Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Many people suffer from moderate or mild ADHD. They may be diagnosed if their life problems are serious enough to cause problems with relationships and work.
They might feel overwhelmed at school or work, or ashamed for procrastinating. They can consult their primary physician for recommendations, or search online or call a number to find health professionals who perform ADHD evaluations.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The process of diagnosis begins with a thorough examination that is focused on the medical background of the patient. This includes the family's history and major events in life such as relationships, work or school performance, drug usage and driving records. This includes habits of daily life such as sleep, diet and exercise, as well as any supplements or vitamins the individual may be taking.
Then the provider reviews the person's symptoms and compares them with the diagnostic criteria set out in American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include symptoms of inattention and impulsivity that are present for at least six months, are significant enough to cause problems with work or school and aren't better explained by another mental health issue. For adults the threshold is lower: five out of nine criteria are required for a diagnosis.
The next step is typically a physical exam, as some conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can trigger ADHD-like signs. This gives the healthcare provider more information to narrow down possible causes and allows them to make an inventory of "suspects" that they can test with additional tests. The tests can range from bloodwork to brain imaging to cognitive tests. They may take some time but are essential to ensure that your doctor doesn't miss the issue that may be the cause of your ADHD symptoms.
After the list has been narrowed down, it's the time for a final diagnosis. The provider will discuss the results and suggest treatment in light of their findings. For many people, receiving diagnosed can be a life-changing experience. It can help explain years of struggle and problems that were unfairly attributed by some to incompetence or lazyness. It can also bring an appreciation for their strengths and the ways to use them to benefit themselves. Others may feel a sense of regret as they consider the opportunities they missed because of their ailments not being properly treated.
If you're looking to be diagnosed with ADHD on the NHS, it's best to get a specialist assessment. This will include an assessment for mental health and an ADHD assessment, and the referral to your GP to discuss management. A private diagnosis can be difficult however, some GPs will do so if you pay for an appointment in private.
What are the symptoms?
Adults with ADHD have a tendency to manage their symptoms and live a fulfilling and productive life. However when their symptoms become more severe they may struggle to keep jobs, maintain healthy relationships, and deal with the stress of everyday life. Financial problems may also arise due to missed doctor's appointments, late fees, or impulse purchases. This can lead people to feel like they're failing and feel low self-esteem.
If you suspect that you have ADHD as an adult, it's important to speak with an expert in health care. They will be able to advise you about treatment options and recommend you to a specialist if required. Your healthcare professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose you. It is the book that lists the symptoms of mental health conditions.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have experienced several inattentive symptoms and five or more of the hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms before age 12. Additionally, the symptoms must have been evident in at least two or more settings and they should interfere with or diminish the quality of your school, social, or work functioning.
Inattentive symptoms are a lack of attention to tasks, losing details, or failing to follow instructions. They can also cause you to lose items like keys, eyeglasses, and even 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 may also have difficulty maintaining a routine or staying organized. They may also have difficulty completing chores and homework. They may also have trouble remembering appointments or dates, and be easily distracted by other people or activities.
A diagnosis of ADHD is empowering because it helps you realize that your issues aren't your responsibility. You can then take steps to alter your behaviors and improve your ability to manage your time, work and finances. You can also learn strategies to help deal with your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe lifestyle changes in addition to medication. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise and a balanced diet. It is important to get enough sleep and avoid sugar, caffeine and other stimulants prior to the time you go to bed.
What is the Treatment Process?
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult requires more than simply finding the correct medication. adhd diagnosis adults who suffer from the condition must work to improve their lifestyles and behavior, and may require counseling to help them cope with their symptoms.
If an adult goes to an expert in healthcare for an ADHD evaluation, he or must be forthcoming about any issues they're experiencing that may be related to ADHD issues, like relationship issues, problems at work, or trouble in school. You will be asked to complete the questionnaire which asks for specific information about these areas. You might also be able to ask your family or friends to complete the same. These responses can provide valuable information about whether a person's problems are caused by ADHD or other issues such as physical ailments, stress, depression or ADHD.
The evaluator takes into account the person's past, including their childhood experiences and traumas that they may have suffered. They may ask the person to fill out one or more standard behavior rating scales that compare the behavior of people with and without ADHD. They could also be asked to take psychological tests that look at working memory, executive functioning and visual and spatial skills.
If a healthcare professional thinks someone has ADHD the doctor will typically refer him or her to a specialist who is experienced with the disorder in adults. These specialists can be found by asking the primary doctor to recommend a specialist or searching the internet directory for a mental health professional who is experienced in ADHD. You are also able to join a local adult ADHD support group and talk to others who have had the same experience.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can trigger a variety of emotions, such as satisfaction that there is now an explanation for their symptoms, and anger that they were unable to be diagnosed for so long. Many people be tempted to feel guilty for not working to do better in their daily lives. However, this guilt can be quelled when they realize that their issues were not their fault and seek the appropriate treatment to improve their performance.
What is the Support Process?
When a person is diagnosed with ADHD, they might experience a variety of emotions. They might be relieved that they have a reason behind their difficulties, or sad about missed opportunities that could have been prevented if the diagnosis had been given earlier, or upset that their issues were not addressed for too long. Getting treated can help you overcome your challenges and achieve your goals. It's essential to speak to a healthcare professional who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They can assist you in setting realistic expectations, find effective strategies for improving your everyday life, and help get family members on the same page.
You can try self-testing or score yourself using online questionnaires, but these tools aren't able to give you an accurate diagnosis. The best method to get a proper assessment is to ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an expert, or to contact your health insurance company online directory to locate a doctor who has experience treating adults with ADHD.
If you are able to locate an experienced medical professional to see, you should prepare for your appointment by collecting any documents that pertain to your particular situation. This might include performance evaluations from your workplace and copies of psychological tests, as well as old report cards from school. Then, be prepared to answer questions about your personal issues at home and in work and at work, your use of alcohol or other drugs, and your relationships with your family and friends. You might also need to provide evidence from other professionals, such as a psychiatrist or neurologist.
Adults seeking a diagnosis for ADHD typically struggle to function effectively in their professional and personal lives and want to know what's going on. They may feel their productivity is declining or their relationships are strained or they may be suffering from an ongoing sadness that cannot be explained by any other cause.
For some people who are struggling to be diagnosed because healthcare professionals might have preconceived notions about what the symptoms of ADHD appear to be. This is particularly the case for people of color, born female, and non-native English speaking people. However, there is increasing awareness of these biases as well as efforts to overcome them.