Adult ADHD Diagnosis
For some who are diagnosed with adult ADHD is the first step towards treatment. They may be frustrated at work, at homes, or even in their social life due to signs such as fidgeting or ignoring things.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult usually means going through a thorough evaluation that involves interviewing the individual and their family members, using standard tests and rating scales. The evaluation usually includes a physical exam, too.
Symptoms
For many adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help adults understand why they've struggled for so long and make sense of their previous choices. It may also inspire them to look forward to the future. If you're having trouble finding your keys, feeling as if you'll never complete your task or are called lazy or irresponsible getting an diagnosis is the first step towards finding the right treatment for you.
For the majority of adults, signs manifest in different areas of their lives. Some are more prevalent in one area than the other. They may be indecisive and irritable at school, but struggle in keeping up with their work. They might forget appointments or have trouble estimating the amount of time they require to complete their work. They may struggle to make friends or engage in frequent arguments with their spouses. If the issues are severe they may affect everyday life and cause anxiety or depression.
While it's important to consider a diagnosis of ADHD, it's just as important to consider what other factors might be that are causing the symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and certain medications are often responsible for symptoms that are similar. To ensure that the root problem is treated, a thorough evaluation by a professional is required.
Adults with ADHD do not exhibit the same symptoms of hyperactivity that children do. Hyperactivity is more subtle and can be seen as fidgeting or having trouble sitting. Women with ADHD tend to display these symptoms more frequently because they are able to hide their inattentional behavior in their work and social lives.
During an assessment the doctor will go over the patient's medical history and look at how their medical conditions impact their daily routine. They will also request family history and, if they are able, interview a relative to get their view on the behavior of children. They might also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological, or learning disabilities tests. In certain instances it might be necessary to perform a physical examination in order to rule out certain illnesses which can mimic the symptoms that are associated with ADHD.
Diagnosis
It's important for those who believe they might have ADHD to discuss their symptoms with a medical professional, especially if their issues are related to work or school. Primary health care providers can refer patients to mental health specialists who specialize in adult ADHD assessments and treatment. Hamdani says that professionals who deal with adults with ADHD should be able and willing to share information about their training and experiences. Hamdani suggests that anyone who is reluctant to provide such information should be viewed with suspicion.
Being diagnosed with adult ADHD can be a life-changing moment. For some, it gives an explanation for years of frustration and self-criticism. Some people are happy that they have a reason for their struggles in life or that they aren't "just in their heads."
In most instances, an adult suffering from ADHD will receive a diagnosis by conducting a thorough interview with a qualified professional. This includes a thorough examination of the individual's personal, family and medical history. The professional will also ask the patient to rate their behavior using one or several standard ADHD scales for behavioral assessment. These ratings are based upon research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD and people who do not suffer from the disorder.
The person will also be asked if the symptoms interfere with their lives. In order to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, an adult must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment in at least two settings (such as home, school and work) and that are not better explained by other factors.
Comorbidities are often present in people who have been diagnosed with adult ADHD. Anxiety disorders, depression and alcohol or drug use are common comorbidities of ADHD. Some experts suggest that these comorbidities develop as maladaptive coping strategies to cope with the frustrations commonly caused by untreated ADHD.
It's also important to recognize that ADHD is more prevalent in men than women, and it can be difficult for many people who suffer from the disorder to be diagnosed due to persistent prejudices regarding the symptoms and their impact on men and women. Women are also capable of masking their symptoms better, which can cause an inaccurate diagnosis or delay in getting it.
Treatment
Adults who are diagnosed of ADHD might find it beneficial to speak with an expert in mental health who has experience treating adults with ADHD. The specialist can instruct the adult behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning at home, work or school. They can also assist adults to understand why their behavior differs and what triggers them.
Since a person could suffer from multiple conditions that cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD, it's important for professionals in mental health to evaluate the adult thoroughly. This may include a detailed description of the person's symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by the person in question and others who know them well, a full psychiatric history and family medical history, and an exhaustive physical exam.
A thorough assessment is crucial to determine if the adult has a comorbid condition such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. adult adhd diagnosis uk may also conduct neurological or cognitive tests to determine how the brain functions and to rule out any other causes, including an illness of the body or a learning disabilities.
Treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD typically include counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Individual talk therapy can help an adult develop confidence in themselves and cope with the emotional burden that usually comes with the diagnosis of ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also help improve organization, time management and impulse control and may tackle the impact of stressors on the individual's ability to function.
Some people with ADHD benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy may offer the opportunity to connect with others who face similar challenges and discuss ways to overcome these challenges. These groups are usually run by groups of support or an advocacy group.
There is also a treatment option for many adults suffering from ADHD. There are many medications available which include stimulants that boost the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain (for example, methylphenidate, which is also known as Ritalin). Others assist in regulating moods and reduce impulsive behaviors, such as antidepressants or bupropion, an antipsychotic medication (Wellbutrin). Your Mercy doctor will discuss all of your treatment options with you.
Support
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD suffer from the condition for a long time, without realizing it. Frustration with everyday challenges like missing appointments, making irresponsible mistakes at work, or breaking family or friendship commitments can cause them to seek an evaluation. It's common for these people to feel a sense relief after receiving an answer, particularly when they realize why they've struggled throughout their lives.
A mental health professional can perform an evaluation for ADHD, but the primary care physician is typically a good place to start. If necessary, the physician may refer the patient to a specialist. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist could also be qualified to assess ADHD in adults. A lot of insurance plans include professionals according to their specialties, which will help individuals find the right health professional who is knowledgeable about ADHD among adults.
During the assessment the mental health professional will ask questions about the person's behavior, which could include previous issues and how they've been affected by their ADHD symptoms. It is essential to be honest and forthcoming during the evaluation, so that the mental health professional can provide a precise assessment.
Therapy, or psychotherapy can help people learn to manage their problems and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches people specific skills to change their patterns of thinking and behavior. The combination of therapy and medication can help alleviate the symptoms of the disorder.
Many adult ADHD sufferers benefit from support groups for adults. The opportunity to share their struggles with others who face similar struggles can provide a lot of inspiration and motivation. Some of these groups are based online and are open to anyone who has ADHD. Certain groups are specifically targeted for populations such as African Americans who have ADHD or couples with the disorder, or people who identify as gay or lesbian.
There are people who experience feelings of shame or embarrassment over their symptoms, which may hinder their desire to seek assistance. A medical professional must explain to the patient that ADHD is not a weakness or failure.