Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Many people suffer from mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. If their problems are severe enough to affect relationships or work they could be diagnosed.
They might feel overwhelmed at school or work or feel embarrassed about procrastinating. They can consult their primary physician for recommendations, or search online or through a phone number for health professionals who can conduct ADHD assessments.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The diagnosis process starts with an extensive interview that focuses on the person's medical history. This includes the family history, as well as major life events like relationships, work and school performance as well as drug and driving records. This includes habits of daily life like sleep, diet, and exercise and any vitamins and supplements that the individual may be taking.
The physician then reviews the patient's symptoms and compares these to the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This includes symptoms of impulsivity or inattention, that have been present for at least six months and are significant enough to hinder school or work. Adults have a lower threshold: only five of nine criteria are required to identify a mental health condition.
A physical exam is usually next, as certain illnesses like thyroid issues and seizure disorders can trigger symptoms similar to ADHD. This step helps the provider determine the possible causes. It also helps them create an "suspects list" that they can analyze by conducting further tests. The tests can range from brain imaging to blood tests to cognitive testing. These tests can take a long time however they are essential to ensure your doctor does not miss any problems that could be causing ADHD symptoms.
Once the list is narrowed down, it's time to determine a final diagnosis. The doctor will go over the results and suggest treatment in light of their findings. For many, receiving diagnosed is a life-changing experience. It can make sense of long-running problems and struggles, which were sometimes unfairly blamed on incompetence or lazyness. It can also help them to appreciate their strengths and the best ways to utilize them. Some may experience a sense of regret as they reflect on the opportunities that were missed because of their ailments not being addressed.
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD, it is best to undergo a specialist assessment on the NHS which will include a full mental health evaluation and an ADHD assessment, plus an appointment with your GP for shared management. It can be difficult to get a diagnosis in private but certain GPs will offer it in exchange for private consultation.
What are the symptoms?
Adults suffering from ADHD are often able to manage their symptoms and live productive and satisfying lives. However when their symptoms become severe, they can struggle to find work, maintain healthy relationships, and deal with the stresses of daily life. They might also face issues with finances due to missed doctor appointments, late fees, or an impulsive spending. he has a good point can cause feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem.
It's important to speak with your doctor if you suspect you may have ADHD as you grow older. They will be able to provide advice on treatment options and recommend you to a specialist if necessary. Your healthcare professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose you, which is the book that lists the symptoms of mental health disorders.
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 must also be present in more than one environment and must affect your ability to function at school, work or socially.
Inattention symptoms include forgetting details or instructions, as well as difficulty paying attention. They can also cause you to lose things such as eyeglasses, keys, and paperwork. 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 with ADHD may also have trouble maintaining a routine, staying organized, or finishing homework and chores. They might also have trouble remembering appointments or dates, and may be easily distracted by people or activities.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be empowering, since it helps you realize that your issues aren't your responsibility. It is then possible to alter your behavior and improve how you manage time, money, and tasks. You can also learn strategies to help deal with your symptoms. Your health professional may suggest lifestyle changes, in addition to medications. This includes eating a balanced diet, regularly exercise and a healthy lifestyle. It's also important to get enough sleep and avoid sugar, caffeine and other stimulants in the hours prior to bedtime.
What is the Treatment Process?
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often involves more than just finding the right medication. The people who suffer from this condition also need to work on changing their lifestyle and behavior and may require counseling to help them cope with their symptoms.
If an adult goes to an expert in healthcare for an ADHD evaluation, he / she should be honest with any problems they are experiencing that could be related to ADHD issues, like relationship issues, difficulties at work, or difficulties at school. You will be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire that requests specific information about these areas. You may also be able to ask your family members or friends to complete the same. These responses can be an important source of information as to whether an individual's issues are caused by ADHD or by other factors like physical or psychological conditions such as depression.
The evaluator also takes into account the individual's history especially their childhood experiences, as well as any traumas they may have endured. They may ask the individual to fill out one or more standard behavior rating scales that measure the behavior of people with and without ADHD. Psychological tests are often administered to assess working memory, executive function and visual and spatial abilities.
If a healthcare professional thinks someone is suffering from ADHD, they will usually refer him or her to a specialist who is experienced in treating the condition in adults. These specialists can be found by asking their primary care doctor for a referral or searching for an expert in mental health who is experienced with ADHD in the online directory of their health insurance plan. You can also join an in-person support group for adults suffering from ADHD and talk to others who have had similar experiences.
The diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions for adults, including relief and frustration at not being diagnosed sooner. Some people might feel guilty for not trying harder or doing better in their lives. However this guilt can be quelled when they realize that their difficulties weren't their own fault and seek the appropriate treatment to improve their overall quality of life.
What is the Support Process?
If an adult is diagnosed with ADHD, they may have a range of complicated emotions, such as relief that there is finally a concrete explanation for their struggles, grief over missed opportunities that could have been averted by an earlier diagnosis, or resentment that their symptoms have been overlooked for too long. Being treated can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. It's important to talk to an expert in health care who is familiar with treating adults with ADHD. They can assist you to set realistic expectations, develop effective strategies to improve your everyday life, and help bring family members closer.
You could try to self-test or rate yourself on online questionnaires, but those tools can't give you an accurate diagnosis. 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 find a specialist with experience treating adults is the best way to receive an accurate diagnosis.
If you are able to locate an expert in medicine to see, you should prepare for your appointment by gathering any records relevant to your specific situation. This might include performance evaluations from work as well as copies of previous psychological tests, as well as old report cards from school. Then, be prepared to answer questions about your behavior at home and at work, your use of alcohol or drugs and your relationships with family and friends. You may also have to present records from other professionals, such as a psychiatrist, neurologist, or psychologist.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD generally struggle to be successful in both their professional and personal life and are keen to find out what's going on. They might feel that their productivity is declining or their relationships are not working, or they may have a persistent sad mood that is not explained by any other cause.
It can be challenging for some people to get a diagnosis, because the health professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD symptoms appear to be. This is particularly relevant for those who are minority groups, assigned female at birth, or who are not native English people. There is an increasing awareness of these biases and efforts are being made to overcome these biases.