior rating scales that compare the behaviors of individuals with and without ADHD. Psychological tests are often administered to measure working memory, executive function and visual and spatial abilities.
If a healthcare professional suspects that someone has ADHD they'll usually refer him or her to a specialist experienced with the condition in adults. These specialists can be found by asking their primary doctor for a recommendation or searching the online directory for a mental healthcare specialist who is knowledgeable about ADHD. You can also join a local support group for adults who suffer from ADHD and meet with other people who have been through the same thing.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can trigger a variety of emotions, such as relief that there's a reason behind their symptoms, and anger that they were unable to be diagnosed for so long. Some people might even struggle with feelings of guilt that they did not strive harder or perform better in their lives, however this feeling can be quelled by realizing that their issues aren't their own fault and identifying the appropriate treatment to improve their lives.
What is the Support Process?
If an adult is diagnosed with ADHD they might have a range of complicated emotions, like relief that there is finally an answer to their struggles, grief over missed opportunities that could have been averted through a earlier diagnosis, or anger that their symptoms have been largely ignored for so long. Getting treated can help you overcome your challenges and achieve your goals. It's important to talk to a medical professional who is familiar with treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can assist you to set realistic expectations, create effective strategies to improve your daily life, and bring family members closer.
You could try to self-test or rate yourself on online questionnaires, but these tools aren't able to give you an accurate diagnosis. Asking your primary care doctor for a referral to an ADHD specialist or using the online directory of your health insurance provider to locate a doctor who has experience treating adults is the best method to get an accurate diagnosis.
You should collect any relevant records regarding your situation after you have found an expert in medical care. These could include old school reports as well as reports from psychological tests, and evaluations of performance at work. Then, be prepared to answer questions regarding your personal issues at home and at work, your use of alcohol or other drugs, and your relationships with friends and family. You may also need to bring records of other professionals like psychologists, neurologists or a psychiatrist.
Adults who seek an assessment for ADHD typically do so because they're struggling to perform well in their personal and professional lives, and want to know what's happening. They might notice that their performance is dropping or their relationships are straining or they may experience persistent mood swings that don't seem to be caused by other factors.
It can be difficult for some people to obtain an accurate diagnosis because health care professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD symptoms appear to be. This is especially the case for people of color, born female or non-native English speaking people. There is a growing awareness of these biases and efforts to address them.