Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is an important first step in managing symptoms that wreak havoc at home, work and in relationships. It's also a great way to gain a new perspective on issues that have been confusing and frustrating throughout the many years.
In the course of evaluating mental health professionals utilize the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to help determine if an adult meets the diagnostic criteria. They may also interview family members and significant others to gain additional insights.
1. Talk to Your Health Care Provider
Talking with your doctor is the first step to receiving a diagnosis. Your doctor can help you make sense of your symptoms and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
You can also ask your family, friends and co-workers to recommend professionals who are experts in ADHD evaluations for adults. Your insurance company might be able to give you information on the professionals in your region. Attending an ADHD support group is a different option. You can meet with people who have the same struggles, and learn from them how they deal with these challenges.
Many adults seek medical attention when their symptoms hinder their everyday functioning at home or at work. They are tired of losing keys, being late for meetings, and trying to maintain healthy relationships. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can give you the control you require to manage these issues and bring balance back into your life.
When you discuss your symptoms with your health care provider be honest. Do not be how is adhd diagnosed in adults because you don't want to be seen as weak or irresponsible. Your doctor needs a full description of your issues and how they have affected your work performance and personal life.
If your doctor suggests taking medication be ready to discuss your opinion on it. Some adults aren't disposed to use medication and prefer other treatments including psychotherapy (the medical term for mental health therapy) and lifestyle modifications known as accommodations. Accommodations allow those who suffer from ADHD to achieve their goals, much like a step stool allows someone who is shorter to attain the same height as the rest of us.
Your doctor will inquire about your history of ADHD. It's best to be able to recall information from your childhood, when the disorder is more likely to show up. Depending on the location you live in, you may need to collect copies of your school records or talk to teachers or other adults who knew you in childhood However, keep in mind that these don't necessarily confirm the diagnosis.
2. Request a reference
Your family doctor can refer you to undergo an ADHD evaluation and treatment if there are any concerns about the way your behaviors are impacting your work, school or relationships. They may also be able to provide you referrals for other specialists, including psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
If you are visiting a specialist to get an evaluation, make sure you are open and honest about the issues you are facing. This includes any ADHD-related issues. It is crucial not to hold back information because of feelings of shame or fear that you might be judged. The accuracy of your assessment and the effectiveness of any treatment you recommend will be largely determined by how accurate your past history is.
The examiner will review your social, emotional and academic background and also examine how these issues are affecting you now. They will also review the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," fifth edition (DSM-5). They will want to know about any symptoms you are experiencing currently, and any that you've experienced since your childhood. They will interview you and when possible, talk with those who knew you as a child.
They will determine if your symptoms could be better explained by another mental health or medical issue, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. They will also determine if you have a neurodevelopmental disorder or learning disability.
If a doctor doesn't believe that you suffer from ADHD they will tell what other conditions or issues could be causing your difficulties and why they do not believe you suffer from ADHD. This doesn't mean that you must accept the diagnosis, but it may aid in planning your future care.
In most cases, someone who is diagnosed with adult ADHD will receive support from other people with ADHD and their families, as well as co-workers, friends teachers, coaches and trainers. They may also benefit from classes, therapy which teach communication skills, or marriage and couple counseling. Individuals who suffer from ADHD often struggle with low self-esteem, and counseling can boost their confidence and help them learn how to improve their interpersonal skills.
3. Contact us to schedule a consultation
ADHD is caused by a lack or imbalance of neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can affect an individual's attention span and ability to complete tasks. Adults with untreated ADHD are likely to struggle with their relationships, careers and other aspects of their lives. If you suspect you may have ADHD talk to your doctor or ask for a recommendation to see an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in mental illness.
A mental health professional will assess whether you have ADHD symptoms using a scale of rating. A mental health professional may also interview people important to your life such as your spouse and complete the checklist of symptoms. A thorough examination could include psychological tests to measure working memory and executive function (the capacities involved in planning and making decisions) spatial and visual ability and reasoning skills. The results can aid in determining other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression and anxiety.
During your examination, your health care professional will also look at the way you've dealt with your symptoms over time. For instance, if often forget appointments, miss deadlines or make impulsive decisions your doctor may suggest therapy or classes to teach you more effective strategies for dealing with these issues. Your doctor may recommend medication, too. adhd adults diagnosis uk of stimulant drugs are used to treat adults with ADHD and are highly efficient. But they don't work for everyone, and they may cause side consequences. Nonstimulant drugs that don't have the potential to be abused are available now and can be as effective as stimulants.
While finding a diagnosis and a treatment is crucial for those suffering from ADHD but it's also important to educate others about the condition. For instance, many adults who suffer from ADHD find their spouses, parents, and colleagues are unable to comprehend their behavior. Education can help improve relationships and support systems. There are also ADHD online and in a number of communities.
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be challenging, but it's possible. Start by talking to your GP, who will be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
4. Schedule for an Evaluation
It can take time to receive a thorough assessment and diagnosis. Ask for a referral from your primary care doctor, but if your GP is hesitant or does not agree to refer you, talk with other health professionals. You can contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or CHADD to discover who is specialized in your area in adult ADHD. Or, you should contact professional associations which support adults suffering from ADHD.
Once you've been referred to an evaluator, be prepared for a lengthy and thorough discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The evaluator will go over your personal, medical, and family history, as well as the problems you're experiencing right now. They'll likely want to know how your issues have affected your relationships, work performance, and finances. They may employ standardized rating scales that compare your behavior with those of people without ADHD. These ratings can help you determine whether your symptoms are related to ADHD or if they're better explained by other disorders, like depression and anxiety.
Your evaluator may also conduct cognitive tests to look for intellectual or learning impairments that could explain your problems at school or at work. Some evaluators screen for conditions that can produce symptoms similar to ADHD, such thyroid disorders or seizures disorders.
Some evaluators may order additional physical examinations or laboratory tests, like blood work and brain imaging to rule out any other health issues. They may ask you to fill out a questionnaire aimed at identifying specific symptoms such as difficulty planning and organizing, or being overly energetic and hyperactive. They could also interview relatives or a friend about your childhood to look for clues that you have ADHD.
It's important to be open and honest during the interview. Many adults are uncomfortable asking for a diagnosis, and they may refuse to divulge information because they believe it could make their appearance worse. It is crucial that the evaluator gets accurate information about your struggles in terms of impulse control, organizational skills and relationships.