Adult ADHD Diagnosis
For some people, a diagnosis of adult ADHD is the first step toward getting treatment. They may feel frustrated in their jobs, homes or social lives due to symptoms like fidgeting, forgetting things or interrupting others.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult usually means going through an extensive assessment that involves conducting interviews with the person and family members using standardized tests and rating scales. The evaluation usually includes an examination of the body.
Symptoms
For many adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help them understand why they have been struggling for so long and help them make sense of their past decisions. It can also give hope for an improved future. Whether you are struggling with losing your keys, feeling like you'll never be able to finish your work, or being labeled as irresponsible or lazy, getting an assessment is the first step toward finding the treatment that works for you.
For the majority of adults, signs manifest in different areas of their lives. Some are more common in one area than the other. They may be impulsive and irritable at school, but have difficulty in keeping up with their work. They might forget to make appointments or underestimate the time required to complete their tasks. They may struggle to make friends or engage in frequent arguments with their spouses. If the issues are severe, they may interfere with daily living and lead to depression or anxiety.
While it's important to consider the possibility of a diagnosis of ADHD however, it's equally important to consider the other factors contributing to the symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and medications can cause symptoms similar to the symptoms of ADHD. A thorough examination by a trained professional is required to be sure that the issue is being addressed.
Like children, adults who suffer from ADHD do not show the more prominent signs of hyperactivity. Instead, the symptoms of hyperactivity present themselves more subtly, such as fidgeting or having trouble sitting in a chair. Women with ADHD are more likely to display these symptoms since they are more able to hide their inattention at work and in social life.
During the exam, the doctor will review the patient's medical history and how their symptoms impact their daily lives. They will also ask for family history and, if it is possible, interview a relative to get their view on the behavior of children. They may also perform psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing. In some cases, a physical exam may be needed to rule out illnesses that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
It is essential for adults who believe they might be suffering from ADHD to discuss their symptoms with a health care specialist, especially if the issues stem from work or school. Primary care providers may refer patients to mental health professionals with expertise in adult ADHD assessments. Hamdani states that professionals who deal with adults suffering from ADHD should be able and willing to share information about their training and experience. Hamdani warns that anyone who is unwilling to provide such information should be viewed with suspicion.
Getting a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing event. For some, it provides an explanation for the years of frustration and self-criticism. Others feel a sense relief that there's a reason for the challenges they've encountered in their lives or that their problems were not just "in their head."
Adults suffering from ADHD are diagnosed by an in-depth interview with a professional. This will include a review the patient's medical background, family and personal background. The doctor will also ask the person to rate their behavior on one or more of the standard ADHD behavioral rating scales. These ratings are based upon research that compared the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not have the disorder.
The individual will be asked about their symptoms and how they affect their life. In order to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, an adult must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment in at least two settings (such as home, school and work) and that are not better explained by other factors.
Comorbidities are often present among those who have been diagnosed as having adult ADHD. Common comorbidities that are associated with ADHD include depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol or drug abuse. Some experts suggest that these complications are a result of maladaptive coping mechanisms to deal with the frustrations that are commonly related to untreated ADHD.
It's also important to note that ADHD is more prevalent in men than women, and it may be difficult for those who do have the disorder to be diagnosed due long-held biases about the symptoms and their impact on males and females. Women may be able to mask their symptoms more effectively and can lead to delay diagnosis or an inaccurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Adults who have been diagnosed of ADHD might find it beneficial to consult a mental health professional who has experience in treating adults with ADHD. This person can teach adults behavioral strategies to help them manage their symptoms and improve their functioning in the workplace, at school or at home. They can also help adults recognize the reasons why their behavior is different and what triggers it.
A mental health professional must examine an adult thoroughly because they may have other disorders similar to ADHD. This could include a detailed description of the individual's symptoms, questionnaires and scales completed by the person who is being evaluated and by other people who know him or her well, a complete psychiatric history and family medical history, as well as a thorough physical examination.
It is important to conduct a thorough assessment to determine if an adult suffers from a comorbid disorder such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional can also conduct neurological or cognitive testing to examine how the brain functions and to rule out any other causes, including an illness of the body or a learning disability.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated through psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Adults may benefit from individual talk therapy to boost their self-esteem as well as deal with the emotional baggage that comes with ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also improve organization, time management and impulse control. They can also address the impact of stressors on a person's ability to perform.
Certain people who suffer from ADHD benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy gives you the opportunity to meet people who face similar issues and discuss how to overcome these challenges. These groups are typically run by an advocacy or support group.
adhd adults diagnosis uk suffering from ADHD can also be treated by medications. There are several medications available that include stimulants, which increase the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain (for example, methylphenidate, which is also known as Ritalin). Others assist in regulating moods and reduce impulsive behaviors, like antidepressants and bupropion, an antipsychotic medication (Wellbutrin). Your Mercy doctor will be able to talk with you about the various treatment options available to you.
Support
Adults with ADHD may have the disorder for many years without even realizing it. Discontent with everyday issues like missing appointments, making irresponsible mistakes at work, or breaking family or friendship commitments can lead them to seek an assessment. It's common for these people to feel a sense of relief when they receive a diagnosis, especially when they realize the reason they've been struggling all their lives.
A mental health professional can perform an assessment for ADHD however, the primary care physician is usually a good place to start. The doctor may also refer the person to a specialist when needed. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist might also be able to evaluate ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans will list specialists according to their specialties, which will help individuals find an expert in health care who is knowledgeable about ADHD among adults.
During the examination the mental health professional will inquire about the person's past issues and also how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It is important to speak openly and openly during the evaluation, so that the mental health professional is able to make a full assessment.
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy can assist people in learning to manage their symptoms and improve relationships. Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches people specific techniques to alter their patterns of thinking and behavior. Therapy is often paired with medications, which can help to reduce the effects of the disorder.
Many adult ADHD sufferers benefit from support groups for adults. The opportunity to share their experiences with others who have similar struggles can provide a lot of inspiration and encouragement. Some of these groups are accessible online and are available to all people with ADHD. Certain groups are specifically targeted for groups, such as African Americans who have ADHD or couples with the disorder, or those who identify as gay or lesbian.
Some people may be embarrassed or ashamed of their symptoms. This could make them reluctant to seek assistance. But a health professional must explain that ADHD is not an indication of failing or weakness.