Adult ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be the first step to seeking treatment for some people. They may be unhappy at work, in their homes or even in their social life because of symptoms like fidgeting or forgetting things.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult usually means going through an extensive assessment that involves conducting interviews with the person and family members, using standard tests and rating scales. It usually includes a physical examination, too.
Signs and symptoms
A diagnosis of ADHD could alter the course of a lot of adult lives. It can help them understand why they've been through so much and discover the meaning behind their previous decisions. It could also provide them with hope for a better future. Whether you are experiencing difficulty in locating your keys, feeling like you'll never finish your work or being called unreliable or lazy, obtaining an assessment is the first step towards finding the right treatment for you.
For most adults, the signs are present in a variety of areas of their lives. They are more prevalent in one place than the other. They may be indecisive and irritable at school, but struggle in keeping up with their work. They may forget appointments or struggle to estimate how long they will need to complete their work. They might have difficulty making friends or get into frequent fights with their spouses. If these problems are severe, they may interfere with everyday life and cause anxiety or depression.
It's important to diagnose ADHD, but it's also important to identify other factors could be causing the symptoms. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications are often responsible for symptoms that are similar. A thorough assessment by a trained professional is essential to make sure that the underlying issue is being treated.
Unlike children, adults with ADHD seldom show the more prominent symptoms of hyperactivity. Hyperactivity is less obvious and manifests as fidgeting, or a difficulty in sitting. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms more frequently because they are able to hide their inattentive behaviors at work and in social lives.
During the exam the doctor will review the patient's medical history as well as how their symptoms impact their daily lives. They will also ask for family history and, if it is possible, ask a family member for their perspective on childhood behavior. They might also conduct the neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities testing. In certain instances, it may be required to conduct a physical examination in order to rule out specific illnesses that may mimic the symptoms that are associated with ADHD.
Diagnosis
It is crucial for those who believe they might have ADHD to discuss their symptoms with a health care provider, particularly if their issues stem from school or work. Primary health care providers can refer patients to mental health professionals who specialize in adult ADHD evaluations and treatment. They should be able to disclose information about their training level and experiences working with adults suffering from ADHD, Hamdani says. Hamdani says that anyone who is hesitant to provide this information should be treated with suspicion.
Being diagnosed with adult ADHD can be a life-changing experience. For some, it finally provides an explanation for years of frustration and self-criticism. Some people are relieved that there is an explanation for their difficulties in life, or that they weren't "just in their heads."
In the majority of cases, an adult with ADHD will be diagnosed through a comprehensive interview with a professional who is qualified. This may include a thorough review of the person's medical family, personal, and medical background. Additionally, the doctor will likely request the person to rate his or her behavior on one or more of the standardized ADHD behavior scales. These ratings are based upon research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who don't have the disorder.
The individual will be asked about the symptoms and how they affect their life. In order to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, an adult must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment in at least two settings (such as home, school and work) and that are not better explained by other factors.
Comorbidities are common in those who have been diagnosed with adult ADHD. Depression, anxiety disorders, and drug or alcohol use are typical comorbidities of ADHD. Some experts believe that these comorbidities are maladaptive coping strategies to deal with the frustrations of untreated ADHD.
It's also important to recognize that ADHD is more prevalent in males than women, and it may be difficult for many people who are affected to be diagnosed due to long-held prejudices about the symptoms and the impact they have on men and women. Women can also be capable of masking their symptoms better, which can cause an inaccurate diagnosis or delay in getting it.
Treatment
Adults who receive a diagnosis of ADHD might find it beneficial to talk with a mental health professional who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. This individual can teach the adult strategies for managing their symptoms and improve their performance at home, at work or at school. They can also help the adult recognize the reasons behind their behavior and what triggers it.
A mental health professional must take a thorough look at an adult's health for other disorders that are similar to ADHD. This could include a thorough description of the person's symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by the person in question and others who know them well, a full psychiatric history and family medical history, as well as a thorough physical examination.
It is crucial to conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if an adult suffers from a co-occurring disorder such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can cause the symptoms of ADHD and make treatment more challenging. A mental health professional could also perform cognitive or neuropsychological tests to determine how the brain functions, and to identify other causes for the problems, such as an intellectual impairment or physical illness.
Treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD typically include psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Individual therapy can help a person develop confidence in themselves and manage the emotional burden that usually accompanies a diagnosis of ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also improve organization, time management and impulse control. They can also tackle the impact of stressors on a person's ability to function.
Certain people with ADHD benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy can provide an opportunity to meet other people who have the same challenges and discuss ways to overcome these challenges. These groups are often organized by groups of support or an advocacy group.
Many adults suffering from ADHD are treated by medications. There are many medications available that include stimulants, which increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain (for example, methylphenidate, which is sold as Ritalin). Antidepressants and the antipsychotic drug Wellbutrin (Bupropion) aid in regulating moods and decrease impulsive behavior. Your Mercy doctor will discuss all of your treatment options with you.
Support
Adults suffering from ADHD may suffer from the disorder for a long time without even realizing it. They may seek an evaluation because they are annoyed by everyday challenges such as forgetting appointments or making a mistake at work, or neglecting the demands of friends and family. It is common for people to feel a sense of relief once they get a diagnosis, especially when they realize the reason they've been struggling throughout their lives.
A mental health professional could perform an ADHD evaluation, however the primary doctor is usually a good starting point. The doctor may also refer the person to a specialist in the event of need. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist can also evaluate ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans will list specialists according to their specialties, which can assist people in finding an expert in health care who is familiar with ADHD in adults.
During the evaluation the mental health professional will ask questions regarding the person's behavior, which could include previous issues and how they have been affected by their ADHD symptoms. It's important to talk openly and truthfully during the evaluation so that the mental health professional can complete a thorough assessment.
Psychotherapy, or psychological counseling, can aid people in managing their symptoms and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches people how to alter their thinking and behavior. The combination of therapy and medication can alleviate the symptoms of the disorder.
Social support groups can be beneficial for many adult ADHD patients. The chance to share their challenges with other people who are experiencing similar challenges can be a source of inspiration and encouragement. getting diagnosed with adhd of these groups are available online and are open for anyone suffering from ADHD. Certain groups are specifically targeted for populations, like African Americans who have ADHD, couples affected by the disorder, or those who identify themselves as gay or lesbian.
Some people might be embarrassed or ashamed of their symptoms. This could cause them to be reluctant to seek help. However, a healthcare professional must explain that ADHD is not a sign of weakness or failure.