Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
The diagnosis of ADHD in an adult can be accompanied by a variety of emotions. Many people find their ADHD symptoms are akin to anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.
It is never too late for help. There are effective treatments for adults, including medications, lifestyle changes, and therapy. It is important to see a qualified mental health professional for a thorough evaluation.
Evaluations
While healthcare professionals who are qualified may differ slightly in their methods and testing tools, they generally follow the standard procedures for ADHD evaluations. Those include an extensive diagnostic interview, data from 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. While these surveys aren't considered diagnostic in their own right but they can be a great starting point to assist the healthcare professional decide if to proceed to more in-depth assessment tools.
It is crucial for the person being evaluated to be honest, even when reminiscing events from the past. Many people with ADHD have spotty memories especially of their childhood. So it's a good idea to bring any documents like report cards or old school exams, that can help shed light on the past. Your healthcare provider might also suggest that you speak to a partner or spouse to gain the same kind of information.
DSM-5 criteria for ADHD diagnosis says that symptoms must be present "often" in order to hinder academic, social, or occupational functioning. These symptoms must be present throughout the adulthood and not be caused by a different mental disorder. If you're not diagnosed with ADHD in their childhood, their symptoms must have lasted for at least six months and not be appropriate for their developmental level.
Many mental health professionals advise to avoid using online surveys to self-diagnose ADHD. These questionnaires are not scientifically proven and could lead to an inaccurate diagnosis, especially in adults. Many of the questions in these online questionnaires may be used to diagnose different mental health conditions and could result in false positive results.
Your doctor will typically conduct a physical examination and request any lab work, such as blood work or an EKG, to rule out medical problems that may be a cause of ADHD like seizures or thyroid issues. disorder. These tests also allow you to determine if the person suffers from any co-existing medical conditions that could contribute to the ADHD symptoms, such as learning disabilities or depression.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle with staying well-organized, focusing and keeping track of their tasks. They can also appear to be easily distracted, have trouble remembering things and tend to be bored quickly. This combination of symptoms makes it difficult for them to complete tasks that don't keep their interest and can create issues at school, at work and in relationships.
ADHD symptoms can differ from one person to another and are unique. They can range from mild to serious. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5), provides criteria doctors use to diagnose this disorder.
Doctors talk to the person suffering from ADHD and review their medical, family and psychiatric history from childhood through the present. They also assess the person's mood and look at any other health issues or illnesses they may have. They'll want to know about the person's work and family life, both at home and with family and friends.
It is important to remember that a diagnosis of ADHD does not mean that someone is less skilled or has a brain problem. ADHD can make it difficult to remain focused and can cause problems in different areas of life. However, if the symptoms are treated the people suffering from ADHD can achieve success in their work and personal lives.
For many adults, getting a diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in learning how to manage their symptoms. This is a significant goal since untreated ADHD can lead to problems at school and work. It can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships, and can cause people to be self-critical or see themselves as lazy or irresponsible.
When someone is diagnosed of ADHD as an adult, they are likely to feel a variety of emotions, such as gratitude and relief. They might also be astonished at how they've been struggling with their symptoms for many years. They may be surprised to discover that they've been misunderstood and referred to as names due to their lack of memory or disorganization.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge for adults. Adults must have a lower threshold for symptoms than children to be considered for diagnosis. To be considered diagnosed with adhd must show five of nine symptoms that last at least six months. The doctor also needs to rule out any other reasons, like mental health issues, stress and physical illnesses that can cause similar symptoms.
The doctor will likely look at the patient's medical and psychiatric history, including a review of symptoms that began before age 12. The doctor may ask to speak with family and friends, school counselors and teachers. It's not meant to get "right" answers, but to gain a better understanding of the person. People suffering from ADHD are often reluctant to disclose their symptoms and are especially adept at hiding them.
A doctor will want to know the person's daily routine, how they manage their work and personal life and how it affects them. The doctor may use clinical interviews, rating scales or symptom checklists to help make an assessment. Doctors can also request school and work records and may also administer psychological, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests.
Being honest in answering questions is essential. Don't be afraid to admit that you are embarrassed or shame. It's also important to remember that, although it can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to admit it, they frequently have low self-esteem and have issues in interpersonal relationships. Additionally, they are in a position of pressure to perform at work and home. In the end, they may feel stressed and feel stressed which can lead to the escalating symptoms. ADHD when left undiagnosed and without treatment, can cause long-term problems in nearly every aspect of a person's life. Untreated adult ADHD is estimated to cost the country $70 billion annually. Fortunately, medications and other treatment options can reduce the negative effects of untreated ADHD. Several medications can be used to treat adults with ADHD and some people benefit from therapy for behavior as well.
Treatment
For adults, the same treatment strategies that were used in childhood can ease symptoms. ADHD symptoms can be reduced through behavioral strategies, medication and therapy. The goal of treatment for ADHD is to minimize the problems caused by it and encourage independence.
The first step is to get an expert evaluation. A mental health expert or health care provider will review the patient's medical history and perform tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms, for example anxiety disorders.
A diagnosis is made by determining whether the individual 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 least six months. In adults, the inattention or impulsivity must have interfered significantly with school or work performance.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis for adult ADHD because the symptoms often change as you age and don't cause the same issues like in children. In addition, people suffering from ADHD may be skilled at masking symptoms or finding ways to cope with them, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify them.
Once the diagnosis of ADHD is established, it is important that the person informs their doctor how they feel and how symptoms affect their lives. The doctor may then recommend medication, therapy, and other methods to improve their performance.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated with medications. Stimulants, which increase levels of a substance in the brain that transmits messages between nerve cells are used to control impulsivity and improve attention and concentration. Currently, two stimulants are approved by the FDA for use in adults suffering from ADHD: the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and Lisdexamfetamine (Focalin).
Many people find that a combination of behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can help manage their symptoms. Therapy assists them in developing the ability to manage time and organize their lives and learn to better recognize and manage their symptoms. It also helps them learn to overcome the distortions in their thinking that cause mood swings and a feeling of being out of control.