ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
The diagnosis of ADHD is made by an accredited mental health professional or a physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family physician). The symptoms are measured using standardized behavior rating scales that are developed from research that compares the behaviors of people with and without ADHD.
Medical examinations are also recommended as certain medical conditions, such as seizures or thyroid problems may mimic ADHD symptoms.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD are a major concern for those looking for an assessment. They may be struggling to keep a job or maintaining healthy relationships. They may also have difficulty to keep up with household chores. They may also be suffering from anxiety, mood disorders or addiction issues. The first step in being diagnosed is to set up an appointment with your healthcare provider. Your doctor may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist who is qualified to conduct the assessment. You can also inquire with the local hospital that is affiliated with a university or medical school for recommendations, and some insurance plans list professionals by specialty.
During the examination the mental health professional will review your medical and personal history, and examine you in order 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 having trouble paying attention to what other people are saying or doing and not following instructions and ignoring details. People with ADHD are often forgetful and have trouble finishing tasks, especially when they're not interested in them.
People who suffer from hyperactivity and impulsive symptoms may be prone to running around and climb up places they shouldn't, disrupt conversations and games, or take over other people's toys, sports equipment or homework assignments. They can't wait for their turn or to play quietly. They often scream out answers to questions before the person asking has finished their thought or they are unable to wait until it's their turn to speak at school, work or a social gathering. They may have a difficult time waiting for assistance or using money, and they frequently fail to attend appointments.
Before diagnosing ADHD, it is important to conduct an extensive mental health assessment. Many conditions can mimic its symptoms, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and some medications. A psychiatric examination usually involves an organized interview that focuses on your social emotional, academic and personal life. It could also include interviews with family members and friends. Your mental health specialist may conduct psychological tests to determine your working memory ability, executive functioning abilities, as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Diagnosis
If adults are given an ADHD diagnosis, it's usually life-changing. It can provide a valid reason for the frustrations they encounter every day: work problems or difficulties establishing relationships, conflict in relationships or a lack of financial stability. It could also help explain the reason why they were considered lazy or irresponsible as children.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children because the symptoms vary with time. To be diagnosed with the disorder, doctors must use the guidelines set forth by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if someone meets the criteria. This is a thorough examination that could include checklists of symptoms 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 may also require patients to answer questionnaires or complete psychological tests that measure working memory, executive functioning abilities (such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial skills, and reasoning (thinking) abilities. Some doctors may also request an examination for blood, a physical exam or a brain scan based on the person.
It is crucial that a physician considers possible co-occurring disorders that may be similar to ADHD. These include mood disorders or learning issues, head injuries, or addiction to drugs (Austerman 2015). During an evaluation, a practitioner may also interview the patient's family members and friends to gather additional details about their experiences with the disorder.
Many people who suffer from ADHD forget important events from their childhood, particularly when they're in emotional distress. It is not uncommon for doctors to ask parents or other family members to submit an ephemeral ADHD report that describes the child's behavior and performance.
Some patients are reluctant to seek a diagnosis because they don't think their issues are that serious. But for those who are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD, the consequences of a missed or delayed diagnosis can be devastating.
Treatment
For adults with ADHD getting a diagnosis is the first step in getting treatment. Most people with ADHD will start by talking to their primary care provider, who can refer them to an expert in mental health.
A psychiatric examination typically consists of the description and discussion of symptoms, interviews with the patient as well as other sources like spouses and friends, the completion of ADHD symptoms lists and standardized behavior scales and psychometric tests such as intelligence and learning disability tests. Additionally, it is crucial to rule out medical conditions like seizure disorders and thyroid problems that may mimic ADHD symptoms.
Often, the most difficult part of an adhd diagnosis for adults is coming to terms with the stigma that comes with the condition. It's not uncommon for a person who suffers from untreated ADHD to feel like a failure particularly in areas like work and relationships. Being diagnosed can help them understand what's happening and recognize that it's not their fault, said research psychologist Karla Pretorius, M. Psychology, who specializes in ADHD in adults.
Discussion of your symptoms with colleagues or supervisors can be beneficial. Informing them about ADHD will help them to understand your issues and provide small adjustments to allow you to succeed for example, giving you more time to finish your assignments or providing a quiet area for studying. In many cases, you'll find that co-workers and instructors are more understanding than you may have expected.
If you're interested in trying medications for your ADHD, talk to your primary care provider about the possibility of taking part in the clinical trial. These trials are designed to test the latest ways of preventing, diagnosing and treating illnesses and conditions. You can get access to the latest treatments and therapies before they are widely accessible.
The use of medications for ADHD can help you improve your ability to concentrate and follow directions as well as manage your impulsive behaviors. It is essential to combine treatment with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can teach you strategies for coping, assist you to develop healthy routines and learn to manage your feelings of disappointment and guilt over past failures. It can aid you in understanding the impact of ADHD on family interactions and dynamics.
Counseling
For many adults, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a transformative experience. They may have been struggling to deal with impulsive, inattentive or disorganized behaviors for years without ever knowing why. A diagnosis can help them recognize that their problems aren't just the result of being unlucky or unsuccessful.
The first step in obtaining diagnosed is to have an interview with an expert in mental health. In this interview, the person will be asked about their issues and how they affect their lives, both personally and professionally. The doctor will also try to understand a person's history particularly from childhood. This might include asking about past diagnosis or mental health issues. It is typically beneficial to bring a family member or a close friend to the interview, as they can aid in recalling details.
During the evaluation the person could also be asked to take psychological tests to measure working memory executive function, spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning abilities. Answering all questions honestly and fully is essential to get a clear picture of a candidate's abilities. It is crucial to not conceal information during an interview because of embarrassment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD adults must exhibit signs that are causing significant impairment in at least two settings. ADHD symptoms can cause a person to struggle in work or school and may even be a victim of relationship issues.
Counseling can help people who have been diagnosed with ADHD to discover how they can manage their symptoms and develop strategies to succeed at school, work, and in relationships. Individual therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and managing impulsive or inattentive behaviours are all aspects of this. Counseling for families and marriage is recommended for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This will help them deal with the challenges that may result from their symptoms.
Other kinds of counseling that could be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD include OT (occupational therapy) and yoga practices that combine the physical benefits of exercise and the psychological benefits of meditation. OT can help those with ADHD establish routines and a structure while yoga teaches breathing techniques and relaxation techniques to promote mental calmness.