Adults Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD is an important first step in addressing the symptoms that cause havoc at work, home and in relationships. It is also a way to understand the causes that have been a source of confusion and frustrating for a long time.
In the course of evaluating mental health professionals utilize standardized behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if an adult is meeting diagnostic criteria. They may also interview significant others and family members to gain further insight.
1. Talk to your Health Care Provider
If you have been having issues at work or in your relationships and suspect that ADHD is to blame, the first step toward getting a diagnosis and treatment is to speak with your health medical professional. Your doctor will help you to understand the causes and refer you to a specialist in the event of need.
You can also ask your family members, friends and colleagues for recommendations on specialists who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. Your insurance company may also be able to give you details about the services available in your region. Participating in an ADHD support group is another alternative. You can meet with people who share the same challenges and learn from them how they handle these challenges.
Many adults look for a diagnosis because they're frustrated that their symptoms interfere with everyday functioning, whether at work or in their private lives. They're fed up of losing their keys, being late for meetings, and struggling to keep their jobs or maintain healthy relationships. Being diagnosed with ADHD can help you gain the control you need over these symptoms and bring balance back into your life.
If you are discussing your symptoms with your doctor be honest. Don't be afraid to speak up because you do not want to be perceived as a weak or unreliable person. Your doctor will require a complete description of your issues and how they have affected your job performance and personal life.
If your doctor suggests taking medication Be ready to discuss your opinion on it. Some adults don't like to take medication and prefer other treatments, such as psychotherapy (the medical term used to describe mental health therapy) and lifestyle changes known as accommodations. As a step stool helps someone who is short reach the same heights as other people accommodations allow those who suffer from ADHD to meet their goals and be successful.
Your specialist will ask you about your past experiences with ADHD. It is best to remember details from your childhood, because this is the time when the disorder will likely manifest. Depending on where you live you may have to collect copies of your school records or talk to teachers or other adults who were around you in childhood however, remember that these don't necessarily confirm the diagnosis.
2. Ask for a Referral
Your family doctor will be able to recommend you to undergo an ADHD assessment and treatment if you have any concerns about the way your behaviors are impacting your school, work or relationships. They may recommend you to other specialists who deal with adults suffering from ADHD, such as psychologists and psychiatrists.
If you're going to a specialist to get an evaluation, make sure to be open and honest about your problems. This includes any ADHD-related issues. It is important to not conceal information for fear of fear of shame or being judged. The accuracy of your assessment and the efficacy of any treatments recommended will be determined by how accurate your medical history is.
The examiner will examine your emotional, social and academic history and discuss how these issues are affecting you now. They will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines, which are found in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," fifth edition (DSM-5). They will ask you about any symptoms you are experiencing now in addition to any symptoms you've experienced since childhood. They will conduct an interview with you and should they be able to, if possible, speak with people who knew you as a child.
They will determine if your symptoms can be better explained by another medical condition or mental health issue, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. They will also determine whether you suffer from a neurodevelopmental condition or a learning impairment.
If a doctor doesn't believe that you suffer from ADHD they will discuss what other conditions or issues could be causing problems and the reason why they don't believe you have ADHD. This does not mean that you have to accept the diagnosis, however it could be useful in planning for future treatment.
In many instances, an adult diagnosed with ADHD will receive support not only from other adults suffering from ADHD but also from their families, friends colleagues, teachers, and coaches. They may also benefit from attending classes that teach the art of communication, or marriage and couple counseling. Individuals who suffer from ADHD often struggle with low self-esteem, and counseling can boost their confidence and teach them how to improve their relationship management skills.
3. Contact us to schedule a consultation
ADHD can be caused due to a deficiency or imbalance of neurotransmitters which regulate brain activity. This can affect the ability of an individual to pay attention and to follow through on tasks. Adults who have not been treated for ADHD may have difficulty in their work, relationships and other aspects of their lives. If you suspect that you have ADHD, talk to your health care provider or ask for a referral to see an a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in mental health.
A mental health professional will employ a rating system to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. A mental health professional could also conduct an interview with important people in your life such as your spouse, and then complete an inventory of symptoms. A thorough evaluation might include psychological testing that measures working memory and executive functioning (the capabilities that are involved in making decisions and planning) spatial and visual abilities, and reasoning skills. The results will aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression and anxiety.
During an examination, your health care professional will also consider how you've managed your symptoms over time. If you tend to skip appointments, make impulsive choices and fail to meet deadlines, your doctor could recommend therapy or classes in order to help you develop more effective ways to deal with these challenges. Your doctor might suggest medication, too. The most commonly prescribed stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are highly efficient. However, visit your url for everyone, and may cause side negative effects. Nonstimulant drugs that don't have the potential for abuse are available now and can be just as effective as stimulants.
While getting a diagnosis and treatment are crucial for people suffering from ADHD but it's also important to educate others about the disorder. For example, many adults with ADHD have spouses, parents and co-workers are unable to comprehend their behavior. Educating others can improve relationships and increase support systems. There are also ADHD online and in many communities.
It can be difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults however, it is doable. Begin by talking to your GP, who will be able to refer you to the best service for your needs.
4. Schedule for an Evaluation
It can take a while to receive a thorough assessment and diagnosis. Ask for an appointment with your primary care physician however, should your GP isn't willing or doesn't consent to refer you to other health experts. Call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find the names of local professionals who specialize in adult ADHD, or check with the professional groups that serve people suffering from ADHD to find out whether they have any recommendations.
After you've been referred an evaluator, be prepared for a lengthy and thorough interview about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The evaluator will go over your personal, medical and family history as well as the problems you're currently experiencing. They'll also inquire if the symptoms have affected your finances, relationships or your work performance. They may use standardized rating scales to compare your behavior with those of people with ADHD. These ratings can help them determine if your symptoms are caused by ADHD or are more likely to be explained by a different disorder, such as depression or anxiety.
Your evaluator will likely also conduct cognitive tests to look for learning or intellectual disabilities which could be the reason for your struggles at school or at work. Certain evaluators will also test for other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those associated with ADHD such as seizure disorders or thyroid disorders.
Some evaluators may order additional physical examinations or laboratory testing, such as brain imaging and blood tests, to rule out other health issues. They might ask you to complete a questionnaire that looks for specific signs, like trouble with organizing and planning or being too active and impulsive. They could also inquire from a family member about your childhood in order to find out whether there are any clues that suggest you suffer from ADHD.
It is crucial to be honest during the interview. Many adults are embarrassed by asking for a diagnosis, and they might hold back information because they think they will look poor. It is essential that the person evaluating you is given accurate information regarding your struggles in terms of the control of your impulses, organizational skills and relationships.