How is ADHD Diagnosed in Adults?
Adults need to undergo a thorough assessment by an expert in mental health or health care provider to establish the diagnosis of ADHD. This may include interviews with the patient and close family members or colleagues.
In addition, the person being evaluated could be asked to complete questionnaires and write up their thoughts regarding childhood behavior. A complete evaluation will also include screening for ADHD symptoms as well as a series of psychological tests.
Symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until the age of adulthood and the symptoms of the disorder are more noticeable in their daily lives. It is important that you recognize the symptoms in order to speak with an expert in healthcare regarding your concerns. The health professional may ask you about your child-like symptoms. This is because, as per current guidelines, a diagnosis can only be made when the symptoms first started before the age of 12.
Do you often miss deadlines or appointments for instance? Do you struggle to keep track of financial records or other obligations? Are you impulsive and do you make rash decisions that could cause trouble with family members and friends as well as colleagues. These behaviors can be a sign of ADHD, which can make it difficult to maintain your job and manage relationships. Treatment can ease these symptoms and allow you to achieve your personal and professional goals.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults are similar to the symptoms in children, but they may differ because of the way that adults are able to function in their work and social life. The symptoms can be mild to severe. In the case of moderate symptoms, they can result in noticeable disruptions to your performance. In extreme cases, symptoms can lead to issues with finances and relationships, as well as difficulties in school or your career.
If you suspect that you may have ADHD If you suspect that you have ADHD, first talk to your primary care doctor to get an appointment with a specialist in mental health who can perform an evaluation. You can also ask your health insurance company for a list or professionals who can conduct tests for ADHD or other conditions. A support group for ADHD could also be an excellent source. Members may have suggestions for professionals in this area.
In addition to asking you about your symptoms The evaluator will also review your medical and psychiatric history. They will complete a list of questions you have asked, and ask other people (such as parents, teachers spouses, close friends or spouses) who are familiar with you fill out questionnaires and surveys. The evaluator could also choose to conduct a physical exam as well as neurological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities, should it be necessary.
Diagnosis
If a person is experiencing ADHD symptoms and they interfere in their daily functioning the person could benefit from an evaluation by an expert in mental health or a primary care physician. The evaluator will review a person's medical history and psychiatric condition, interview the person about their symptoms, using checklists and rating scales to evaluate ADHD symptoms. They'll also take psychological tests to assess executive function, working memory (abilities that require making decisions and planning) and visual and spatial abilities. Neuropsychological or psychological tests can also be used to determine if a co-existing condition is causing the person's symptoms.
During the evaluation the evaluator will ask the individual to describe their symptoms and any issues they are experiencing at home, at school or at work. It is important for the person being assessed to be honest and not conceal information out of embarrassment or shame. The evaluator may also interview the person's spouse, close family members and friends. This is done to provide a more complete picture of the person's struggles and the impact they have on their relationships.
The evaluator will be looking for signs in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) to determine ADHD. This includes difficulty paying attention to specifics or making mistakes that are not a good idea or focusing issues with tasks or activities, and issues with following instructions and finishing schoolwork, chores and job tasks. The evaluator can also inquire about the person's childhood and family background.
If the examiner determines that the person has ADHD, they will refer them to a specialist who will provide treatments. Because adults might have poor or blurry memories of their childhood experiences and psycho-psychiatric assessments, the person being evaluated may need to have his or her parents or significant others fill out retrospective ADHD profiles. This will enable the evaluator to confirm childhood ADHD symptoms and determine ADHD as a disorder that is currently present. Certain people with ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring disorders such as addiction to substances, depression and anxiety. These additional issues must be addressed to alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Treatment
If you are having trouble keeping up with tasks at home or at work or you experience a lack of focus and unpredictable behavior, it might be time to seek assistance. Look for an expert in mental health who has special training in working with adults with ADHD or an primary care physician. Ask friends and family for recommendations or search for specialists in your area on the internet. Before visiting professionals, read reviews and make sure your insurance policy covers the cost.
You must experience symptoms more than once a week, and they must result in impairment in several areas of your life. Troublesome issues include losing your job, facing financial difficulties because of excessive spending or failing classes in schools, marital issues or issues with relationships with family members or friends. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, has the American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for ADHD. The DSM-5 criteria for determining the presence of adult ADHD includes a description of your symptoms, the completion of scales and questionnaires by you, your caregivers and teachers, and a complete medical and psychiatric history.
Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated in a variety of ways, including psychotherapy and medication. Behavioral therapy is a method that helps you monitor and alter your behavior. It can also help you improve your problem-solving and organizational skills. Psychotherapy can help you to understand your relationship with your ADHD and identify negative patterns of thinking that contribute to the disorder.
Psychotherapy is helpful in managing ADHD, as well as treating anxiety or depression. Marriage counseling and family therapy are also beneficial, especially for spouses who have ADHD and are facing similar challenges as you.
Adults suffering from ADHD are best treated by combining treatments. The first step is to speak with your GP, who can refer you to the right treatment for you. how to get diagnosed with adhd as an adult will be able to tell you if an assessment for ADHD is the right thing to do.
Support
People with ADHD are able to benefit from support groups in which they can share experiences and learn from one another. These groups provide not only emotional support, but also educate people on ADHD and treatment options and coping strategies. People suffering from ADHD may also find it beneficial to seek professional help in managing their symptoms. Certain professionals provide services specifically targeted at adults suffering from ADHD while others may offer general therapy sessions.
Talk therapy can help with managing ADHD symptoms. Therapists can assist people to increase their self-esteem and help them develop better ways of managing anger and stress. Some therapy providers specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), which is a technique that focuses on changing the way people think and behave.
Adults with ADHD often face difficulties that weren't present when they were children, such as relationships, financial issues and academic problems. Individual therapy can help people deal with these issues and work to overcome negative feelings like shame, embarrassment and resentment.
A person must exhibit significant impairment in two or more areas to be diagnosed with ADHD. This may include failing at work, extreme conflict and stress in a relationship or getting into trouble due to reckless driving or impulsive spending. The underlying causes of the impairment need to be investigated, as well, like medical issues, alcohol and drug usage, or other mental health disorders.
In an ADHD evaluation the health care provider or mental health professional will talk to the patient, spouse or close relatives and friends to ask questions about their past problems and conduct psychiatric evaluations. They may also complete behavior ratings scales or lists of symptoms and conduct psychological tests that test the cognitive abilities of the person, like memory and making decisions. They could also take a look at medical, educational, and family background to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
In the process of evaluating, it's important to be as truthful as possible. The therapist can determine if the person is taking steps to manage their symptoms, like maintaining a regular schedule for sleep or cutting out foods that might worsen them.