How is ADHD Diagnosed in Adults?
For adults, diagnosing ADHD requires an expert in health care or mental health specialist to conduct a thorough assessment. This could include interviews with the patient, as well as family members or colleagues.
The person being evaluated may be asked to fill out questionnaires or write down their opinions about childhood behavior. A complete evaluation will also include screening for ADHD symptoms and a battery of psychological tests.
Symptoms
Many adults with ADHD are diagnosed only after the symptoms are more apparent in their daily life. It is crucial to be aware of the signs to consult an experienced healthcare professional regarding your concerns. The examiner will inquire about your history of symptoms, especially when you were a child, as current guidelines say that a diagnosis cannot be established without proof that the symptoms existed prior to the age of 12.
For instance, do you often forget appointments or miss deadlines? Do you find it difficult to keep track of your financial documents or other responsibilities? Are you easily distracted and frequently make rash decisions that could strain relationships with your family, friends, and coworkers? These behaviors can be an indication of ADHD and can make it difficult to maintain a job and manage relationships. However, treatment can help reduce the severity of these issues, allowing you to reach your professional and personal goals.
Adults can experience symptoms similar to children however, they may have different symptoms due to the way that adults function at work and in their social lives. They can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms that can cause noticeable disruptions to your functioning. In extreme cases, symptoms can cause problems with relationships and finances, as well as difficulties in your job or at school.
If you suspect that you might have ADHD, you should first consult your primary care provider to get a referral to an expert in mental health who will perform an evaluation. You could also ask your health insurance company for a list or professionals who can conduct tests for ADHD or other disorders. A support group for ADHD is also an excellent resource. Members may have suggestions for professionals in the area.
The evaluator could also inquire about your symptoms. They will also review your medical history and psychiatric condition. They will fill out the questionnaire and survey along with you, and could also have other people (such as your teachers, parents spouses, close friends) fill it out. The evaluator will also conduct a physical examination and may suggest psychological or neuropsychological disabilities tests if necessary.
Diagnosis
If an adult experiences ADHD symptoms that cause problems with their daily activities the person could need an evaluation from an expert in mental health or a primary medical doctor. The evaluator will review the patient's medical and mental health background, speak with the patient about their symptoms, use checklists or scales to assess the symptoms of ADHD and conduct psychological tests to assess working memory and executive functions (abilities that require making decisions and planning) as well as spatial and visual ability. Psychological or neuropsychological tests may be used to determine if a condition that is co-existing is causing the person's symptoms.
During the evaluation the evaluator will ask the person to explain their symptoms and any issues they're experiencing at home, in school or at work. It is essential for the person being assessed to be honest and not hide information due to shame or embarrassment. The examiner may also talk to the person's spouse or close family members as well as friends. This helps to gain a better understanding of the issues the person is facing and how they affect their relationships.
The evaluator will be looking for symptoms from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD. These include trouble paying attention to details or making erroneous mistakes or focusing issues with tasks or activities and problems with following instructions and finishing schoolwork, chores and job duties. The evaluator will also inquire about the person's childhood and family history of ADHD.
If the evaluator finds that the person has ADHD, they will refer them to a specialist who can offer solutions. Adults may have weak or hazy memory of childhood experiences or psychiatric evaluations. The person being evaluated will be required to ask his or her parents, or others, to fill out the retrospective ADHD profile. This will allow the evaluator confirm the child's ADHD symptoms and diagnose ADHD as a current disorder. Some people with ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring disorders like substance abuse, depression and anxiety. These other issues must be addressed to alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Treatment
Seek help if struggling to complete tasks at home or work or if you suffer from inattention or impulsive behavior. Look for adult adhd diagnoses with specialized training in working with adults with ADHD, or an primary medical doctor. You can ask your family and friends members for recommendations, or search online for professionals in the area. Before visiting a professional review their reviews and make sure your insurance will cover the expenses.
To be diagnosed with ADHD You must exhibit symptoms that occur more frequently than every week and result in significant impairment in various areas of your life. It can lead to losing your job or experiencing financial issues due to impulsive spending or failing classes at school, marital difficulties, or trouble in relationships with family and friends. The American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines for ADHD are found in the fifth edition of their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 criteria includes the description and evaluation of your symptoms by your caregivers, you as well as your teachers. It also includes an extensive medical history.
There are different types of treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD that include psychotherapy as well as medication. Behavioral therapy is one method that helps you control and modify your behavior. It can also aid in improving your problem-solving and organizational skills. Psychotherapy can help you to understand the connection between your ADHD and identify the negative patterns of thinking that contribute to the disorder.
Psychotherapy can be helpful in managing ADHD as well as addressing depression or anxiety. Marital counseling and family therapy can be beneficial particularly in the event that your spouse or children suffer from ADHD and face the same issues as you face.
Adults suffering from ADHD are best treated with using a combination of therapies. Talking to your GP is the first step. He can recommend a treatment that is right for you. Your GP will be able to tell you if an assessment for ADHD is the right thing to do.
Support
Support groups can be beneficial to people suffering from ADHD. They can learn from others and share their experiences. These groups do not just provide emotional support, but also educate people about ADHD, treatment options, and coping strategies. It can be beneficial for people suffering from ADHD to seek out professional assistance in to manage their symptoms. Some professionals offer services specifically for adults with ADHD while others might offer general therapy sessions.
Talk therapy can help manage ADHD symptoms. Therapists can help people improve their self-esteem, and help them to discover strategies to manage anger and stress. Some therapists specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a method that focuses on changing the way an individual thinks and behaves.
Adults with ADHD confront challenges they did not have as children, like relationship conflicts, financial problems, and academic difficulties. Individual therapy can help people overcome negative feelings like shame and embarrassment.
A person must exhibit significant impairment in at least two or more situations to be diagnosed with ADHD. This could include a lack of performance at work, excessive conflict and stress in a relationship or getting into trouble because of reckless driving or impulsive spending. It is important to examine the underlying causes that could be the cause, like medical conditions, alcohol or substance abuse.
During an ADHD assessment, a mental health professional or health care provider will talk to the spouse or patient and ask about any past issues and conduct psychiatric assessments. They may also use behavioral rating scales or symptoms checklists, and conduct psychological tests that examine the brain's cognitive processes like memory and decision-making. They might also examine the person's medical, educational, and family history in order to rule out other causes of symptoms.
In the process of evaluating, it's important to be as transparent as possible. The therapist will evaluate whether the patient is taking steps to manage symptoms, like a maintaining a regular sleep schedule or avoiding food items that could aggravate symptoms.