Adult ADHD Diagnosis
For some being diagnosed with adult ADHD is the first step toward getting treatment. They may be frustrated at work, in their social or home lives due to symptoms like fidgeting, forgetting things, or interrupting others.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult typically requires a thorough evaluation that involves interviewing the individual and their family members, using standardized tests and rating scales. The evaluation usually includes a physical exam, too.
Symptoms
A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the course of many adults' lives. It can help people to understand why they've had to struggle for so long, and make sense out of their past choices. It may also provide them with hope for the future. If you're struggling with losing your keys, feeling as if you can never finish your work or being labeled as unreliable or lazy getting an diagnosis is the first step to finding the right treatment for you.
Most adults experience symptoms in different areas of their lives but some are more prominent than others. They might be irritable and impulsive at school, but struggle to keep up with work. They may forget to keep appointments or underestimate the time required to complete their work. They may have difficulty making friends or arguing with their spouses frequently. If these problems are severe, they may interfere with everyday life and cause depression or anxiety.
While it's essential to consider the possibility of a diagnosis of ADHD, it's just as important to consider the other factors that are causing the symptoms. Stress, mental health issues, and certain medications are often associated with symptoms that are similar. To ensure that the underlying problem is treated an in-depth evaluation by a professional is required.
Like children, adults who suffer from ADHD seldom show the more prominent signs of hyperactivity. Instead, the symptoms of hyperactivity are displayed more subduedly as fidgeting or difficulty sitting still in chairs. Women with ADHD are more likely to display these symptoms since they are more able to hide their inattention within their work and social life.
During an examination, the doctor will review the patient's medical history and consider the ways in which their ailments affect their daily lives. They will also ask for information about the family and, if possible talk to a loved one to gain their perspective on childhood behavior. They might also conduct psychological, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests. In some instances it might be necessary to undergo an examination physical to rule out specific illnesses that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Adults who think they may have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their doctor. This is especially crucial if the issues are related to work or school. Primary care providers can refer patients to mental health professionals with expertise in adult ADHD evaluations. Those professionals should be willing to share details about their training level and experiences working with adults suffering from ADHD, Hamdani says. Anyone who is hesitant to share this information will be treated with suspicion Hamdani says.
Getting a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing moment. It offers a rationale for years of frustration and self-criticism for certain. Some people feel relieved that there is an explanation for their problems in life or that they weren't "just in their minds."
Adults who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed by a thorough interview with a specialist. This includes a review of the patient's medical background, family and personal background. Additionally, the doctor will likely ask the individual to rate their behaviors on one or more of the standard ADHD behavior rating scales. These ratings are basing on research that compares the behavior of those with ADHD to the behavior of those who don't suffer from the disorder.
The individual will be asked about the symptoms and how they impact their life. 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. Common comorbidities associated with ADHD include anxiety disorders, depression and alcohol or drug dependence. Some experts believe that these comorbidities are a result of maladaptive coping strategies to deal with the stress and frustrations that come with untreated ADHD.
It is also important to remember that ADHD is more prevalent in males than women, and it may be difficult for many people who are affected to get diagnosed because of long-held prejudices about the symptoms and the impact they have on males and females. Some women can mask their symptoms more effectively and this can lead to delay diagnosis or an inaccurate diagnosis.
Treatment
It is recommended for adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD to talk to an expert in mental health care that has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. The professional can help adults learn behavioral strategies to help them manage their symptoms and improve their functioning in school, at work or at home. They can also help the adult recognize why their behavior is different and what triggers it.
A mental health professional should thoroughly evaluate an adult because they may have other disorders similar to ADHD. This could include a thorough description of the person's symptoms along with questionnaires and scales that are completed by the client and other people who know him well, a complete psychiatric history and family medical history, and an exhaustive physical exam.
It is essential to conduct a thorough assessment in order to determine if the adult suffers from a comorbid disorder such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can contribute to the symptoms of ADHD and make treatment more challenging. A mental health professional could also conduct neuropsychological or cognitive testing to look at how the brain functions, and to identify other causes for the problem, like an intellectual disability or physical illness.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD typically include counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Adults may benefit from individual talk therapy to boost their self-esteem and deal with the emotional baggage that comes with ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also improve the management of time, organization and impulse control. They can also tackle the impact of stressors on an individual's ability to function.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from group therapy. This kind of therapy gives you the opportunity to connect with people who face similar issues and discuss strategies to overcome them. These groups are typically organized by a support or advocacy group.
The use of medication is also an option for many adults with ADHD. There are several medications available which include stimulants that boost the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain (for instance, methylphenidate which is sold as Ritalin). Others help to regulate moods and reduce impulsive behavior like antidepressants and bupropion, an antipsychotic drug (Wellbutrin). Your Mercy doctor will be able to talk with you about the various treatment options available to you.
Support
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD live with the disorder for a long time without knowing it. The frustration of everyday problems such as missing appointments, making irresponsible mistakes at work, or breaking family or friendship commitments can prompt them to seek an assessment. These people often feel relieved when they receive an answer to their questions.
A mental health professional can conduct an evaluation for ADHD however, the primary care physician is usually an ideal place to begin. The doctor may also refer the person to a specialist if necessary. A psychiatric nursing, psychiatrist or psychologist can also assess ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans will list specialists according to their specialties. adhd diagnose can help people locate a health care provider that is experienced in treating ADHD among adults.
During the evaluation the mental health professional will ask about the person's past problems and also how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It is crucial to be honest and open during the assessment, so that the mental healthcare professional can provide an accurate assessment.
Psychotherapy, or psychological counseling can help people manage their symptoms and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people how to modify their thinking and behavior. The combination of therapy and medication can help reduce the symptoms of the disorder.
Social support groups can be beneficial to many adult ADHD patients. The opportunity to share their experiences with other people who are experiencing similar challenges can be a source of motivation and inspiration. Some of these groups are online and are open to everyone who suffers from ADHD. Other groups are for specific groups, such as African Americans with ADHD, couples impacted by the disorder, or those who identify as gay or lesbian.
Certain people may feel a sense of shame or embarrassment about their condition, which could hinder their desire to seek help. But a health professional should explain that ADHD is not an indication of insufficiency or failure.