ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists or neurologists, or family doctors) must be able to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms are evaluated using standardized behavior ratings scales that are based on research that compared the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not have.
A medical exam is also usually performed, since certain medical conditions such as seizure disorders or thyroid issues may mimic symptoms of ADHD.
Symptoms
The majority of people seeking a diagnosis of ADHD claim that the symptoms are affecting their lives. They may have difficulty keeping a job or maintaining healthy relationships. They may also have difficulty to manage household chores. They may be suffering from mood disorders, anxiety disorders, or substance abuse problems. To be diagnosed first, you should make an appointment with a medical professional. Your doctor can recommend an expert in mental health who is qualified to perform ADHD assessments for adults. You can also ask a local university-based hospital or a medical school for recommendations. Some insurance plans list professionals by specialty.
During the examination, the mental healthcare specialist will examine your medical and personal history, and look you over to determine if you meet any of the ADHD diagnostic criteria. They are listed by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. The doctor will examine for impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity. Inattention symptoms include difficulty paying attention to what other people are saying or doing and not following instructions and ignoring the details. People suffering from ADHD tend to be distracted and have difficulty completing tasks, particularly when they aren't interested in them.
People with hyperactive and impulsive symptoms might run around and climb up places they shouldn't, disrupt conversations and games or take over other people's toys and sports equipment, or even homework assignments. They can't wait their turn or play with a calm mind. They will often answer questions before the person asking them has finished thinking, or they can't wait to speak in a social setting, at school, or at work. They may have trouble waiting for assistance or even using money, and frequently skip appointments.
A thorough mental health assessment is essential prior to diagnosing ADHD since a variety of conditions may mimic the symptoms of the disorder, such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, certain medications and head injuries. A psychiatric assessment typically involves a structured interview that delves into your personal, emotional and academic life. It may also include family and friends interviews. Your mental health specialist may conduct psychological testing to measure your working memory ability, executive functioning abilities, and visual and spatial skills.
Diagnosis
It can be life-changing for adults to be given an ADHD diagnosis. It can provide a valid explanation for the frustrations they encounter every day: problems at work or issues in establishing relationships, relationship conflicts or financial instability. It could also help them to understand the reasons they were labeled as irresponsible or lazy during their childhood.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing ADHD in children since the symptoms change as time passes. To determine if you have the disorder, doctors must use the guidelines set forth by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if someone is a candidate for the diagnosis. This is a thorough examination that may include symptom checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales, and interviews with significant others such as spouses or parents and teachers.
In addition to conducting a thorough interview, some physicians may also require patients to answer questionnaires or complete psychological tests to measure executive functioning, working memory, capabilities (such as decision-making and planning) spatial and visual skills, and reasoning (thinking) capabilities. Certain doctors may also recommend blood tests, physical examinations, or a brain scan, depending on the individual.
It's important for a clinician to consider possible co-occurring conditions that could be the cause of ADHD such as mood disorders and learning disabilities, as well as substance use or head injuries (Austerman, 2015). In the course of an assessment, a doctor might also talk to relatives of the patient and friends to gather additional details about their experiences with the condition.
Many people with ADHD forget about events that happened in their childhood, particularly when they're in emotional distress. It's not uncommon for doctors to request parents or other family members to submit an retrospective ADHD report detailing the child's behavior as well as school performance.
Some patients are reluctant to seek a diagnosis due to the fact that they don't think their issues are serious. If not diagnosed, ADHD can cause severe consequences for those who suffer from it.
Treatment
For adults with ADHD being diagnosed is the first step in getting treatment. Most people who suffer from ADHD begin by speaking to their primary healthcare provider, who will recommend them to a mental-health professional.
A psychiatric evaluation typically includes a description and discussion of symptoms, interviews with the patient and other sources like spouses and friends, completions of ADHD symptoms lists as well as standardized behavior scales and psychometric tests, such as intelligence and learning disability tests. It's also crucial to rule out any other medical conditions that could be a cause of ADHD symptoms, including thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
Most of the time, the most difficult part of being diagnosed with adhd for adults is coming to terms with the stigma that is associated with the condition. Untreated ADHD can cause an adult to feel as if they're failing in areas such as relationships and work. Being diagnosed can help people understand what's happening and realize that it's not their fault said research psychologist Karla Pretorius, M. Psychology, who specializes in ADHD in adults.
It is also beneficial to discuss your symptoms with co-workers and teachers as well as supervisors. They will be able to better understand your struggles when you educate them on ADHD. They may make small adjustments, like allowing you more time to complete assignments or providing you with a quiet space to study. You'll notice that many more info of your instructors or coworkers are more understanding than you expected.
Consult your primary physician about participating in a trial if you are interested in medication for ADHD. These trials are designed to test new methods to prevent or treat illnesses and conditions. You can get access to the latest treatments and therapies before they are widely available.
Treatments for ADHD can improve your ability to concentrate, follow directions and control the impulsive behavior. However, it's essential to take medications in conjunction with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help you develop coping skills, help you establish healthy routines and to manage your feelings of discontent and shame over past mistakes. It will help you to understand how your ADHD affects the dynamics of your family and relationships.
Counseling
For many adults, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be a transformative experience. They might have struggled to deal with chaotic, impulsive or inattention behaviors for years without ever knowing the reason. Receiving a diagnosis enables them to see that their problems aren't due to being unlucky or ineffective.
The process of interviewing an expert in mental health is the first step towards receiving an assessment. In this interview, the person will be asked about their mental health issues and how they affect their life professionally and personally. The doctor will also try to learn about the history of the patient, especially from childhood. This could include asking about any past diagnoses or other mental health issues. It is usually beneficial for people to bring along a family member or a close acquaintance to the interview, since they can help them recall details.
During the evaluation the person could be required to take psychological tests that measure working memory, executive function, spatial and visual capacities, and reasoning skills. Answering all questions honestly and completely is crucial to obtaining an accurate picture of a candidate's abilities. During the interview, it is essential that a person does not hold back information because of shame or embarrassment.
To receive a diagnosis, a person must have symptoms of ADHD that result in significant impairment in more than one setting. ADHD symptoms can cause a person to have difficulty at school or at work, and even have relationship issues.
Counseling can help those who have been diagnosed with ADHD to discover how to manage their symptoms and develop strategies for success at school, at work, and in relationships. This includes individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and learning to manage impulsive and inattentive behavior. It is also recommended that individuals who have been diagnosed as having ADHD seek out marriage and family counseling to address the issues that may be caused by their symptoms.
Other kinds of counseling that could be useful for those with ADHD include OT (occupational therapy) and yoga techniques, which combine the physical benefits of exercise with the psychological benefits of meditation. OT can help those with ADHD establish routines and structure and yoga can teach breathing and relaxation techniques to promote mental calmness.