ADHD Diagnosis in Adults
The diagnosis of ADHD must be made by a licensed mental health specialist or physician (psychiatrist or neurologist, or family doctor). Symptoms are assessed using standardized behavior rating scales built on research that compares the behavior of individuals with and without ADHD.
A medical exam is also performed as certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or seizures may mimic ADHD symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
The signs of ADHD are a major issue for the majority of people seeking an assessment. They may have difficulty keeping a job, maintain healthy relationships, or keep up with household chores. Additionally, they could be suffering from mood and anxiety disorders or have problems with substance use. The first step towards getting a diagnosis is to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Your physician may refer you to a mental health professional qualified to perform ADHD assessments for adults. You can also inquire with an institution affiliated with a local university or a medical school for recommendations. Some insurance plans include professionals according to specialization.
During the evaluation the mental health professional will review your medical and personal history, and assess you to determine whether you meet any of the ADHD diagnostic criteria. These are provided by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition. The doctor will look for inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Inattention symptoms can include not paying attention to others, not following instructions and not paying attention to the smallest details. ADHD sufferers tend to be distracted, and have difficulty finishing tasks - especially when the task is not interesting to them.
Hyperactive and impulsive individuals may run and climb in places they shouldn't. They may also interrupt games, conversations, or take other people's sports equipment, toys, or homework assignments. They are unable to wait for their turn or play with a calm and controlled manner. They are often asked questions before the person asking them has finished thinking, or they cannot wait to speak in a social setting at school, at work. They may have trouble waiting for assistance or using money, and they frequently fail to attend appointments.
A thorough mental health assessment is crucial prior to determining ADHD as a number of conditions can resemble the symptoms of the disorder, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders and certain medication and head injuries. A psychiatric assessment usually includes an organized interview that focuses on your social, academic and emotional life. It could also include interviews with family members and friends. Your mental health specialist may conduct psychological tests to determine your working memory, executive functioning abilities as well as spatial and visual abilities.
Diagnosis
It can be life-changing for adults to be given an ADHD diagnosis. It may give a reason for the frustrations they face on a daily basis such as work-related issues, difficulties making friends, relationship conflicts or a lack of financial stability. It could also help explain why they were labeled unreliable or lazy as children.
Finding out if someone has ADHD in adults is trickier than diagnosing children because the symptoms change as time passes. To be diagnosed with the disorder, doctors must apply the guidelines provided by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if a person meets the criteria. This requires a thorough assessment which may include symptom checklists as well as standardized behavior rating scales, and interviews with significant others, such as spouses or parents and teachers.
In addition to conducting a thorough interview, some doctors may also require patients to fill out questionnaires or complete psychological tests that measure executive functioning, working memory abilities (such as planning and decision-making) spatial and visual skills, and reasoning (thinking) capabilities. Depending on the individual the doctor may request a brain scan or conduct other clinical lab tests, like bloodwork or a physical exam.
It is crucial that a physician examines the possibility of co-occurring disorders that could mimic ADHD. These could include mood disorders, learning difficulties, substance abuse or head injuries (Austerman 2015). During an evaluation, a practitioner can also speak with the patient's family members and friends to obtain more information regarding their experience with the disorder.
In addition, many people with ADHD struggle to remember memories from their childhoods, especially when they are experiencing emotional distress or issues. It's not uncommon for physicians to ask parents or other family members to submit an retrospective ADHD report detailing a child's behavior and school performance.
Some patients are hesitant to seek out a diagnosis because they don't think their issues are serious. If not diagnosed, ADHD can have devastating consequences for those who live with it.
Treatment
For those who suffer from ADHD being diagnosed is the first step in finding a treatment. Most people who suffer from ADHD start by talking to their primary healthcare provider who will refer them to a mental-health professional.
A psychiatric evaluation typically includes the description of symptoms and interviews with the patient and other independent sources, like spouses and friends and completion of ADHD symptoms checklists, standard behavioral scales and psychometric tests like intelligence and learning disabilities tests. It's also important to rule out other medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms, including seizures and thyroid disorders.
Often, the most difficult part of an adhd diagnosis for adults is coming to terms with the stigma that comes with the condition. Untreated ADHD can cause an adult to feel as if they're failing in areas such as relationships and work. Receiving a diagnosis can help them understand what's going on and recognize that it's not their fault, said research psychologist Karla Pretorius, M. Psychology, who specializes in ADHD in adults.
Discussion of your symptoms with colleagues or supervisors could be beneficial. They can better understand your issues if you educate them about ADHD. They might offer small adjustments, such as giving you more time to complete assignments or providing you with a quiet space to study. In many instances, you'll discover that your instructors and coworkers are more understanding than you have imagined.
Consult your primary physician about taking part in a trial if you are interested in medication for ADHD. These trials are intended to test new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and conditions. You will have access to the latest treatments and therapies before they are widely accessible.
ADHD medications can aid you in improving your ability to concentrate, follow instructions and control your impulsive behavior. But, it's important to take medications in conjunction with psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can teach you strategies for coping, assist you to develop healthy habits and to manage your feelings of discontent and guilt over past failures. It will also help you to understand how your ADHD interferes with the dynamics of your family and relationships.
Counseling
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be a life-changing event for many adults. Many adults have had to deal with impulsive, unorganized or inattentional behavior for a long time before they knew why. A diagnosis allows them to see that their issues aren't a result of being unsuccessful or unlucky.
The first step in obtaining diagnosed is to have an interview with an expert in mental health. During the interview the patient will be asked about their mental health issues and how they affect their life professionally and personally. The clinician will want to be aware of a person's history especially from childhood. This could include asking about previous diagnosis or other mental health issues. It is typically beneficial to bring an immediate family member or friend to the interview, as they can help them recall specifics.
During the evaluation the person will be asked to complete psychological tests that test their executive functioning, working memory, visual and spatial skills and reasoning skills. It is crucial to answer all of the questions in a complete and honest manner so that a accurate assessment of the abilities of a person can be gathered. During the interview, it is essential that a person does not hide information out of fear of embarrassment or shame.
To be eligible for a diagnosis, a person must show signs of ADHD that cause significant impairment in two or more settings. For undiagnosed adhd in adults , the person may struggle at work or school and experience issues with relationships due to their ADHD symptoms.
Counseling can help those who have been diagnosed with ADHD to learn how they can manage their symptoms and devise strategies to succeed at work, in school, and in relationships. This can include individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and learning how to manage inattention and impulsive behaviors. Counseling for families and marriage is a must for those who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This can aid them in tackling the issues that can arise from their symptoms.
Other types of counseling that can be useful for those with ADHD are OT (occupational therapy) and yoga practices which combine the physical benefits of exercise and the psychological benefits of meditation. OT can help people with ADHD establish a structure and routines, while yoga teaches the practice of breathing and relaxation to promote mental calmness.