Adult ADHD Diagnosis
For some people being diagnosed with adult ADHD is the first step toward getting treatment. They may be unhappy at work, in their social or home lives due to symptoms like fidgeting, forgetting things, or interrupting others.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often means going through an extensive evaluation that includes interviewing the person and their family members, using standard tests and rating scales. This usually involves an examination of the body.
Symptoms
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the course of many adult lives. It can help people to understand why they've had to struggle for so long, and make sense of their previous choices. It can also provide hope for a brighter future. If diagnosis of adhd struggling to locate your keys, feel that you're not able to finish your work or you're being labelled lazy or irresponsible or you have been accused of being irresponsible or lazy, then getting a diagnosis will aid you in finding the best treatment for you.
For most adults, the signs appear in several areas of their lives. They are more common in one area than the other. They might be irritable and impulsive in school, but have trouble keeping up at work. They might forget to make appointments or underestimate the time needed to complete tasks. They may have trouble making friends or engage in frequent fights with their spouses. If these issues are serious they may affect everyday life and cause anxiety or depression.
While it's essential to consider the possibility of being diagnosed with ADHD but it's equally important to look at the other factors that could be that are causing the symptoms. Stress, mental health conditions and certain medications are frequently associated with symptoms that are similar. A thorough examination by a qualified professional is required to be sure that the issue is being addressed.
Unlike children, adults with ADHD do not show the more obvious signs of hyperactivity. Instead, the symptoms of hyperactivity manifest more subduedly as fidgeting or difficulty sitting still in the chair. Women with ADHD are more likely to show these symptoms, as they are more likely to hide their inattention in their jobs and social interactions.
During the exam the doctor will review the patient's medical history and how the symptoms affect their daily lives. They will also inquire about family history, and when possible, ask a family member their views on childhood behavior. They might also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological, or learning disabilities tests. In some cases it is necessary to perform a physical examination in order to rule out certain illnesses which can mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD.
Diagnosis
Adults who suspect they have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their health care provider. This is especially important if the problems are connected to school or work. Primary healthcare providers can refer people to mental health professionals who specialize in adult ADHD evaluations and treatment. Those professionals should be willing to disclose details about their training level and experiences working with adults suffering from ADHD, Hamdani says. Anyone who isn't willing to provide this information should be regarded with suspicion Hamdani adds.
Getting a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing experience. It provides an explanation to years of self-criticism and frustration for certain. Others feel a sense of satisfaction that there's a rationale for the difficulties they've experienced in their lives, or that their struggles weren't simply "in their heads."
In the majority of instances, an adult suffering from ADHD will receive a diagnosis by conducting a thorough interview with a certified professional. This will include a review of the individual's personal, family and medical history. The professional will also ask the person to rate their behavior using one or a variety of standard ADHD scales for behavioral assessment. These ratings are based upon research that compared the behavior of people with ADHD and those who don't have the disorder.
The person will also be asked about how the symptoms interfere with their life. In order to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, an adult must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment in at least two settings (such as home, school and work) and that are not better explained by other factors.
The people who are diagnosed of adult ADHD typically have co-existing disorders known as co-morbidities. Common comorbidities with ADHD include anxiety disorders, depression and drug or alcohol abuse. Some experts believe that these comorbidities are maladaptive coping strategies to deal with the stress and frustrations that come with untreated ADHD.
It is also important to remember that ADHD is more prevalent in men than women, and it may be difficult for many people who do have the disorder to get diagnosed because of long-held prejudices about the symptoms and their impact on men versus women. Some women can mask their symptoms better, which can lead them to delay diagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis.
Treatment
It can be beneficial for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD to speak with an expert in mental health care, preferably one with experience in treating adults with ADHD. This individual can teach the adult behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning at home, work or at school. They can also help adults recognize the reasons why their behavior is different and what triggers them.
A mental health professional should take a thorough look at an adult's health as they could have other disorders that are similar to ADHD. This could include a thorough description of the person's symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by the person in question and others who know him or her well, a complete medical and psychiatric history, as well as an extensive physical examination.
It is crucial to conduct a thorough examination to determine if a person suffers from a comorbid condition such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional may also conduct neuropsychological or cognitive tests to examine how the brain functions and to determine the cause of the issues, such as a learning impairment or physical illness.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated by psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Adults may benefit from individual talk therapy to improve their self-esteem and deal with the emotional burdens that come with ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also improve time management and organization, as well as impulse control. They also can address the impact stressors affect an individual's ability to perform.
Some people with ADHD can benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy gives you the opportunity to connect with people who face similar issues and discuss how to overcome these challenges. These groups are typically run by a support or advocacy group.
Medication is also an option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. There are many medications, including stimulants (such as methylphenidate sold under the name Ritalin) that boost levels of norepinephrine within the brain. Antidepressants and the antipsychotic drug Wellbutrin (Bupropion) help regulate moods and decrease impulsive behavior. Your Mercy doctor will discuss all of your treatment options with you.
Support
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD suffer from the disorder for a long time without realizing it. Frustration with everyday challenges such as forgetting appointments, making careless mistakes at work, or blowing off family or friendship commitments can lead them to seek an assessment. It's common for these people to feel a sense relief once they get an answer, particularly when they realize why they have been struggling throughout their lives.
A mental health professional may conduct an ADHD assessment, but the primary physician is typically an excellent starting point. If necessary, the doctor may refer the patient to an expert. A psychiatric nursing, psychiatrist or psychologist can also assess ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans include specialists according to their specialization and assist people in finding the right health professional who is experienced in ADHD in adults.
During the examination the mental health professional will ask about the person's past problems and also how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It is crucial to be honest and open during the evaluation, so that the mental healthcare professional can make an accurate assessment.
Psychotherapy, also known as psychological counseling, can help people manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach people specific skills to change their thinking patterns and behaviors. The combination of therapy and medication can to reduce the symptoms of the disorder.
Many adult ADHD sufferers benefit from social support groups. The opportunity to share their struggles with other people who are experiencing similar challenges can be a source of inspiration and motivation. Some of these groups are online and are open to everyone who suffers from ADHD. Others are geared towards specific groups, like African Americans with ADHD, couples affected by the disorder or those who identify as gay or lesbian.
Certain people may feel a sense of shame or embarrassment about their symptoms, which can hinder their desire to seek assistance. However, a doctor should explain that ADHD is not a sign of weakness or failure.