ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
A licensed mental health professional (psychiatrists, neurologists or family physicians) must be able to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms are assessed by standardized behavior ratings scales based on research that compares the behaviors of those with ADHD and those without.
A medical exam is also usually performed, since certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders can mimic symptoms of ADHD.
Symptoms
The majority of people seeking an assessment for ADHD say the symptoms are affecting their lives. They may be struggling to keep jobs or maintaining healthy relationships. They might also be struggling to keep up with household tasks. They may also suffer from anxiety, mood disorders or addiction issues. The first step to finding out if you are suffering from a disorder is to set up an appointment with your health care professional. Your doctor may refer you to an adult ADHD specialist who is qualified to conduct the evaluation. You can also ask an institution affiliated with a local university or a medical school for recommendations. Some insurance plans list professionals by specialization.
During the assessment the mental health specialist will review your medical and personal history and look you over to determine if you satisfy any of the ADHD diagnostic criteria. These are outlined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. The doctor will look for inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Inattention symptoms include having trouble paying attention to what other people are saying or doing, failing to follow instructions and ignoring particulars. ADHD sufferers are usually forgetful, and they have difficulty finishing tasks - particularly when the task is not appealing to them.
Hyperactive and impulsive individuals might run and climb into places they shouldn't. They might also interrupt games, conversations, or take the sports equipment of others or toys, as well as homework assignments. They are not able to wait for their turn, or play with a calm and controlled manner. They are often asked questions before the person asking them has completed their thinking, or are eager to speak in a social setting at school, at work. They may have a difficult time waiting for assistance or even using money, and frequently miss appointments.
A thorough mental health evaluation is essential prior to diagnosing ADHD, because many conditions can resemble the symptoms of the disorder, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and certain medications and head injuries. A psychiatric evaluation usually involves an organized interview that is focused on your social emotional, academic and personal life. It may also include family and friends interviews. Your mental health professional may conduct psychological tests to assess your working memory, executive functioning abilities as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Diagnosis
When adults receive an ADHD diagnosis, it's usually life-changing. It can provide a valid reason for the frustrations they face every day: problems at work or difficulties establishing relationships, relationship conflicts or financial instability. It could also help clarify the reasons why they were deemed in the past as irresponsible or lazy.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children since the symptoms can change as time passes. To diagnose the disorder, doctors must use the guidelines provided by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if a person is a candidate for the diagnosis. This is a thorough examination which may include symptom checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales, and interviews with significant others, such as parents or spouses and teachers.
In addition to a thorough interview, some doctors also ask individuals to complete questionnaires or take psychological tests to measure executive functioning, working memory, abilities (such as planning and decision-making), visual and spatial skills, and reasoning (thinking) capabilities. Based on the individual the doctor may order a brain scan or conduct other lab tests, like bloodwork or a physical exam.
It is crucial that a physician considers possible co-occurring disorders that may be similar to ADHD. These could include mood disorders and learning difficulties, as well as head injuries or substance abuse (Austerman 2015). In an assessment, a doctor might also speak with the patient's relatives and acquaintances to learn more about the condition.
Many people with ADHD forget important events from their childhood, particularly when they're suffering from emotional distress. Because of this, it's common for physicians to ask a patient's parents or other close family members to fill out a retrospective ADHD profile describing the child's behavior and school performance.
Some patients are hesitant to seek out a diagnosis because they don't believe their issues are serious. For those suffering from undiagnosed ADHD the repercussions of a missed or delayed diagnosis can be devastating.
Treatment
For adults suffering from ADHD, getting a diagnosis is the first step to finding treatment. The majority of people suffering from ADHD will begin by speaking to their primary care physician and they can refer them to an expert in mental health.
A psychiatric examination typically consists of an explanation of symptoms, interviews with the patient and other sources outside of the patient, like spouses and friends, complete of ADHD symptom checklists, standard behavioral scales and psychometric testing such as intelligence and learning disabilities tests. It's also important to rule out any other medical conditions that could mimic ADHD symptoms, including thyroid disorders and seizure disorder.
Often, the most difficult aspect of being diagnosed with adhd for adults is overcoming the stigma that comes with the condition. It's not uncommon for a person with untreated ADHD to feel like a failure especially in areas such as work and relationships. A diagnosis can help adults who suffer from ADHD understand what is going on and realize it's not their fault, according to research psychologist Karla Pretorius, M.Psych, who specializes ADHD in adults.
It is also beneficial to discuss your issues with colleagues and teachers as well as supervisors. The process of educating them about ADHD can help them recognize your difficulties and help you make small accommodations to enable you to be successful for example, giving you more time to complete assignments or a quiet place to study. You'll find that often your co-workers or instructors are more understanding than you would expect.
If you're interested in attempting treatment for your ADHD, talk to your primary care physician about the possibility of participating in a clinical trial. These trials are designed for testing new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and conditions. You will have access to the latest treatments and therapies before they are widely accessible.
ADHD medications can help you improve your ability to concentrate and follow directions, as well as control impulsive behavior. It's important to combine medication with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can help you build strategies for dealing with stress, establish healthy routines, and manage your feelings of guilt and discontent over past failures. It will also help you recognize how your ADHD affects your family dynamics and relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing experience for many adults. Many people have been struggling with impulsive, disorganized or inattentional behaviors for a long time before they knew why. A diagnosis can help them recognize that their problems are not just due to being unlucky or unsuccessful.
The process of interviewing a mental health professional is the first step to getting an assessment. During the interview the patient will be asked check here about their symptoms and how they affect their lives professionally and personally. The doctor will want to be aware of a person's history, particularly from their childhood. This could include asking about previous diagnoses or other mental health issues. It is typically beneficial to bring a family member or a close friend to the interview, since they can aid in recalling specifics.
During the evaluation an individual may also be asked to take psychological tests that test working memory, executive function, spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning abilities. Being honest and completely is crucial for obtaining a complete picture of a candidate's abilities. It is crucial to not hide details during an interview out of embarrassment.
In order to receive a diagnosis, a person must exhibit signs of ADHD that cause significant impairment in at least two or more environments. ADHD symptoms can cause someone to have difficulty at school or at work and may even be a victim of relationship issues.
Counseling options can help people who have a diagnosis of ADHD learn to deal with their issues, and develop strategies to be successful in school, at work and in relationships. This includes individual therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy as well as learning to manage inattention and impulsive behaviors. It is also recommended that individuals with a new diagnosis of ADHD seek out marriage and family counseling to resolve the issues that may be caused by their symptoms.
OT (occupational therapy) and yoga practices can also be helpful for people suffering from ADHD. These combine the physical benefits from exercise along with the mental benefits of meditation. OT can assist those suffering from ADHD establish routines and structure and yoga can teach breathing and relaxation techniques to promote mental calmness.