ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologists or family doctors) must diagnose ADHD. The symptoms are evaluated using standard behavior rating scales built on research that compares the behavior of people who have and those without ADHD.
A medical exam is commonly performed, as certain medical conditions such as seizure disorders or thyroid issues can mimic symptoms of ADHD.
Symptoms
The signs of ADHD are a major concern for most people looking for a diagnosis. They might have trouble keeping an occupation, maintaining healthy relationships or keeping up with household chores. In addition, they could be suffering from anxiety and mood disorders or substance use problems. The first step towards finding out if you are suffering from a disorder is to schedule an appointment with your health care provider. Your doctor can refer you to an adult ADHD specialist who is able to conduct the evaluation. You can also request recommendations from your local medical school or a university hospital. Some insurance plans also provide professionals based on their specialties.
During the evaluation, the mental healthcare specialist will review your medical and personal history, and look you over to determine whether you meet any of the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They are listed by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. The doctor will be looking for hyperactivity or impulsivity as well as inattention. Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention to what other people are saying or doing and not following instructions and not paying attention to particulars. Those with ADHD are usually forgetful and have trouble finishing tasks, especially when they aren't interested in them.
Hyperactive and impulsive people can run and climb up places they shouldn't. They might also interrupt games, conversations or steal the sports equipment of others or toys for homework assignments. They are unable to wait for their turn, or play in a quiet manner. They often respond to questions before the questioner has finished thinking, or they are eager to talk in a social setting, at school, or at work. They might have difficulty waiting for assistance or even spending money, and they frequently fail to attend appointments.
A thorough mental health evaluation is crucial prior to determining ADHD, because many conditions may mimic the symptoms of the disorder, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders and certain medication and head injuries. A psychiatric evaluation typically includes an organized interview that delve into your personal, emotional and academic life. It may also include family and friends interviews. Your mental health professional may conduct psychological tests to assess your working memory ability, executive functioning abilities, as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Diagnosis
When adults get an ADHD diagnosis, it's typically life-changing. It can give a solid explanation for the frustrations they experience every day: problems at work or having trouble forming relationships, conflicts in relationships or a lack financial stability. It can also help to explain the reason why they were considered unreliable or lazy as children.
The symptoms of ADHD in adults vary with time and can be difficult to identify than in children. To determine the cause of the disorder, doctors use the guidelines provided by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This requires a thorough assessment which may include symptoms checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales, and interviews with significant others, such as parents or spouses and teachers.
In addition to conducting a thorough interview, some practitioners also ask individuals to answer questionnaires or take psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory, capabilities (such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial abilities, as well as reasoning (thinking) abilities. Depending on the person doctor's needs, some doctors might require a brain scan, or conduct additional clinical laboratory testing such as physical examination or blood tests.
It is essential that a doctor is aware of any co-occurring disorders which could be a cause of ADHD. These could include mood disorders, learning difficulties, head injuries, or addiction to drugs (Austerman 2015). During the course of an evaluation, a physician can also speak with relatives of the patient and friends to obtain additional information about their history of the condition.
Many people suffering from ADHD forget events that happened in their childhood, particularly when they're suffering from emotional distress. It is not uncommon for doctors to ask parents or other family members to fill out a retrospective ADHD report detailing the child's behavior as well as school performance.
Some patients are reluctant to seek a diagnose because they do not believe that their problems are serious. For those living with undiagnosed ADHD, the consequences of a delayed or missed diagnosis can be devastating.
Treatment
For adults with ADHD being diagnosed is the first step to getting treatment. Most people who suffer from ADHD start by speaking with their primary healthcare provider who will refer them to a mental health professional.
A psychiatric examination typically consists of the description of symptoms, interviews with the patient as well as other sources outside of the patient, such as spouses or friends as well as the complete of ADHD symptoms checklists, standardized behavioral scales and psychometric tests like intelligence and learning disabilities tests. Additionally, it is essential to eliminate medical conditions like thyroid problems and seizure disorders that can mimic ADHD symptoms.
The stigma attached to adhd is often the most difficult part of the diagnosis for adults. Untreated ADHD can cause an adult to feel like a failure in areas like relationships and work. A diagnosis can help people with ADHD understand what is happening and recognize that it's not their fault, according to research psychologist Karla pretorius, M.Psych, who specializes ADHD in adults.
Discussing your symptoms with coworkers teachers, supervisors and coworkers can be beneficial. They can better understand your struggles by educating them about ADHD. They might offer small adjustments, like allowing you more time to complete assignments or giving you an area to study in peace. In a lot of instances, you'll discover that co-workers and instructors are more understanding than you have imagined.
Speak to your doctor about taking part in a trial if you are interested in medication for ADHD. These trials are designed to test new methods to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and conditions. You can access the latest therapies and treatments before they become widely available.
The use of medications for ADHD can improve your ability to concentrate, follow directions and control impulsive behaviors. However, it's essential to combine medication with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can teach you coping skills, help you develop healthy habits and to manage your feelings of sadness and shame over past mistakes. It can also help you understand how your ADHD interferes with your family dynamics and relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for many adults. They might have struggled to manage chaotic, impulsive or inattention behaviors for a long time, without being able to understand why. A diagnosis helps them realize that their struggles are not due to being unlucky or failing.
The first step to get an accurate diagnosis is to conduct an interview with a mental health professional. During the interview, the patient is asked about their issues and how they affect their lives, both personally and professionally. The doctor will want to know about a person's past especially from their childhood. This may include asking about any past diagnosis or other mental health issues. It is helpful to bring a trusted family member or friend accompany you during the interview. They can assist you to remember details.
During the evaluation an individual may also be asked to take psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function, spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning abilities. Answering questions honestly and completely is crucial for obtaining a complete picture of a candidate's abilities. During the interview, it is crucial that the candidate does not hide information out of fear of shame or embarrassment.
To receive a diagnosis, an adult must exhibit signs of ADHD that cause significant impairment in at least two or more environments. ADHD symptoms can cause a person to struggle at school or at work and may even be a victim of relationship issues.
Counseling can help people who have been diagnosed with ADHD to understand how they can cope with their symptoms and develop strategies for success at school, at work, and in relationships. This includes individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and learning how to manage inattention and impulsive behaviors. Marriage and family counseling is a must for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This can help them deal with the challenges that may arise from their symptoms.
Other types of counseling that could be useful for people with ADHD are OT (occupational therapy) and yoga techniques, which combine the physical benefits of exercise and the psychological benefits of meditation. OT can assist those suffering from ADHD establish routines and structure and yoga can teach breathing and relaxation techniques to improve mental acuity.