Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Many people suffer from mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. They may be diagnosed when their issues in their lives are so severe that they interfere with work and relationships.
They might be struggling to cope with the demands of their school or job and are experiencing stress at home and feeling embarrassed for procrastinating or managing situations in a poor way. You could ask your primary care physician for recommendations, or search online for health professionals that conduct ADHD assessments.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The process of diagnosis begins with a thorough examination that focuses on the medical background of the patient. This includes the family's history, as well as major life events such as relationships, work or school performance, drug use and driving records. This includes habits of daily life such as sleep, diet and exercise, as well as any supplements or vitamins the person is taking.
The doctor analyzes the patient's symptoms and compares them with the diagnostic criteria set out in American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include symptoms of impulsivity and inattention which are present for at minimum six months, and are significant enough to cause problems with school or work and are not explained by a different mental health issue. For adults the threshold is lower that is five out of nine criteria are required to establish a diagnosis.
The next step is typically an examination for physical health, as certain conditions such as thyroid issues and seizures can trigger ADHD-like signs. This step gives the provider more information to determine possible causes and help them come up with a list of "suspects" that they then test with additional tests. The tests can range from brain imaging to blood tests to cognitive tests. They can take a while but are essential to make sure that your doctor doesn't overlook a problem that could be at the root of your ADHD symptoms.
When the list is narrowed down, it's time for a final diagnosis. The doctor will go over the results and suggest treatment according to their findings. A diagnosis can be a life-changing event for many. It helps to understand years of unexplained struggles and difficulties, which were sometimes unfairly blamed on incompetence or laziness. It can also bring an appreciation for their strengths and the ways to use them to their advantage. Some may experience a sense of regret as they reflect on the opportunities they lost due to their conditions not being treated.
If undiagnosed adhd in adults looking to be diagnosed with ADHD on the NHS it is best to get a specialist assessment. This will include an assessment for mental health and an ADHD assessment, and a referral to your GP to share management. Private diagnosis can be difficult however, certain GPs are willing to offer it when you pay for a private consultation.
What are the symptoms?
Adults who suffer from ADHD have a tendency to manage their symptoms and enjoy a productive and satisfying life. However, if their symptoms become severe they may struggle to keep jobs, maintain healthy relationships, and deal with the stresses of daily life. Financial issues can also be the result due to absences from doctor's appointments, late fees, or impulse purchases. This can cause feelings of insecurity and low self-esteem.
If you suspect that you suffer from ADHD as an adult, it's essential to speak with your health care professional. They can advise you about treatment options and recommend you to a specialist when needed. Your healthcare professional will be able to diagnose you based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is an encyclopedia that lists the symptoms of mental health disorders.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have experienced several inattentive symptoms and five or more of the hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms before age 12. The symptoms must also be present in more than one environment and affect your ability to perform at work, school or socially.
Inattentive symptoms include difficulty in paying attention to tasks, forgetting details, or failing to follow instructions. They may also cause you to lose things like keys, eyeglasses, and even paperwork. Hyperactivity-impulsive symptoms include fidgeting or tapping feet, leaving your seat in situations when it's not appropriate, talking too much, or feeling restless.
A person with ADHD can also have difficulty keeping a schedule and staying organized, or even doing their homework and chores. They can also have difficulty remembering appointments or dates, and they may be easily distracted by other people or activities.
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can be empowering because it helps you understand that your issues aren't your fault. You can then make changes to your behavior and improve the way you manage your time, tasks and finances. You can also learn strategies for coping to help you manage your symptoms. In addition to medication, your health care professional may prescribe lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular exercise. It's also important to get enough rest and avoid sugar, caffeine and other stimulants in the hours before bedtime.
What is the treatment procedure?
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically require more than just the right medication to be diagnosed. People with the condition also have to change their lifestyles and behavior, and they may need counseling to help cope with their symptoms.
If an adult decides to see a healthcare professional for an ADHD evaluation, they should be open about any issues in their lives that could be linked to the disorder, for example issues with relationships, as well as problems at school or work. You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire that requests specific information about these areas. You may also be allowed to ask your family or friends to complete the same. These responses can be an important source of information into whether a person's problems are caused by ADHD or by other factors, such as physical or psychological conditions such as depression.
The examiner will also take into consideration the history of the individual including their childhood experiences and any traumas they might have suffered. They might ask the person to fill out one or more standardized behavior rating scales to compare the behavior of people with and without ADHD. They may also be given psychological tests that test executive functioning, working memory and visual and spatial skills.
If a healthcare professional thinks someone has ADHD, they will usually recommend him or her to a specialist who is familiar with the condition in adults. They can find these specialists by asking your primary physician to recommend a specialist or searching the internet directory for a mental healthcare specialist who is knowledgeable about ADHD. You can also join an adult ADHD support group and talk to others who have had the same experience.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can bring up many emotions, including satisfaction that there is now a reason for their symptoms, and anger that they went undiagnosed for so long. Many people be tempted to feel guilty for not working harder or making progress in life. However this guilt can be overcome when they realize that their issues weren't their own fault and find the right treatment to improve their performance.
What is the Support Process?
When an adult gets diagnosed with ADHD, they may be confronted with a variety of emotions, such as happiness that they have finally found an explanation for their issues, sadness over missed opportunities that could have been averted by an earlier diagnosis, or resentment at the fact that their condition has been overlooked for many years. Getting treated can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. It's important to talk to a medical professional who is experienced with treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can assist you in setting realistic expectations, find efficient strategies to improve your daily life, and get family members on the same page.
You could try to self-test or rate yourself on online questionnaires, but these tools aren't able to give you an accurate diagnosis. The best method to get an accurate assessment is to ask your primary physician for a referral to a specialist, or contact your health insurance company online directory to locate the doctor with experience treating adults with ADHD.
When you have found an expert in medicine to see, you should prepare for your appointment by collecting any records relevant to your specific situation. These could include old school reports, copies of psychological tests, and performance evaluations at work. Prepare yourself to answer questions regarding your personal issues at home and in work, your use of alcohol or drugs and your relationship with friends and family. You may also be required to bring records of other professionals, such as psychologists or neurologists, or a psychiatrist.
Adults who seek the diagnosis of ADHD typically do so because they're struggling to be successful in their personal and professional lives, and they wish to understand what's going on. They might find that their productivity is sagging or their relationships are becoming strained, or they might have ongoing sad moods that don't appear to be attributed to other factors.
It can be challenging for some people to receive an accurate diagnosis because health professionals have preconceived notions about what ADHD symptoms appear like. This can be especially true for people who are minorities, have a female at birth, or are not native English users. There is an increasing awareness of these biases and efforts are being made to counter them.