The Complete Guide To Adult ADHD Diagnosis
Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment
Ask your primary health care provider for a referral if you think you might have ADHD. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations or search online to find professionals competent to assess ADHD.
A professional will ask you questions regarding your current symptoms. However, according to current guidelines, a diagnosis cannot be made without also considering your past medical history. Your doctor may examine your teachers, parents or other adults who knew you as a child.
Understanding Your Symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD do not realize they suffer from the condition until adulthood. They might have missed the diagnosis as a child and then struggle to cope with problems at work, at home and at school. A diagnosis and treatment plan can help them get their lives back in order.
Adults suffering from ADHD struggle with focusing, planning and paying attention to small details. They are more likely to make decisions on impulse and can easily be distracted. They may be unable to endure activities that are boring and often shift their attention from one thing to another. This could lead to them missing important events or deadlines, as well as frequent missteps at school or at work.
The signs and symptoms of adult adhd vary for each person. The signs of adhd in adults are different for everyone. They usually appear in the early years of childhood, but they can be observed in an adult or adolescent. The symptoms are required to be present for at least six months and cause significant difficulty in multiple situations to be able to be diagnosed.
A doctor may look over your school report card to determine whether there are any remarks about your behavior or inefficiency. The doctor may also request to have the person being evaluated discuss the situation with their parents. Adults who are being assessed by a professional for ADHD must be honest and open about their problems. They shouldn't be afraid of shame or embarrassment.
Women who suffer from ADHD are often ignored or misdiagnosed as their symptoms are less apparent than those of men. Their struggles are often concealed due to the demands of caring for children, or working in more traditionally gender-specific roles. Signs of ADHD for women include being unable to focus on important tasks, being slow to finish work on time, making frequent mistakes and unable to concentrate at work or at school. They are also more likely to display fidgeting behavior such as bouncing the leg or tapping their feet.
Adults suffering from ADHD can still achieve success in their personal and professional lives. They just need to understand how to manage their challenges and take advantage of the support they have available. They can also take advantage of strategies that make it easier to succeed, like using a planner or calendar and phone apps that offer reminders.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
The symptoms of adult ADHD can be difficult to distinguish from normal problems that occur in daily life, such as a tendency to forget appointments or having trouble keeping track of tasks. However, the distinction is significant because, if left untreated, mistreated or not properly managed the disorder may cause serious social and work-related issues, including financial difficulty and troubled relationships.
A mental health professional who has special training and experience treating ADHD can diagnose the condition. This could include psychotherapists, clinical psychologists and physicians (such as neurologists, psychiatrists or family doctors) who specialize in psychiatry or neurology. They also have a deep understanding of co-existing disorders, like depression and anxiety, that are often associated with ADHD.
A thorough evaluation to determine if a person has ADHD will involve an extensive interview to look over the patient's personal, medical and family background. The interview will include questions regarding the impact of ADHD symptoms on one's job and relationships. It is essential to be honest and not hide any information.
It is also an excellent idea to raise any issues that the person has experienced in their personal or professional life since childhood. In many cases, these can reveal patterns that indicate that the person is suffering from ADHD. Many people with ADHD struggle to establish close bonds and changing jobs often. Adults with ADHD often have trouble managing their money and tend to spend more than they need to.
In some cases an assessment of adult ADHD may include other tests, including neuropsychological or psychological tests, to rule out any other causes for the person's difficulty. For instance, a person with ADHD could also be suffering from an impairment in learning, such as dyslexia or dyscalculia. In these situations, accommodations--tools or changes in the environment that help manage a disability--may be helpful.
Some people with ADHD may benefit from cognitive behavior and/or psychotherapy in addition to lifestyle changes and treatment strategies. These therapies can help people understand their own problematic thoughts and behaviors and develop coping mechanisms to manage these issues.
Getting Treatment
As adults, many who have ADHD continue to experience the same issues they faced in their childhood: difficulties with relationships and work, as well as difficulties completing schoolwork or securing employment. These issues often result in medical referrals for diagnosis and treatment. The first step for a lot of people is to consult their primary care physician. He or she could refer you to a mental healthcare professional with experience in diagnosing ADHD for adults.
Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine if you have ADHD or another condition that may cause symptoms similar to ADHD. They will inquire about your concerns, review your history and behavior as well as inquire about your family history and medical background, and use questionnaires and psychiatric scales. The doctor will also check your physical health, including your heartbeat and blood pressure. Other conditions that may cause similar symptoms are depression, anxiety and stress and also certain medications and addiction to substances.
Adults who suffer from ADHD may be unable to recognize the disorder. They may have learned how to conceal their symptoms or to compensate for them, but they still suffer from low self-confidence and self-esteem. Many women are more adept than men at concealing their symptoms, and may be accustomed to being branded an inept, lazy or a troublemaker.
During an ADHD assessment, your physician will evaluate your symptoms and the impact they have on your life. The doctor will interview you, and your family members and work colleagues. He or she may make use of old report cards to note childhood ADHD symptoms.
Adult ADHD can be treated with both the use of pharmacological as well as behavioral (behavioral) treatments. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication that assists in balancing brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. These include stimulants, like amphetamine and methylphenidate, as well as the non-stimulant atomoxetine.
Certain behavioral treatments, such as cognitive behavior therapy or education on ADHD, can also help. Certain people with ADHD can benefit from a change in lifestyle by using a planner or journal and setting up regular routines. Marriage and family counseling or a life coach who can help with time management and organizing skills, are beneficial for many. Some people suffering from ADHD can also benefit from a variety of accommodations at school or work, such as extended deadlines and flex time, which makes it easier to meet targets for performance and achieve success.
Finding Support
A diagnosis of ADHD is stressful. It can also be the first step to finally gaining control over issues that have been affecting your life for a number of years. Symptoms of adult ADHD can include trouble keeping up with work or school obligations, loosing important personal belongings, not making appointments, impulsively spending money, failing to follow medical guidelines and more. These issues can result in an ongoing stress level, low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness. Following the most effective practices and having a good support system can make a big difference in the way you deal with your symptoms.
In the past, a lot of people with ADHD were misdiagnosed or not recognized. They might have struggled finding a suitable job, failed in their educational pursuits, and struggled to find long-term relationships. They could have many regrets over missed opportunities and lost time.
An extensive interview with a mental health professional is usually required to determine the severity of adult ADHD. If possible, family members are also present during the interview. The patient will also be asked to fill out scales and questionnaires, as well as discuss their past experiences. In order to be diagnosed, the person must have experienced at least five symptoms of inattention and/or five symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity before age 12.
Based on the individual and their symptoms, further psychological or neuropsychological testing may be performed. This test can provide more information about the ways the person's ADHD impacts their lives and help determine if t here are any co-existing issues that require treatment.
Treatment options for adult ADHD typically involve counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy) as well as education and sometimes medications. Psychotherapy assists people to understand and manage their ADHD and improve their ability to deal with it. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people to change their negative thinking patterns and behavior. Marital and family counseling can also be beneficial for people with ADHD who have difficulty maintaining relationships.
The first step to find the right counselor is to request an appointment from your physician or an expert. You can also contact a local university-based hospital or graduate school of psychology to obtain recommendations. Choose a practitioner who you are comfortable with and has experience treating adults.