Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Many people have mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. If their problems are severe enough that they interfere with work or relationships, they may be diagnosed.
They may find themselves struggling to cope with the demands of their school or job and are being stressed at home, and feeling guilty for putting off work or handling situations poorly. You can consult your primary care physician for recommendations, or search online for health professionals that perform ADHD assessments.
What is the Diagnosis procedure?
The diagnosis process begins with a thorough interview that examines the person's medical history. This includes family history as well as significant life events like relationships, school or work performance, drug usage and driving records. This includes lifestyle habits like sleep, diet, and exercise, as well as any supplements or vitamins the individual is taking.
The doctor reviews the person's symptoms and compares them with diagnostic criteria outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include signs of impulsivity and inattention that are present for at minimum six months, and are significant enough to interfere with school or work, and are not explained by a different mental health disorder. For adults, the threshold is lower and five out of nine criteria are needed for a diagnosis.
A physical exam is usually next, as certain conditions such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. This test helps the physician determine the possible causes. It also assists them create a "suspects list" which they then evaluate through further tests. The tests can involve anything from brain imaging to blood tests to cognitive testing. These tests can take some time however they are essential to ensure that your provider isn't missing any issues that could be causing ADHD symptoms.
Once getting a adhd diagnosis is narrowed down, it's the time to make a definitive diagnosis. The doctor will go over the results and suggest treatment based on their findings. For many people, getting a diagnosis is a life-changing experience. It can help explain years of struggle and problems that were unfairly blamed by some on laziness or lack of competence. It also helps individuals to understand their strengths and learn how to use them. For some, it may result in a period sorrow as they consider the opportunities missed because their symptoms went untreated.
If you're looking to be diagnosed with ADHD and want to be diagnosed, it is recommended to undergo a specialist assessment on the NHS, which should include a complete mental health assessment and an ADHD assessment, along with an appointment with your GP for shared management. A private diagnosis can be difficult however, certain GPs are willing to accept it when you pay for private consultation.
What are the symptoms?
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually able to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling and productive lives. If their symptoms become more severe however, they could struggle to find a job, maintain healthy relationships, or manage the stress of daily life. They might also have issues with finances as a result of absences from doctor appointments, late fees, or an impulsive spending. This can cause feelings of being insecure and low self-esteem.
It's important to speak with your doctor if you might have ADHD in adulthood. They will be able to guide you on the best treatment options and refer you to a specialist if needed. Your healthcare professional will be able to diagnose you based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is an article that lists the symptoms of mental health issues.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have experienced several inattentive symptoms and five or more of the hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms before age 12. The symptoms should also be present in more than one environment and affect your ability to function at work, school or socially.
Inattention-related symptoms are a lack of attention to tasks, ignoring details or not following instructions. They can also cause you to lose items like keys, eyeglasses, and papers. 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 suffering from ADHD can also have difficulty adhering to a plan or staying organized. They may also have difficulty finishing chores and homework. They may also have difficulty remembering appointments or dates and be easily distracted by people or activities.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be empowering because it can help you understand why your issues aren't your fault. You can then make changes to your behaviors and improve the way you manage your time, work and finances. You can also learn strategies to help cope with your symptoms. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes in addition to medications. This could include an appropriate diet, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. It is important to get enough rest and avoid caffeine, sugar and other stimulants prior to bedtime.
What is the Treatment Process?
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically require more than the right medication to be diagnosed. People who suffer from the condition have to change their lifestyles and behavior, and they may need counseling to help them deal with their symptoms.
If a person is going to see a healthcare professional for an ADHD assessment, they must be open about any issues in their lives that may be related to the disorder, such as issues with relationships, as well as problems at work or school. They are likely to be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire that asks for details regarding these areas, and they might be granted permission to request that their family members or close friends fill out the same. These answers can give an important insight into whether a person's problems result from ADHD or other factors like stress, physical conditions like depression or ADHD.
The evaluator will also take into account the person's past, including their childhood experiences and any traumas that they might have experienced. The examiner may ask the person to fill out one or more of the standard behavior ratings scales that measure the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not. They may also be given psychological tests that examine working memory, executive functioning and spatial and visual skills.
If a healthcare professional suspects that an individual has ADHD the doctor will typically refer the person to a specialist who is experienced with the condition in adults. People can find these specialists by asking their primary physician to refer them or searching for a mental health professional who is experienced with ADHD in the online directory of their health insurance plan. They can also attend a local support group for adults with ADHD and speak with others who have experienced similar experiences.
The diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions in adults, including anger and sadness over not being diagnosed sooner. Many people feel guilty for not trying harder or doing better in life. However the guilt can be eased when they realize that their problems were not their own fault and they can find the best treatment to improve their overall quality of life.
What is the Support Process?
If an adult is diagnosed with ADHD they might experience complicated emotions, like satisfaction that there is now an explanation for their difficulties, regret over missed opportunities that could have been avoided by an earlier diagnosis, or resentment at the fact that their condition has been ignored for too long. Getting treated can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals. It's essential to talk to a medical professional who is experienced with treating adults with ADHD. They can assist you to set realistic expectations, create efficient strategies to improve your daily life, and help bring family members closer.
You can try to self-test yourself or rate your performance using online questionnaires. However these tools can't give you a definitive diagnose. A conversation with your primary care doctor for a referral to an ADHD specialist or using the online directory of your health insurance company to locate a doctor with experience treating adults is the best way to receive an accurate diagnosis.
It is important to collect any relevant documents for your situation once you have found a medical professional. This could include performance assessments from your workplace as well as copies of previous psychological tests, as well as old reports from your school. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your work-related symptoms and home, your use of alcohol or drugs as well as your relationships relations with family and friends. You may also have to provide evidence from other professionals, like a psychiatrist, neurologist, or psychologist.
Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD typically do so because they're struggling to perform well in their personal and professional lives, and they want to know what's happening. They may notice their productivity is dropping or their relationships are becoming strained or they may experience persistent mood swings that don't seem to be explained by other factors.
It can be difficult for some people to obtain an accurate diagnosis because health experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD symptoms look like. This is particularly the case for people of color, born females or non-native English speaking individuals. However, there is growing awareness of these biases and efforts to overcome them.