Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD in an adult can be accompanied by a variety of emotions. Many people discover that their ADHD symptoms overlap depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
It is never too late for help. Adults can benefit from effective treatment, such as medication, lifestyle changes as well as therapy. It is crucial to talk with a mental health professional who is qualified for evaluations.
Evaluations
While qualified healthcare professionals may vary slightly in the procedures and test materials they employ and test materials, they'll follow the standard protocols when testing for ADHD. 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 diagnostic but they can be a great starting point to assist the healthcare professional determine whether to move on to more thorough assessment tools.
Even when recollecting past events, it's important that the person being evaluated be honest. Many people suffering from ADHD have trouble remembering details especially of their childhood. So it's a good idea to bring any records like report cards or old school exams that shed light on those times. Your healthcare provider might also suggest that you speak to your spouse or partner to get the same type of understanding.
DSM-5 criteria for ADHD diagnosis states that symptoms must be present "often" in order to hinder social, academic or occupational performance. These symptoms must be present throughout the adulthood and not be caused by a different mental disorder. For those who weren't diagnosed with ADHD in their childhood the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months, and be incompatible with their level of development.
Many mental health professionals recommend not taking online surveys to diagnose ADHD. These questionnaires are not scientifically validated and could lead to an incorrect diagnosis, particularly in adults. A lot of the questions in these online questionnaires could be used to diagnose other psychiatric conditions and can lead to false positive results.
Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination and order any necessary laboratory work, such a blood work or EKG for you to rule out medical conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms, such seizure or thyroid 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, like learning disabilities or depression.
Symptoms
People with ADHD often have trouble keeping track of their activities and staying organized. They also have trouble following through. They may also be easily distracted, forget things easily and get bored very quickly. This is a combination of symptoms that makes it difficult for them to complete tasks that don't keep their interest and can cause difficulties at school, work and in relationships.
The symptoms of ADHD can manifest in different ways and are different for each person. They can range from mild to serious. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) contains criteria doctors use to determine the severity of the disorder.
Doctors interview the person with ADHD and review their medical, family, and psychiatric history from childhood until the present. They also look at the person's current mood and any other health issues or diseases they suffer from. They will ask about their work as well as their personal life, and their relationships with their family and friends.
It's important to remember that having a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean that there's something wrong in the brain or the person is less smart than others. Having ADHD can make it difficult to stay on task and can cause problems in many areas of life, but if the symptoms are treated, people with ADHD can be successful at work as well as in their personal lives.
For many adults, receiving an diagnosis of ADHD is the first step to learn how to manage their symptoms. This is an important goal as untreated ADHD can cause problems at school and work. It can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships and cause people to be self-critical, lazy, or irresponsible.
When an adult is diagnosed with ADHD, they may feel various emotions, including relief and gratitude. They may also be surprised to discover that they've been suffering from their symptoms for a long time. They might be shocked to discover that they've been misunderstood, and even referred to as "names" because of their forgetfulness or lack of organization.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD can be a challenge for adults. Unlike children, adults need to meet a lower threshold of symptoms for a diagnosis. To be considered a patient one must show five of nine symptoms that last for at least six month. The doctor must also rule out other possible causes like mental illness, stress and physical ailments.
The doctor will go over the patient's medical history and mental health history and look for signs that started before the age of 12 years old. The doctor may request to speak with friends and family members, as well as school teachers and counselors. This isn't to get the "right" answers but to ensure that they get a clearer picture of the individual's experience. People suffering from ADHD often have a difficult time admitting to their symptoms and are particularly adept at hiding them.
A physician will want to be aware of how the person handles their home and work life and how his behavior affects them on a daily basis. To help determine the cause the problem, the doctor could use clinical interviewing, ratings scales or symptoms checklists. Doctors may also request school and work records and may administer psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests.
Being honest in answering questions is essential. Don't avoid answering questions with feelings of embarrassment or shame. It's also important to keep in mind that, even though it's difficult for people with ADHD to admit it, they usually have low self-esteem and have difficulty with interpersonal relationships. They also are under lots of pressure to perform at work and at home. They might feel overwhelmed and stressed, which could make their symptoms worse. If left untreated and undiagnosed, ADHD can lead to permanent problems in nearly every aspect of one's life. If untreated, adult ADHD is estimated to cost the economy $70 billion per year. Fortunately, adhd diagnoses and other treatment options can lessen the negative effects of untreated ADHD. Adult ADHD can be treated by a variety of drugs. Some people also benefit from behavioral therapy.
Treatment
For adults, the same treatment strategies that were used in childhood can relieve symptoms. The use of medication, behavioral strategies, and therapy can all help to reduce ADHD symptoms. The aim of treatment for ADHD is to lessen the effects of it and to encourage independence.
The first step is to conduct a professional assessment. A mental health expert or health care provider will examine the medical history of the patient and conduct tests to rule out other conditions that exhibit similar symptoms, for example anxiety disorders.
The DSM-5 criteria are used to diagnose ADHD. These criteria include hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, which has been present for at least six months. In adults the inattention or impulsivity must have significantly affected the performance at work or in school.
It can be challenging to determine if you suffer from adult ADHD since the signs change with age and do not cause the same issues as in children. Additionally, those with ADHD might be able to disguise symptoms or come up with ways to alleviate it, making it difficult for their medical professionals.
When a diagnosis of ADHD is made, it is important that the patient communicates with their doctor about how they feel and how the symptoms affect their lives. This will enable the doctor to suggest treatment, medication, and other treatments that can enhance their functioning.
The majority of medications are the basis of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants are used to improve concentration and manage impulsivity by increasing levels of a chemical in the brain that transmits messages between nerve cell. Presently, two stimulants are approved by the FDA to be used by adults suffering from ADHD such as Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and Lisdexamfetamine (Focalin).
Many people find that behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can help them manage their symptoms. Therapy aids them in developing skills in time management and organization and helps them better understand and manage their symptoms. It also helps them learn to overcome the distortions in their thinking that cause mood swings and a sense of being out of control.