Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is an essential first step in managing issues that can cause chaos at work, home and in relationships. It can also be a way to see the bigger picture of issues that have been a source of confusion and frustrating for years.
During the evaluation process, mental health professionals use the standardized behavior rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if an adult is meeting the diagnostic criteria. They can also conduct interviews with family members and significant others to gain additional insights.
1. Talk to your Health Care Provider
Talking to your doctor is the first step in getting a diagnosis. Your doctor can help you understand your symptoms and may refer you to a specialist if needed.
You might also ask family members, friends and co-workers for recommendations for professionals who specialize in ADHD assessments for adults. Your insurance company may also be able to provide information about the providers in your region. Attending an ADHD support group is a different alternative. You can meet with people who share the same struggles, and learn from them how they handle them.
Many adults choose to seek treatment because they're frustrated that their symptoms affect their the daily routine, whether at work or in their private lives. They're tired of losing their keys, being late for meetings and struggling to maintain their jobs or maintain healthy relationships. You can take control of these signs by obtaining an appointment with a doctor.
When you discuss your symptoms with your physician be honest. Don't be afraid to speak up because you don't want to be seen as weak or irresponsible. Your doctor requires a complete picture of your problems and how they have affected your work performance and personal life.
Be prepared to speak up on medication if your doctor recommends it. Some adults aren't disposed to take medication and prefer alternative methods of treatment like psychotherapy (the medical term for mental health therapy) and lifestyle adjustments that are known as accommodations. Accommodations help those who suffer from ADHD to achieve their goals, much like a step stool allows those who are smaller to attain the same height as other people.
Your doctor will inquire about your experience with ADHD. It's best to be able to recall details from childhood, as this is when the disorder is more likely to come up. Depending on where you live you may be required to collect copies of your school records or speak to teachers or other adults who were around you as a child however, remember that these records don't necessarily indicate a diagnosis.
2. Request a Referral
If you are concerned about how your conduct is negatively impacting your work, school or relationships, your family physician may suggest an ADHD assessment and treatment. They may recommend you to other specialists who treat adults suffering from ADHD, such as psychiatrists and psychologists.
If you are visiting an expert for an evaluation, be sure you are open and honest about the issues you are facing. This is especially true for any ADHD-related issues. It is important to not conceal information due to fear of shame or being criticized. Your personal history will determine the validity of your assessment as well as the effectiveness of any treatment suggestions.
The examiner will examine your emotional, social and academic background and also discuss how these issues are affecting you right now. The examiner will also go over the diagnostic guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). They will ask you questions about your current symptoms and any you might have experienced in the past. They will conduct an interview with you and if possible, also speak with people who knew you as a kid.
In addition to determining whether you meet the requirements for ADHD, they will consider whether your symptoms may be better explained by another mental health condition or medical issue, such as depression or anxiety. They will also determine if you suffer from a neurodevelopmental disorder or learning impairment.
If a professional doesn't agree that you suffer from ADHD they will discuss the other conditions or issues that could be causing your difficulties and the reason why they don't believe you suffer from ADHD. It doesn't mean you have to accept the diagnosis, but it could help you plan your future treatment.
In most instances, a person who has been diagnosed with adult ADHD will receive support from other people suffering from ADHD and their families as along with co-workers, friends teachers, coaches and trainers. They could also benefit from attending classes that teach communication or marriage and couples counseling. Counseling can help those with ADHD who struggle with low confidence. It can help them improve their communication skills.
3. Contact us to schedule a consultation
ADHD is caused by a deficiency or imbalance of neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. This can impact a person's attention span and ability to complete tasks. Adults who are not treated for ADHD may struggle with their work as well as in other areas of their lives. If you think you might have ADHD consult your health doctor or seek a referral to see a psychologist or psychiatrist who is trained in mental health.
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 a spouse, and complete an assessment checklist for symptoms. A thorough evaluation might include psychological testing that measures working memory and executive functioning (the capabilities involved in planning and decision-making) spatial and visual abilities and reasoning abilities. The results can be used to rule out conditions that can be causing similar symptoms, like depression or anxiety.
During the examination your doctor will also consider how you have dealt with your symptoms over the course of time. If you tend to forget appointments, make decisions impulsively and fail to meet deadlines, your doctor may recommend therapy or classes in order to help you develop more effective ways to deal with these challenges. adult adhd diagnosis might recommend medication as well. The most common stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are highly effective. However, they aren't suitable for everyone, and they can have side negative effects. Nonstimulant medications that don't have the potential to be abused are now available. They are equally effective as stimulants.
It's important to educate others on ADHD. While people who suffer from ADHD should get a diagnosis and be treated in order to improve their lives, it's also helpful to help them inform their spouses, parents and coworkers. Many people suffering from ADHD struggle to get their spouses, their parents, and even their coworkers to accept their behavior. Education can improve relationships and support systems. There are also ADHD support groups within many communities and online.
It can be difficult to identify ADHD in adults however, it is doable. Talk to your GP who can refer you to a service that's best suited to your needs.
4. Schedule for an Evaluation
It may take time to complete a thorough examination and a diagnosis. Request an appointment from your primary care physician however, if your GP isn't willing or doesn't accept a referral to other health experts. Contact your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD for names of local specialists who specialize in adult ADHD, or check with the professional associations that support people with ADHD to determine whether they have any recommendations.
Once you've been referred to an evaluator, you should be prepared for a lengthy and detailed interview about your symptoms and how they impact your life. The evaluator is going to examine your medical family, personal, and medical history along with any current problems. They'll likely want to know how the symptoms have impacted your relationships or work performance as well as financial situation. They may employ standard rating scales that measure your behavior against those of people without ADHD. These ratings can help determine whether your symptoms are due to ADHD or if they are more likely to be explained by other disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
Your evaluator could also conduct cognitive tests to check for learning or intellectual disabilities which could explain your difficulties at school or work. Some evaluators also screen for other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD, such as seizure disorders or thyroid disorders.
Some evaluators will request additional physical examinations or lab tests, like brain imaging or blood tests, to rule out any other health issues. They might ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire that seeks out specific signs, such as difficulties in planning and organizing or being too active and hyperactive. They may also ask your family members or friends about your childhood in order to search for evidence that you have ADHD.
It is important to be 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 essential that the person evaluating you gets accurate information about your issues in the areas of organization skills, impulse control, and relationships.