Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
The diagnosis of ADHD in an adult may be accompanied by a range of emotions. Many people discover that their ADHD symptoms overlap with depression, anxiety or other mental health disorders.
It is never too late to seek help. There are effective treatments for adults, including medication, lifestyle changes and therapy. diagnosis for adhd is important to see an experienced mental health professional for evaluations.
Evaluations
While qualified healthcare practitioners may vary slightly in their methods and testing tools, they generally follow the standard procedures for ADHD evaluations. Those include a thorough diagnostic interview, information from non-independent sources like spouses or other family members, DSM-5 symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD. Some professionals also ask patients to complete online surveys that help identify impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity-related symptoms. These surveys aren't diagnostic by themselves, but they can be a good starting place for medical professionals to decide whether or not to use more specific assessment tools.
It's important for a person being evaluated to be honest, even when reminiscing incidents from the past. Many people with ADHD have spotty memories, particularly of their childhood. Therefore, it's an ideal idea to bring any documentation, such as report cards or old school exams which can shed light on those times. Your doctor may require you to talk to your spouse or partner to get the same type of understanding.
The DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD states that the symptoms are expected to occur "often" and interfere with the person's academic, social or occupational performance. For adults, these symptoms must be present throughout the entire life of the person and not caused by another mental health disorder. People who were not diagnosed with ADHD as children must show symptoms that lasted for at least six months and not be appropriate to their developmental level.
Many mental health experts advise avoiding online surveys for self-diagnosing ADHD. These surveys aren't scientifically proven and could result in an inaccurate diagnosis, especially in adults. In reality, many of the questions on these online questionnaires are also used for other mental disorders and may result in false positives for ADHD.
Your healthcare provider will conduct an examination of your body and will order any required laboratory tests like a blood test or EKG, in order to rule out medical conditions that may cause ADHD symptoms, for example a thyroid problem or seizure disorder. These tests can also help determine if the person suffers from any coexisting conditions that may contribute to ADHD symptoms, like depression or learning disabilities.
Symptoms
People suffering from ADHD often have trouble managing their time and staying organized. They also have trouble following through. They are also easily distracted, forget things easily and become bored quickly. This is a combination of symptoms that makes it difficult to complete tasks that do not hold their attention and may cause difficulties at school, work and in relationships.
ADHD symptoms may vary from person to person and are distinct. The symptoms can be mild or severe. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), provides the criteria doctors use to diagnose this condition.
Doctors meet with the ADHD patient and review their medical, family, and psychiatric histories from childhood to the present. They also look at the person's current mood and any other illnesses or health issues they might have. They will want to know about the person's work and daily life at home, as well as with family and friends.
It's important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean there's something wrong in the brain or that the person is less intelligent than other people. Having ADHD can make it difficult to stay on task and may cause issues in many areas of life, but if the symptoms are addressed, people who suffer from ADHD can achieve success at work as well as in their personal lives.
For many adults, receiving a diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in learning how to manage their symptoms. This is a significant goal as untreated ADHD can lead to problems at school and at work. It can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships and cause people to be self-critical or view themselves as lazy or irresponsible.
If someone is diagnosed of ADHD as an adult, they are likely to experience a variety of emotions, including gratitude and relief. They may also be shocked at how they've been struggling with their issues for many years. They may be surprised that they've been misunderstood or named names in the past because of their lack of memory and disorder.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge for adults. In contrast to children, adults have to satisfy a lesser threshold of symptoms for being diagnosed. They need to have five of nine symptoms lasting at least six months before they can be considered as having a diagnosis. The doctor will also need to rule out other reasons, like mental health issues, stress and physical ailments that could cause similar symptoms.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history as well as the psychiatric history including any symptoms that began before the age of 12 years old. He or she may ask to talk with family members and acquaintances as well as school counselors and teachers. This isn't for "right" answers however, it is so that they get a clearer picture of the individual's experience. People with ADHD often have a difficult time admitting to their symptoms and are particularly adept at hiding them.
A doctor will want to know the patient's daily routine, how they manage their home and work lives and how that affects them. To help determine the cause the problem, the doctor could use clinical interviewing, ratings scales, or symptom checklists. Doctors may also request work and school records and may administer psycho-, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities.
Being honest in answering questions is essential. Don't hide behind feelings of embarrassment or shame. It's also important to keep in mind that, although it can be difficult for people with ADHD to admit it, they usually suffer from low self-esteem and have issues in interpersonal relationships. They also often are under a lot of pressure to perform at work and at home. They might feel overwhelmed and stressed, which may cause more symptoms. ADHD, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can cause long-term issues in almost every aspect of a person's daily life. It's estimated that untreated ADHD costs the economy $70 billion per year. If not treated, ADHD can cause negative effects. However, medications or other treatment options are available to reduce the effects. Adult ADHD can be treated with a variety of medications. Some people also benefit from behavioral therapy.
Treatment
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments as children. ADHD symptoms can be controlled through medication, behavioral strategies and therapy. The goal of treatment is to lessen the problems caused by ADHD and promote independence.
The first step is a professional evaluation. A mental health professional or health care provider will review the medical history of the patient and conduct tests to rule out conditions that exhibit similar symptoms, for example anxiety disorders.
A diagnosis is made by determining if the patient has the characteristics for ADHD in accordance with DSM-5 criteria. These criteria include hyperactivity, inattention and an impulsive personality, which have been present for at minimum six months. In adults, impulsivity and inattention could have had a significant impact on performance at work or in school.
It can be difficult to determine if you suffer from adult ADHD because the signs change with age, and do not cause the same impairment as in children. In addition, people suffering from ADHD may be adept at masking symptoms or finding ways to alleviate their symptoms, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize them.
Once an ADHD diagnosis is in place it is essential for the sufferer to speak with their doctor about how they are feeling and how their symptoms affect their daily life. The doctor may then recommend medication, therapy, and other treatments to help improve their functioning.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with medications. Stimulants, which increase levels of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between nerve cells are used to reduce impulsivity and increase attention and concentration. FDA has approved two stimulants for adults suffering from ADHD. They are methylphenidate (Ritalin), and lisdexamfetamine, (Focalin).
In addition to taking medications, many individuals find that lifestyle changes and behavioral therapy can help with their symptoms. Therapy assists them in developing organizational and time management skills and help them recognize and manage their symptoms. It helps them overcome mental distortions that cause negative feelings and a sense of being out of control.