Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
An ADHD diagnosis in an adult can be accompanied by a variety of emotions. Many people find that their ADHD symptoms overlap with depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.
It is never too late for help. There are effective treatments for adults, including medications, lifestyle changes, and therapy. It is important to see a qualified mental health professional to get an evaluation.
Evaluations
Although qualified healthcare professionals may vary slightly in their testing procedures and tools, they generally follow the standard procedures for ADHD evaluations. These include a thorough diagnostic interview, information from other sources such as spouses or family members, DSM-5 symptoms checklists, and standardized scales for assessing behavior for ADHD. Some professionals also ask patients to complete online surveys that help identify impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity-related symptoms. These surveys are not diagnostic by themselves, but they can be a good point of reference for medical professionals to decide whether or not to use more specific assessment tools.
Even when recollecting the past, it's crucial that the person being evaluated be honest. Many adults with ADHD have hazy memories, particularly of their childhood. So it's a good idea to bring any documentation like report cards or old school test results that help shed light on the past. Your healthcare provider may also suggest that you speak to your spouse or a partner to get the same kind of information.
The DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of ADHD states that symptoms must occur "often" and interfere with the person's academic, social or occupational performance. These symptoms must have been present throughout the adulthood and not be triggered by another mental disorder. For those who were never diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, their symptoms must have lasted for at minimum six months and not be appropriate for their level of development.
Many mental health professionals advise that you avoid using surveys online to diagnose ADHD. These surveys do not have any scientific basis and could result in an incorrect diagnosis. This is particularly relevant for adults. In fact, many of the questions in these online questionnaires are also employed in other psychiatric disorders, and could result in false positives for ADHD.
Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and order any required laboratory tests like a blood test or EKG for you to rule out medical conditions that can mimic ADHD symptoms, such a thyroid problem or seizure disorder. These tests can also help determine if a person has any coexisting conditions that may contribute to ADHD symptoms, like learning disabilities or depression.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD frequently have trouble keeping track of their activities, staying organized and following through. They can also be easily distracted or forget things quickly and get bored quickly. This is a combination of symptoms that makes it difficult for them to finish tasks that do not hold their interest and can create issues at work, school and in relationships.
The symptoms of ADHD can appear in various ways and differ for each person. They can vary from mild to severe. The American Psychiatric Society's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for doctors to diagnose this condition.
Doctors interview the person with ADHD and look over their medical, family, and psychiatric history from childhood until the present. They also look at the person's mood and look at any other health conditions or illnesses they may have. They'll be interested in the person's work and life at home and with friends and family.
It's important to remember that a diagnosis for ADHD does not mean people are less intelligent or has a brain problem. ADHD can make it difficult to remain focused and cause problems in many different areas of daily life. If the symptoms are treated the people suffering from ADHD will be able to be successful in their work and personal lives.
For many adults, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD is the first step towards understanding how to manage their symptoms. If not treated, ADHD can lead to problems at work and in school. It can also create difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships and cause people to become self-critical, lazy or irresponsible.
When an adult is diagnosed with ADHD, they may feel different emotions like relief and gratitude. They can also be surprised at how they've been struggling with their symptoms for so long. They may be surprised that they've been criticized or called names in the past because of their forgetfulness and disorganization.
Diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with ADHD can be tricky for adults. Adults must have the threshold for symptoms lower than children to be diagnosed. They need to have five of nine symptoms lasting at least six months in order to be considered as having a diagnosis. The doctor must also rule out other possible causes like mental illness, stress or physical illnesses.
The doctor will look over the patient's medical history and psychiatric background, including symptoms that started before the age of 12. He or she may seek out family members and acquaintances as well as school teachers and counselors. It's not to get "right" answers but rather to get a better understanding of the person. People with ADHD typically have a difficult to admitting their issues and are particularly adept at disguising their symptoms.
A doctor should be aware of how the person handles their home and work life, and how his or her behavior impacts the way they live their lives on a daily basis. To aid in diagnosing the problem, the doctor could employ clinical interviewing, rating scales, or symptom checklists. Doctors can also request school and work records, and may conduct neuropsychological, psychological, or tests for learning disabilities.
Being honest in answering questions is essential. Don't avoid answering questions with feelings of embarrassment or shame. It's also important to keep in mind that, even though it's difficult for people with ADHD to admit it, they usually have low self-esteem and have difficulty in interpersonal relationships. Additionally, they are under pressure to perform both at work and at home. As a result, they can be frustrated and experience stress, which can contribute to the escalating symptoms. ADHD is a condition that if not recognized and without treatment, can cause long-term problems in nearly every aspect of a person's life. Untreated adult ADHD is estimated to cost the economy $70 billion per year. Fortunately, medications and other treatment options can help reduce the negative effects of untreated ADHD. Adult ADHD can be treated with a variety of medications. adhd diagnosis in adults benefit from behavioral therapy.
Treatment
Adults benefit from the same therapies as children. ADHD symptoms can be controlled by medication, behavioral strategies and therapy. The goal of treatment for ADHD is to reduce the problems caused by it and encourage independence.
The first step is to seek an expert evaluation. A health care provider or mental health professional will review the person's past and conduct tests to rule out any other conditions that have similar symptoms, for example anxiety disorders or physical ailments.
A diagnosis is made by determining whether the individual has the characteristics for ADHD in accordance with DSM-5 criteria. These criteria include hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity, which have been present for at minimum six months. In adults, the inattention or impulsivity must have interfered significantly with the performance at work or in school.
It can be difficult to get a diagnosis for adult ADHD since the signs change as you age and don't cause the same impairment like in children. Furthermore, those with the condition may be skilled at masking symptoms or finding ways to cope with them, which makes it difficult for their doctors to determine if they have it.
Once a diagnosis of ADHD is made it is crucial that the patient communicates with their doctor how they feel and how the symptoms affect their lives. The doctor can then recommend medication, therapy, and other treatments to improve their performance.
Medication is typically the mainstay of treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants, that increase levels of a chemical within the brain that transmits messages between nerve cells are used to manage the impulsivity of children and improve concentration and attention. FDA has approved two stimulants for adults suffering from ADHD. They are methylphenidate (Ritalin), and lisdexamfetamine, (Focalin).
Many people find that behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can help manage their symptoms. Therapy helps them develop organizational and time management skills and help them recognize and manage their symptoms. Therapy also helps them overcome thinking distortions that cause negative feelings and a sense of being out-of-control.