How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD are often stigmatized and discriminated against at work, at school, and even in their relationships. They can be misdiagnosed with other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Ask your GP to evaluate your condition if you think that you suffer from ADHD. They'll talk to you about your symptoms and ask for family/whanau input to build an understanding of your past.
The Diagnosis Process
Many people begin by conducting online tests and rating scales in order to determine if they suffer from ADHD. These tools aren't able provide a definitive diagnosis and therefore, it's recommended to talk to your family doctor or mental healthcare specialist if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They can help you find the right specialist to evaluate your symptoms to determine if ADHD is the reason or if something else such as anxiety or depression is the reason.
During the examination, your provider will ask you or your child to describe the symptoms you've experienced in two different settings (at home and at school) over the last six months. They'll also consider how long you or your child has suffered from them and if they affect your daily activities. For adults, a diagnosis requires at least five established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. Additionally, the signs must have been present since the time of childhood -- i.e., before age 12 -- and must cause significant difficulties in multiple settings like home, school or work.
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation also includes a medical and family history. In some cases the evaluator might inquire about your spouse, parents, teachers or colleagues who can provide an outsider's perspective on your symptoms. They may also ask for details regarding your past or present drinking and drug usage, sleep habits and physical health.
The evaluator will also take into consideration whether your symptoms could be explained by another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, or by physical problems such as low birth weight or exposure to contaminants during pregnancy. It's important to be as truthful and thorough as you can in this part of the process because these other conditions can trigger similar symptoms as the symptoms of ADHD.
Once your evaluator has all this information, they'll write up the report or diagnose. diagnosed with adhd iampsychiatry.com will share the report or diagnosis with you and your family and discuss treatment options. This is the perfect time to discuss expectations and goals. A diagnosis of ADHD is only the beginning of an ongoing relationship to manage your symptoms and live a more fulfilled life.
Signs and symptoms
The first step to getting an adhd diagnosis for adults is to recognize symptoms that are impacting their lives. This could be as easy as losing keys regularly and putting off projects at work or being late for social occasions. Other symptoms include being disorganized not completing homework or chores or appointments, having trouble remembering them and making mistakes. The doctor will not only talk about current issues but will also review the patient's previous psychiatric issues, such as anxiety and depression from childhood until adulthood.
Based on current guidelines, to be eligible for an adhd diagnosis as an adult, the symptoms must be present in the early years of childhood and be consistent across different environments such as family life and academic performance, work behavior, and social interactions. The specialist will also ask questions about the individual's health, family and work history as along with any prior mental health assessments. They may ask for information from friends and family and old reports or other school documents, and they may conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that may be similar to the symptoms of ADHD for example, thyroid issues or a seizure disorder.
The expert will also interview any other individuals who are that are part of the individual's life. This could include spouses and other family members as well as teachers, coworkers or parents. It is essential that the person being assessed discuss these issues openly and honestly. They should not be scared of embarrassing themselves or shame. They should be at ease discussing how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting their lives.
The psychiatrist who is examining the patient will review the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if the patient is in compliance with diagnostic guidelines. The examiner may also request medical records such as bloodwork or a CBC to check for any other conditions that could affect the patient's ability to function, for instance a thyroid problem or seizure disorder. In addition, the psychiatrist could conduct a neuropsychological or psychological test to determine how the symptoms of ADHD affect the abilities of a person.
Evaluations
Adults seeking a diagnosis of ADHD will be evaluated by their primary healthcare provider to make sure that the symptoms are not caused by a condition. This could include depression, anxiety or physical problems such as thyroid problems or seizures. These can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD and it's essential to rule them out before the treatment program is developed.
A doctor will conduct an interview with the patient in order to review their background of ADHD symptoms. This includes whether or not they were diagnosed in childhood and for how long. The doctor will also look at the lifestyle of the person as well as their medical and family histories to see if there are any factors that might be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association provides a list of ADHD symptoms that doctors should consider when determining ADHD. A person has to exhibit symptoms in at least two different settings such as home and school, for them to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms should also impact the daily activities. The symptoms must begin in childhood and cannot be explained by other mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Mental health professionals often request that people assess their symptoms using an appropriate scale or checklist when conducting an evaluation for ADHD. These tools ensure that the psychiatrist is evaluating a patient in accordance with the standard criteria. They may also interview other people in the patient's life, like family members, a close friend or spouse, or their parents or teachers, to gain a complete picture of the person's symptoms and how they impact their lives.
Adults often seek an answer when they notice they aren't performing well at work or in relationships as they could. For these adults, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. It can mean they're no longer blaming their failures due to insufficiency or lack of motivation and can take steps to overcome their difficulties. It isn't easy to accept that you have a chronic illness that requires continuous treatment.
Treatment
Many people diagnosed with ADHD have had the disorder for years without even realizing it. Their frustrations at school or at work might finally prompt them to seek an evaluation. Family problems, like disputes over misplaced items or failing to keep commitments, could also trigger an investigation.
A health care specialist with an expertise in ADHD will conduct the test. The doctor will ask you to fill out the questionnaire, and will also solicit feedback from other people, such as your spouse, coworkers, and your classmates. The health care professional may also inquire about your medical history and perform a physical exam. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea, seizure disorders, or sleep apne may cause symptoms resembling those of ADHD and it is essential that you are examined for these conditions, too.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers are all licensed professionals that can conduct an ADHD evaluation. You can request a referral from your primary care physician or you can join a local support group for people with ADHD to find a professional. You can also ask your insurance company for a list of professionals who are able to conduct ADHD evaluations.
Your doctor must be aware of your behavior from childhood. Your doctor will also evaluate your symptoms with those of people with ADHD and look at the history of your family to determine the diagnosis.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to help manage your symptoms. They can also refer you to a therapist or counselor who can help you develop strategies for dealing with your problems.
You can also be part of a clinical trial to learn about the latest treatments for ADHD. Researchers at NIMH as well as other institutions across the country conduct these trials. Your doctor can inform you about the various clinical trials available.
Adults suffering from ADHD don't completely overcome it however they can manage their symptoms to achieve success in work, school and in their personal lives. The appropriate treatment can help adults with ADHD avoid issues at home and at work, and get closer to their family and professional goals.