Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Many people suffer from moderate or mild ADHD. If their issues are severe enough to cause problems with work or relationships they could be diagnosed.
They might feel stressed at work or school, or ashamed for procrastinating. You can consult your primary care physician for recommendations, or search on the internet for health professionals who perform ADHD assessments.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The process of diagnosis begins with a thorough examination that focuses on the medical history of the patient. This includes the history of their family and major life events like relationships, work and school performance drug use, and driving record. It also covers lifestyle habits like sleep, diet and exercise as well as any vitamins or supplements the individual is taking.
Then the provider reviews the person's symptoms and compares them to the diagnostic criteria laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include symptoms of inattention and impulsivity that are present for at minimum six months, and are significant enough to interfere with school or work and are not explained by another mental health condition. For adults, the threshold is lower that is five out of nine criteria are required to be diagnosed.
The next step is usually a physical exam, as certain illnesses like thyroid problems and seizures can cause ADHD-like signs. This step helps the provider narrow down possible causes. It also helps them create an "suspects list" which they then examine through additional tests. These tests could include bloodwork, brain imaging and cognitive testing. These tests can take some time but they are vital to ensure that your provider does not miss any issue that could be the cause of ADHD symptoms.
After the list has been reduced, it's time for a final diagnosis. The doctor will go over the results and suggest treatment in light of their findings. A diagnosis can be a life-changing event for many. It can help explain the years of struggle and challenges that were wrongly blamed by some on incompetence or lazyness. It can also help people to recognize their strengths and how to make use of them. For some, it may cause a period of sorrow as they consider the opportunities they missed because their symptoms went untreated.
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD then it is recommended to seek a specialist evaluation on the NHS that will include a complete mental health evaluation and an ADHD assessment, as well as an appointment with your GP for shared management. Private diagnosis can be difficult, but some GPs are willing to do so in exchange for a private consultation.
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Adults suffering from ADHD have a tendency to manage their symptoms and enjoy a productive and satisfying life. However when their symptoms get more severe they may struggle to find work, maintain healthy relationships, and cope with the stresses of daily life. Financial problems may also arise due to missed doctor's appointments, late fees, or impulse purchases. This can cause feelings of failure and low self-esteem.
It's important to speak with your doctor if you might have ADHD in adulthood. They can provide advice on treatment options and can refer you to a specialist, if needed. The healthcare professional will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose you. This is the book 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. Additionally, the symptoms should have been present in at least two or more settings, and they must interfere with or diminish the quality of your school, social or work-related performance.
Inattention symptoms include forgetting important details or instructions, and difficulty paying attention. They can also result in losing things like eyeglasses, keys 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 is also prone to having difficulty keeping a schedule or staying organized. They may also have difficulty completing homework and chores. They may also have trouble remembering dates or appointments, and they could be easily distracted by other activities or people.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be empowering because it helps you understand that your difficulties are not your fault. You can then take steps to change your habits and improve your ability to manage your time, tasks, and money. You can also learn coping strategies to manage your symptoms. Your health care professional might prescribe lifestyle changes in addition to medications. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. It's important to get enough rest and stay away from sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants before the time you go to bed.
What is the treatment process?
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult requires more than finding the correct medication. People who have ADHD may have to alter their lifestyles and their behavior, and may require counseling to manage their symptoms.
If a person is going to see a healthcare professional to get an ADHD assessment, they must be honest about any issues in their lives that may be related to the disorder, including issues with relationships, as well as problems at work or school. You will be asked to fill out an assessment questionnaire that requests details in these areas. You may also be able to ask your family members or friends to complete the same. These responses can provide valuable information about whether the person's issues are due to ADHD or other causes like stress, physical conditions like depression or even ADHD.
The evaluator takes into account the person's past including their childhood experiences and any traumas that they may have suffered. The evaluator may ask the person to fill out one or more of the standardized behavior ratings scales, which compare the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those who don't. They can also administer psychological tests that examine working memory, executive functioning as well as spatial and visual abilities.
If a medical professional believes that someone is suffering from ADHD they'll usually recommend him or her to a specialist who is familiar with the disorder in adults. People can find these specialists by asking their primary physician for a referral or looking for a mental health professional who is familiar with ADHD in the online directory of their health insurance plan. They are also able to join a local adult ADHD support group and talk to others who have experienced the same thing.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can trigger a variety of emotions, including satisfaction that there is now an explanation for their symptoms, and anger that they went undiagnosed for so long. Some individuals may even be battling feelings of guilt for not having make more effort or achieve better results in their lives, however this feeling can be quelled by acknowledging that their problems aren't their own fault and identifying the appropriate treatment to improve their lives.
What is the Support Process?
When a person is diagnosed with ADHD, they may have a range of complicated emotions, like happiness that they have finally found an answer to their difficulties, regret over missed opportunities that could have been avoided through a earlier diagnosis, or anger at the fact that their condition has been largely ignored for so long. Getting treated can help you overcome obstacles and reach your goals. It's essential to speak to a healthcare professional who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They can help you establish realistic goals, devise effective ways to improve your everyday life, and also get your family members on the same page.
You can try self-testing or rate yourself on online questionnaires, but these tools won't provide you with a definitive diagnosis. The best method to get an accurate diagnosis is to consult your primary care physician for the referral to an expert, or to contact your health insurance company online directory to locate the doctor with experience treating adults suffering from ADHD.
It is important to collect any relevant documents for your situation once you have identified an expert medical professional. These could include old school report cards and copies of psychological tests and performance evaluations at work. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your symptoms at home and in work as well as your use of alcohol or drugs, and your relationships with friends and family. You may also need to present records from other professionals, like a psychiatrist psychologist, neurologist, or psychiatrist.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD typically do so because they're struggling to be successful in their professional and personal lives, and want to understand what's happening. They might feel that their productivity is declining or their relationships are in a state of tension, or they may have an ongoing sadness that is not explained by any other reason.
It can be challenging for some people to obtain an assessment, as health experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD symptoms appear to be. This is particularly true for minorities, people born females and non-native English speaking people. However, there is increasing awareness of these biases and efforts to address them.