Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
A diagnosis as an adult can bring up complicated emotions. Many people find that their ADHD symptoms are correlated with anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions.
It is never too for you to seek assistance. Adults are able to benefit from effective treatments, such as lifestyle changes, medication as well as therapy. It is important to see an experienced mental health professional to get an evaluation.
Evaluations
While qualified healthcare professionals may differ in the methods and test materials they employ, they will follow routine procedures when testing for ADHD. Those include a thorough diagnostic interview, information from other sources such as 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. Although these surveys aren't diagnostic by themselves but they can be a great starting point to help the healthcare professional determine if it's appropriate to proceed to more in-depth assessment tools.
When recalling past events, it's important that the person who is being evaluated be honest. Many people with ADHD have spotty memories especially of their childhood, so it's an ideal idea to bring any documents like report cards or old school exams which can help shed light on the past. Your healthcare provider might also suggest that you speak to a partner or spouse to gain the same kind of understanding.
The DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD states that the symptoms must occur "often" and affect the person's academic, social or occupational functioning. These symptoms must have been present in adults throughout their life and not be triggered by another mental disorder. For those who weren't diagnosed with ADHD in their early years the symptoms must have been present for at minimum six months, and not be appropriate for their developmental level.
Many mental health experts advise avoid self-diagnosis with online surveys when it comes to ADHD. These questionnaires lack an established scientific basis and may lead to an inaccurate diagnosis. This is especially true for adults. In fact, many of the questions in these online questionnaires are also used in other psychiatric disorders, and could give false positive results for ADHD.
Your healthcare provider will perform physical examinations and request any required laboratory tests such as a blood test or EKG, in order to determine if there are medical conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms, such a thyroid problem or seizure disorder. These tests can also reveal whether there are coexisting issues, such as learning difficulties or depression, that could contribute to ADHD symptoms.
adult diagnosis adhd and symptoms
People with ADHD struggle to stay well-organized, focusing and keeping track of their tasks. They may also appear to be easily distracted, have trouble remembering things and become bored quickly. This combination of signs makes it difficult to complete tasks that don't hold their interest and can create problems at work, school and in relationships.
ADHD symptoms can vary from one person to another and are distinctive. They can range from mild to serious. The American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers the criteria doctors use to diagnose this condition.
Doctors talk to the person suffering from ADHD and review their medical, family, and psychiatric history from childhood to the present. They also take into consideration the person's mood and any other illnesses or health conditions they may have. They will inquire about their work or home life, as well as their relationships with their family and friends.
It's important to remember that having a diagnosis of ADHD doesn't mean there's something wrong in the brain or that the person is less intelligent than other people. ADHD can make it difficult to focus and can cause problems in different areas of life. However, if the symptoms are treated, people with ADHD can achieve success in their work and personal lives.
The first step for a lot of adults is to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. This will help them learn how to manage the symptoms. If not treated, ADHD can lead to problems at school and at work. It can also make it hard to maintain healthy relationships, and can cause people to be self-critical or see themselves as lazy or irresponsible.
When an adult is diagnosed with ADHD, they may feel various emotions, including relief and gratitude. They may also be shocked that they've been struggling with their issues for quite a long time. They may be surprised to learn that they have been misunderstood and referred to as names because of their forgetfulness or lack of organization.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be tricky for adults. Adults must meet the threshold for symptoms lower than children in order to be diagnosed. They must have five of nine symptoms that last at least six months to be considered for a diagnosis. The doctor also needs to rule out other causes, such as mental health issues, stress and physical illnesses that may cause similar symptoms.
The doctor will look over the patient's medical history and mental health history, including symptoms that started before the age of 12 years old. The doctor may request to speak with family and friends, as well as school counselors and teachers. This isn't for "right" answers, but rather so that they get a clearer picture of the person's experiences. People suffering from ADHD often have a difficult to admitting their issues, and they're especially good at hiding their symptoms.
A doctor will need to know the person's daily routine, the way they manage their work and personal life and how it affects them. To help determine the cause the problem, the doctor could use clinical interviewing, rating scales, or symptom checklists. Doctors can also request school and work records and may administer neuropsychological, psychological, or tests for learning disabilities.
Answering questions honestly is important. Do not be afraid to admit that you are embarrassed or shame. Although it can be difficult for people with ADHD to admit it as a problem, they tend to be self-defeating and have issues with interpersonal relationships. They also are under constant pressure to perform at work and at home. In the end, they can be frustrated and stressed, which can contribute to the worsening of symptoms. ADHD, if left undiagnosed and untreated, could create long-term problems in almost every aspect of one's life. It's estimated that untreated ADHD costs the economy $70 billion per year. Fortunately, medication and other treatment options can lessen the negative effects of untreated ADHD. Adult ADHD can be treated by a variety of drugs. Certain people also benefit from behavioral therapy.
Treatment
Adults are able to benefit from the same treatments as children. ADHD symptoms can be reduced by medication, behavioral strategies and therapy. The goal of treatment for ADHD is to minimize the problems caused by it and to encourage independence.
The first step is to get an evaluation from a professional. A health care professional or mental health professional will discuss the person's history and perform tests to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms, like anxiety disorders or physical ailments.
A diagnosis is determined by assessing whether the person has the characteristics for ADHD in accordance with DSM-5 criteria. These criteria include inattention and hyperactivity as well as impulsivity that has been present for at least six months. In adults, inattention and impulsivity could have had a significant impact on school or work performance.
Adult ADHD is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms change as we age and they don't cause the same issues as children do. Additionally, people with ADHD may be adept in hiding symptoms or figuring out ways to alleviate them, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize them.
Once an ADHD diagnosis is made it is essential for the patient to talk with their doctor about how they're feeling and how symptoms are impacting their life. This will allow the doctor to suggest medication, therapy and other treatments that can enhance their functioning.
The majority of medications are the basis of treatment for adults with ADHD. Stimulants, that increase levels of a chemical within the brain that transmits messages between nerve cells, are used to control impulsivity and increase attention and concentration. Currently, two stimulants are approved by the FDA to be used by adults with ADHD namely the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine (Focalin).
Many people find that therapy for behavioral issues and lifestyle changes can help manage their symptoms. Therapy helps them develop how to manage time and organize their lives, and to recognize and cope with their symptoms. It also helps them overcome thinking distortions which lead to negative feelings and a sense of being out-of-control.