Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Many people have moderate or mild ADHD symptoms. They could be diagnosed when their problems in life are serious enough to cause problems with relationships and work.
They might be stressed at work or school, or ashamed for procrastinating. They can ask their primary care physician for recommendations, or look online or by phone number for health professionals who perform ADHD assessments.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The process of diagnosis begins with a thorough examination that concentrates on the medical history of the patient. This includes the history of their family as well as major life events such as relationships, work and school performance as well as drug and driving records. It also covers lifestyle habits like diet, sleep, and exercise as in addition to any vitamins or supplements that the individual is taking.
The physician then reviews the symptoms of the patient and compares them to the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This includes symptoms of impulsivity or inattention, which have been present for at least 6 months and are serious enough to cause disruption to school or work. Adults have a lower threshold: only five of nine criteria is required to identify mental health issues.
The next step is typically a physical exam, as certain conditions such as thyroid issues and seizures can cause signs that resemble ADHD. This gives the healthcare provider more information to narrow down possible causes and help them create a list of "suspects" that they can test with additional tests. These tests could include bloodwork, brain imaging and cognitive testing. These tests can take a while but they are vital to ensure that your provider does not miss any issue that could be leading to ADHD symptoms.
Once the list is narrowed down to a specific list, a final diagnosis can be determined. The doctor will review the results and make a recommendation in light of what they've found. For many people, getting diagnosed can be a life-changing experience. It helps to understand long-running problems and struggles, which were sometimes unfairly blamed on incompetence or lazyness. It can also lead to a new appreciation of their strengths and how they can be utilized to benefit themselves. For others, it can cause a period of sorrow as they consider the opportunities that were missed because of their ailments were not treated.
If you're looking to be diagnosed with ADHD then it is recommended to undergo a specialist assessment on the NHS, which should include a complete mental health evaluation and an ADHD assessment, plus a referral to your GP for shared management. A private diagnosis can be difficult however, certain GPs will do so in exchange for an appointment in private.
What are the signs?
Adults with ADHD can often manage their symptoms to enjoy a productive and satisfying life. If adhd diagnosed get more severe however, they could struggle to maintain their job, maintain healthy relationships, or cope with the stresses of daily life. The financial issues may also arise due to missed doctor's appointments, late fees or impulsive purchases. This could cause people to feel like they're failing and feel low self-esteem.
If you suspect that you have ADHD as an adult, it's essential to speak to an expert in health care. They can provide advice on treatment options and recommend you to a specialist if needed. The healthcare professional will employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose you, which is the book that lists the symptoms of mental health issues.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have experienced several inattentive symptoms and five or more of the hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms before age 12. Additionally, the symptoms must have been present in at least two or more settings and they must have a negative impact with or hinder the quality of your school, social or work performance.
Inattention symptoms include a tendency to forget details or instructions, and difficulties paying attention. You may also lose things like keys, eyeglasses, and paperwork. Hyperactivity-impulsive symptoms include fidgeting or tapping feet, leaving your seat in situations when it's not appropriate, talking too much, or feeling restless.
A person with ADHD may also have difficulty maintaining a routine, staying organized, or finishing homework and chores. They can also have difficulty remembering appointments or dates and they may be easily distracted by other people or their activities.
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be empowering because it helps you understand that your difficulties are not your fault. You can then take steps to alter your behaviors and improve the way you manage your time, work and finances. You can also learn strategies to help you manage your symptoms. In addition to taking medication your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, including an appropriate diet and regular exercise. It is essential to get adequate sleep and avoid caffeine, sugar and other stimulants prior to the time you go to bed.
What is the treatment process?
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often involves more than just finding the appropriate medication. People who have ADHD may require a change in their lifestyle and their behaviour, and they may require counseling to manage their symptoms.
If a person is going to see a healthcare professional to get an ADHD evaluation, they should be honest about any issues in their lives that could be linked to the disorder, including relationship issues and trouble at school or work. You will be asked to complete the questionnaire which asks for details in these areas. You might also be allowed to ask your family members or acquaintances to complete the same. These answers can be an excellent source of information as to whether an individual's problems are caused by ADHD or other factors, such as stress or physical conditions like depression.
The evaluator takes into consideration the past of the individual as well as their childhood experiences and any traumas that they may have suffered. They may ask the individual to fill out one or more standardized behavior rating scales that measure the behavior of people with and without ADHD. They may also be given psychological tests that examine executive functioning, working memory and spatial and visual skills.
If a healthcare professional thinks an individual has ADHD they'll usually refer the person to a specialist who is experienced with the condition in adults. These specialists can be found by asking their primary doctor for a recommendation or searching the internet for a mental healthcare professional who is experienced in ADHD. They are also able to join a local adult ADHD support group and talk to others who have had the same experience.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can bring up many emotions, such as satisfaction that there is now a reason for their symptoms, and anger that they were unable to be diagnosed for too long. Many people may feel guilt over not having try harder or do better in their lives, however this feeling can be quelled by realizing that their issues are not the result of their own fault and identifying the correct treatment options to improve their quality of life.
What is the Support Process?
If an adult is diagnosed with ADHD and is diagnosed with it, they might experience a range of emotions. They might be relieved that they have a reason for their struggles, sad about missed opportunities that could have been prevented if the diagnosis had been given earlier, or upset that their symptoms were ignored for many years. However, treatment can help you overcome the obstacles and achieve your goals. It is essential to speak with an expert in health care who is familiar with treating adults with ADHD. They can help you to set realistic expectations, create effective strategies to improve your everyday life, and also bring family members closer.
You could try to self-test or evaluate yourself on online questionnaires, however those tools can't give you a definitive diagnosis. Inquiring with your primary physician for a referral an ADHD specialist or using the online directory of your health insurance company to find a doctor who is experienced in treating adults is the best way to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Once you find an expert in medicine, you should prepare for your appointment by gathering any records relevant to your specific situation. This could include old school report cards and reports from psychological tests, and evaluations of performance at work. Be prepared to answer questions about your symptoms at work and at home, as well as your alcohol or drug use and your relationships relationships with family and friends. You may also need to provide records from other professionals such as a neurologist or psychologist, or a psychiatrist.
Adults seeking a diagnosis for ADHD generally struggle to function well in both their professional and personal lives and want to know what's happening. They might feel that their productivity is declining or their relationships are not working or they may be suffering from a persistent sad mood that cannot be explained by any other reason.
It isn't easy for some people to receive an assessment, as health care experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD symptoms look like. This is particularly relevant for people with a disability, born female and non-native English speaking individuals. However, there is increasing awareness of these biases and efforts to address them.