ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologists or family physicians) must diagnose ADHD. The symptoms are analyzed using standardized behavior ratings scales based upon research that compares the behaviors of those with ADHD and those without.
A medical exam is usually performed, since certain medical conditions such as seizure disorders or thyroid problems can be akin to symptoms of ADHD.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of ADHD are a major issue for the majority of people looking for an assessment. They may have difficulty keeping a job, maintain healthy relationships, or keep up with household chores, and they might suffer from anxiety and mood disorders or have problems with substance use. To determine if you are suffering from a disorder, you must first schedule an appointment with a health professional. Your doctor may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist who is able to conduct the test. You can also request recommendations from a local medical school or a nearby university hospital. Some insurance plans identify professionals based on their specialties.
In the course of an evaluation, a mental health professional will review your personal and medical history and examine you to determine if you meet any of the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition of the American Psychiatric Association contains these criteria. The doctor will be looking for signs of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Inattention symptoms could include not paying attention to others, not following instructions and not paying attention to the smallest details. ADHD sufferers are often forgetful, and they struggle to finish tasks - especially when the task is not interesting to them.
People with hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may run around and climb up places they shouldn't, disrupt conversations and games or play with other people's toys, sports equipment or homework assignments. They are unable to wait for their turn or play with a calm and controlled manner. They often blurt out answers to questions prior to the person asking finished their thought or they can't wait until their turn to speak at work, school or at a social gathering. They might have a difficult time waiting for help or making use of money. They also frequently fail to attend appointments.
A thorough mental health assessment is important before diagnosing ADHD, because many conditions can mimic the symptoms of the disorder, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders and certain medication and head injuries. A psychiatric assessment usually includes a structured interview which is focused on your social, academic and emotional life. It can also include family and friends interviews. Your mental health specialist may conduct psychological testing to measure your working memory as well as executive functioning capabilities and visual and spatial skills.
Diagnosis
It can be life-changing for adults to receive an ADHD diagnosis. It may provide a reason for the frustrations they experience on a daily basis: work problems, difficulty establishing friendships, relationship conflicts or a lack of financial stability. It can assist them in understanding the reasons why they were labelled as lazy or irresponsible in their childhood.
The symptoms of ADHD in adults change as time passes and can be difficult to diagnose than in children. To determine the cause of the disorder, doctors follow the guidelines set forth by the American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This involves a thorough evaluation which may include checklists of symptoms as well as standardized behavior rating scales, and interviews with significant others such as spouses or parents and teachers.
In addition to a thorough interview, some practitioners also ask individuals to answer questionnaires or complete psychological tests to measure executive functioning, working memory, capabilities (such as decision-making and planning), visual and spatial abilities, as well as reasoning (thinking) abilities. Certain doctors may also recommend bloodwork, a physical examination or a brain scan based on the individual.
It is crucial for a doctor to consider possible co-occurring conditions that could be the cause of ADHD such as mood disorders, learning disabilities, substance use, or head injuries (Austerman, 2015). In an assessment the doctor may also talk to the patient's family and friends to get additional information about the condition.
Many people suffering from ADHD forget about events from their childhood, especially when they're suffering from emotional distress. It is not uncommon for doctors to ask parents or other family members to submit an ephemeral ADHD report describing the child's behavior as well as school performance.
Some patients are reluctant to seek a diagnosis because they don't believe their issues are that serious. If not diagnosed, ADHD can cause severe consequences for those who live with it.
Treatment
For adults suffering from ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards finding treatment. The majority of people suffering from ADHD will begin by speaking to their primary care doctor who will refer them to an expert in mental health.
A psychiatric evaluation typically includes a description and discussion of symptoms, interviews of the patient and independent sources like spouses and family members, completions of ADHD symptoms lists as well as standardized behavior scales and psychometric tests, such as tests for learning disabilities and intelligence. It is also essential to rule out any other medical conditions that may be a cause of ADHD symptoms, including seizures and thyroid disorders.
The stigma associated with adhd is often the most difficult aspect of the diagnosis for adults. It's not uncommon for an adult with untreated ADHD to feel like a failure especially in areas such as work and relationships. Being diagnosed can help them understand what's going on and recognize that it's not their fault, said research psychologist Karla Pretorius, M. Psychologists who specialize in ADHD in adults.
Talking about your issues with colleagues, supervisors and teachers can be helpful. Informing them on ADHD will help them to understand your issues and make small adjustments to help you to be successful for example, giving you more time to complete assignments or providing a quiet space for studying. You'll often find that your co-workers or instructors are more understanding than expected.
If you're interested in trying medications to treat your ADHD, talk to your primary care provider about the possibility of participating in the clinical trial. These trials are designed to test the latest ways of preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions. They can give you access to the latest treatments and therapies before they become widely available.
ADHD medications can aid you in improving your ability focus and follow directions, as well as control impulsive behavior. However, it's essential to use medications in conjunction with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help you develop coping skills, develop healthy routines, and control your feelings of shame and despair over past failures. It can help you understand the effects of ADHD on your family relationships and the dynamics of your family.
Counseling
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a life-changing experience for many adults. They may have been struggling to manage uncontrollable, inattentional or impulsive behaviors for a long time without knowing why. A diagnosis helps them understand that their difficulties are not just due to being unlucky or unsuccessful.
The first step to get 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 impact their lives, both personally and professionally. The clinician will also want to understand a person's history, especially from childhood. This might include asking about previous diagnosis or mental health issues. I Am Psychiatry can be helpful to have a close family member or friend accompany you during the interview. They can help you recall specifics.
During the test during the evaluation, the individual will be required to take psychological tests that test their executive functioning, working memory spatial and visual abilities and reasoning skills. Answering all questions honestly and fully is essential to get a clear picture of a candidate's abilities. During the interview, it is essential that a person does not censor information because of shame or embarrassment.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, an adult must show symptoms that are causing significant impairment in at minimum two settings. ADHD symptoms can cause a person to have difficulty at school or work or even have problems with relationships.
Counseling can help people who have been diagnosed with ADHD to learn how they can cope with their symptoms and develop strategies to succeed at work, in school, and in relationships. This includes individual therapy as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, and learning how to manage impulsive and inattentive behavior. Counseling for families and marriage is recommended for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This can assist them in dealing with the problems that may result from their symptoms.
Other types of counseling that can 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 help those with ADHD establish routines and a structure while yoga teaches breathing techniques and relaxation techniques to help promote mental peace.