Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD could be the first step towards managing symptoms that cause havoc at work, home and in relationships. It can also be a way to understand the causes that have been a source of confusion and frustrating for a long time.
During the evaluation process, mental health professionals use standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to help determine whether an adult meets the diagnostic criteria. They may also interview family members and other significant others to gain more information.
1. Talk to your Health Care Provider
If you've experienced difficulties at work or with your relationships and suspect that ADHD is the cause the first step to finding a treatment and diagnosis is talking to your health care provider. Your doctor will be able to assist you in understanding your symptoms and recommend a specialist if necessary.
You can also ask your family members, friends and colleagues for recommendations on specialists in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also request information from your insurance company regarding the services available in your region. Participating in an ADHD support group is a different alternative. You can talk to people who share 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 work or home. They're frustrated with losing their keys, constantly being late for meetings and struggling to keep their jobs or maintain healthy relationships. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can give you the control you need over these issues and help bring balance back into your life.
If you're discussing your symptoms with your health care provider Be honest with your health care provider. Don't hold back because you don't want to be seen as a weak or unreliable person. Your doctor must be aware of all the issues you have and how they have affected your work performance and personal life.
If your doctor suggests medication Be prepared to discuss your position on it. Some adults aren't keen to take medication and prefer alternative treatments, such as psychotherapy (the medical term used to describe mental health therapy) and lifestyle changes that are known as accommodations. Just as the step stool helps a person who is a little short to achieve the same heights that other people achieve accommodations allow those who suffer from ADHD to achieve their goals and be successful.
Your specialist will ask you about your past experiences with ADHD. It is important to keep specific details from your childhood because this is the time when the disorder is likely be evident. It is possible to speak to your teachers or other adults from childhood depending on the location you live in. But, these things do not necessarily confirm a diagnose.
2. Request a Referral
If you are concerned about how your behavior is impacting your school, work or your relationships, your family doctor might suggest an ADHD evaluation and treatment. They can also refer you to other specialists who treat adults with ADHD like psychologists and psychiatrists.
When you visit a doctor for an evaluation, be sure to be honest and honestly about the issues you are having that may be that are related to ADHD. It is essential to not conceal information out of fear of shame or being criticized. Your past experiences will determine the accuracy of your evaluation as well as the effectiveness of any treatment recommendations.
The examiner will want to review your social, emotional and academic history and also examine how these issues are affecting you now. They will also review the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines, which are found in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," fifth edition (DSM-5). They'll want to know about any symptoms you have now in addition to any symptoms you have had since childhood. They will also interview you and when possible, talk to those who knew you when you were a kid.
They will determine if your symptoms can be more likely to be explained by another medical condition or mental health problem, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. Read the Full Report will also determine if you suffer from a neurodevelopmental condition or learning impairment.
If a doctor doesn't believe that you suffer from ADHD they will explain the other conditions or issues that could be causing problems and why they don't think you are suffering from ADHD. This does not mean you must accept this diagnosis. However it could be useful in planning your future care.
In many cases adults who are diagnosed with ADHD will receive support not just from other adults with ADHD, but also their family members, friends, colleagues, teachers, and coaches. They could also benefit from attending classes that teach relationships or marriage and couples counseling. Counseling can be beneficial for those with ADHD who struggle with low confidence. It can help them improve their interpersonal skills.
3. Contact us to schedule a consultation
ADHD is caused by a shortage or imbalance of neurotransmitters which regulate brain activity. This can impact an individual's attention span and ability to finish tasks. Adults who are not treated for ADHD are likely to struggle with their careers, relationships and other aspects of their lives. If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD, speak to your doctor or request an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist who is specialized in mental illness.
A mental health professional will employ a rating system to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. They might also interview significant people who are important to you, such as spouses, and complete an assessment checklist for symptoms. A thorough evaluation might include a psychological test that measures working memory, executive functioning (the capabilities that are involved in making decisions and planning) as well as spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills. The results can be used to rule out any conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or anxiety.
During the evaluation, your healthcare professional will also take into account how you have dealt with your symptoms over the course of time. If you tend to forget appointments, make impulsive choices and fail to meet deadlines, your doctor might recommend therapy or classes in order to assist you in learning more effective ways to deal with these challenges. Your doctor may suggest medication as well. Stimulant drugs are most commonly employed to treat people suffering from ADHD and are highly efficient. They aren't suitable for everyone and can have adverse effects. Nonstimulant drugs that don't have the potential to be abused are now available and could be as effective as stimulants.
It's important to educate others on ADHD. While people who suffer from ADHD need to be diagnosed and seek treatment in order to improve their lives, it's also helpful for them to educate their spouses, parents, and coworkers. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get their spouses, parents, and their co-workers to accept their behavior. The ability to educate others can improve relationships and increase support systems. There are also ADHD support groups in a variety of communities and online.
It isn't easy to determine ADHD in adults however, it is doable. Talk to your GP who can recommend a treatment that is most appropriate to your needs.
4. Schedule an Evaluation
It may take time to complete a thorough examination and a diagnosis. Request a referral from your primary care physician however, in the event that your GP is reluctant or doesn't agree to refer you to other health professionals. Contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for the names of local professionals who are experts in adult ADHD, or check with the professional associations that support people suffering from ADHD to determine if they have any suggestions.
If 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 examine your medical as well as family and personal background along with any current problems. They'll probably want to know how the symptoms have impacted your relationships or work performance as well as finances. They may use standardized ratings scales to assess your behavior to that of people who don't have ADHD. These ratings can help you determine if your symptoms are due to ADHD or if they're more likely to be explained by other disorders, like depression and anxiety.
Your evaluator will likely also order cognitive tests to look for intellectual or learning impairments that could explain your problems at school or at work. Certain evaluators may also look for other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD like seizures or thyroid disorders.
The evaluators might request additional physical examinations or laboratory tests, like blood work and brain imaging, to rule out other health problems. They might require you to complete an assessment that focuses on specific signs, like difficulties in planning and organizing or being overly active and impulsive. They might also ask a family or friend member about your childhood to determine if there are any clues that suggest you suffer from ADHD.
It is important to be open and honest during the interview. Many adults are uncomfortable asking for a diagnosis and not divulge information, believing that it will make their appearance look worse. But, it is essential for a successful diagnosis that the examiner receives precise information regarding your struggles with organizational skills as well as impulse control and relationships.