The Worst Advice We've Heard About ADHD Diagnosis Adults
ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD may experience symptoms that are similar to those experienced by people suffering from anxiety or depression. This is why a thorough assessment by a health care provider or mental health professional is necessary.
Your specialist will ask you about your symptoms from childhood. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires or have interviews with teachers and professionals who know you.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult to stay on top of everyday tasks, like managing your schedule and planning ahead. People who have not been diagnosed with ADHD are often unable to perform at their best at work, have difficulty keeping up in school and may find that their relationships suffer because they tend to forget important dates or turn up late for events. They can also have trouble paying attention in conversations or appear distracted by eyes that are glazed over.
The symptoms are assessed to determine whether ADHD is present. They must have persisted for at minimum six months and caused problems in multiple areas of their lives. adhd diagnosing who aren't diagnosed with ADHD may not be aware of their problem, but frustrations in everyday life may prompt them to seek help. They may fall behind in their work because they miss important deadlines or are unable to concentrate during lectures or meetings. Their friendships may suffer because they sabotage plans or fail to listen to their friends and their family lives may be a struggle due to their inability to keep up on household chores.
In addition to a detailed interview, a qualified professional can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological or learning disabilities tests as needed. These tests can help in determining the extent to which ADHD affects an individual, and if comorbid conditions are present. For instance, anxiety may cause similar symptoms as ADHD and depression frequently occurs with ADHD.
It is crucial to select a specialist with experience treating adults with ADHD. Professionals who are certified include physicians, clinical psychologists or clinical social professionals. You can find an expert by asking colleagues or friends for recommendations, however you should do some research and ensure that the specialist is licensed and certified in the state you reside in. You can also look up the professional background of the specialist and request references from previous patients or clients. These steps will help you find someone who can evaluate your child or yourself for ADHD. Many adults feel relieved after receiving a diagnosis. They can stop worrying that their failures are due to laziness or a lack of knowledge and instead concentrate on figuring out how to manage their symptoms.
Diagnosis
Adults may be unable to obtain a diagnosis for ADHD. Many symptoms can be attributed to other causes, such as stress or an illness. Gender, sexes, and even race can influence a person's diagnosis. For instance women and people of color might be diagnosed with the disorder less frequently than whites and males. Certain adults who exhibit ADHD symptoms are diagnosed later in life.
A mental health professional confirms the ADHD diagnosis by conducting a thorough examination of the patient's history of symptoms and behavior. They will ask about the symptoms and also talk to people who know about them. They might ask the spouse, parents or friends of the patient how the symptoms have affected their lives. The patient will be asked to complete questionnaires and may undergo a series of tests, which could include the psychological assessment and an interview.
To be diagnosed the patient will have to prove that they have been suffering from the same symptoms for at least 12 months and that they are currently experiencing impairment in two different areas of their lives like school, work or in relationships. The person will need to have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity to qualify for a diagnosis. It's also important that the specialist establish that these symptoms were present prior age 12.
During the examination the examiner will look over the person's medical background, family history, anxiety and mood disorders, any other mental health conditions and addiction and physical conditions. It's not uncommon for these conditions to be a part of ADHD.
It is crucial to find a professional who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Most professionals are willing to share their expertise and training in treating adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling to share this information, it's best not to work with them.
Treatment
In contrast to when a person is a child, the decision of whether or not to treat ADHD as an adult is entirely up to the person. Although receiving a diagnosis can seem daunting at first but there are a variety of options available to adults to treat their symptoms and improve functioning.
Most health care professionals employ an extensive evaluation process to assess a patient's condition. This includes a thorough description of the symptoms provided by the patient, his family, friends and teachers. It may also include the completion of questionnaires and scales.
A doctor will follow the diagnostic guidelines set by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which requires that a patient show at least five indicators of hyperactivity, inattention or the tendency to be impulsive. The symptoms must have also existed prior to the age of 12. The evaluation will examine how the symptoms impact the person's daily activities. Examples of impairment are losing work due to issues at work, excessive conflict in relationships, financial issues, or not paying bills in time.
A complete evaluation could include along with the interview with a psychologist tests for psychological testing that assess working memory, executive function (abilities such as making decisions and planning) spatial and visual capacities, and reasoning skills. These tests can be administered by a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in ADHD treatment.
Behavioral therapy can be helpful in managing symptoms for some people. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy, which trains the person how to develop strategies to control his own behavior and improve confidence in himself. It can also help the individual learn how to cope with the underlying issues that cause his symptoms worse.
Some people with ADHD decide to participate in a clinical trial, which is a type of research designed to test new ways to detect, prevent or treat diseases. Talk to your healthcare provider about any dangers and benefits that come with participating in a trial.
Counseling
Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the condition for a long time. The strain of living with ADHD or a frustration with their job or relationship issues, can eventually lead someone to realize they need professional assistance. If you are an adult with ADHD, a therapist specializing in the disorder can help you. A psychiatrist or neurologist may also prescribe medication. If you're not sure where to find these professionals, contact your primary care doctor or the organization CHADD.
During the initial evaluation, the mental health professional will inquire with you about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. The therapist may also review your medical history to determine whether emotional or physical issues may have contributed to the onset of your ADHD. The therapist will speak with you as well as, if necessary your significant other. Each spouse or partner should participate in the assessment. This will allow them to better know each the other's ADHD symptoms, and how they impact their relationship.
The therapist will review your symptoms based on the diagnostic criteria established by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The therapist will determine whether you suffer from moderate, mild, or severe ADHD. They'll also discuss the impact of your ADHD on your social interactions, work and at home.
After assessing your health issues, the health care professional will recommend treatment options. These could include lifestyle changes, therapy and medications. Your physician might suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy to help you change negative thoughts patterns and boost self-esteem. They may also recommend you for brain training or neurofeedback, which are non-pharmacological treatments to improve concentration and decrease impulsivity.
Online telehealth services like Amwell can connect you to an expert in ADHD for assessments and medication management. Amwell works with over 40insurance companies. It typically requires a copay or meets your deductible for out-of-pocket visits. Thriveworks is another option, which offers online counseling, and can help you manage medication.