Adult ADHD Diagnosis
For some people being diagnosed with adult ADHD is the first step toward getting treatment. They may feel frustrated at work, in their homes or even in their social life because of symptoms like being distracted or forgetting things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often means going through a thorough evaluation that involves interviewing the person and their family members, using standard tests and rating scales. The evaluation usually includes a physical exam, too.
Signs and symptoms
For many adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help adults to understand why they've had to struggle for so long and help them make sense of their past choices. It could also inspire them to look forward to the future. Whether you are experiencing difficulty in locating your keys, feeling like you'll never finish your work, or being accused of being unreliable or lazy getting an assessment is the first step toward finding the treatment that works for you.
For most adults, symptoms are present in a variety of areas of their lives. Some are more common in one area in comparison to another. They may be impulsive and irritable at school, but struggle to keep up with work. They might forget to make appointments or underestimate the time needed to complete tasks. They may struggle to make friends or argue with their spouses often. If these problems are severe they could affect everyday life and cause anxiety or depression.
It's crucial to recognize ADHD However, it's important to identify other factors might be contributing to symptoms. Stress, mental health conditions and certain medications can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD. A thorough evaluation by a qualified professional is necessary to make sure that the issue is being treated.
Unlike children, adults with ADHD seldom show the more prominent symptoms of hyperactivity. Hyperactivity is less obvious and is manifested as fidgeting or a difficulty in sitting. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display these symptoms, as they are more likely to conceal their inattention within their work and social life.
During the exam the doctor will look at the patient's medical history as well as how their symptoms impact their daily lives. They will also inquire about family history and should they be able to interview a family member for their perspectives on childhood behavior. They might also conduct psycho-, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. In certain instances, it may be necessary to undergo an examination of the body to rule out specific illnesses which can mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
It's important for adults who think they might be suffering from ADHD to discuss their symptoms with a medical professional, especially if their issues are related to school or work. Primary care providers can refer patients to mental health professionals who have expertise in adult ADHD evaluations. Hamdani states that professionals who work with adults suffering from ADHD should be able and willing to share information about their training and experience. Hamdani says that anyone who is hesitant to disclose the information needed to be viewed with suspicion.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing experience. For some, it provides an explanation for the years of frustration and self-criticism. Others feel a sense relief that there's an explanation for the difficulties they've experienced in their lives or that their issues were not just "in their heads."
Adults who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed through an in-depth interview with a specialist. This will include a review of the individual's personal medical, family, and background. The professional will also ask the person to rate their behavior using one or several different ADHD behavioral rating scales. These ratings are basing on research that compares behaviors of people with ADHD to the behavior of those who don't have the disorder.
The individual will be asked about the symptoms and how they impact 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 associated with ADHD include depression, anxiety disorders, and drug or alcohol abuse. Some experts suggest that these co-morbidities are maladaptive strategies to cope with the stressors that are typically associated with untreated ADHD.
It's important to note that ADHD is more prevalent in women than men. Many people suffering from the disorder struggle to be diagnosed because of the long-standing prejudices regarding the symptoms of the disorder and how they affect both men and women. Some women can mask their symptoms better and can lead to a delayed diagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis.
Treatment
Adults who are diagnosed of ADHD may find it helpful to consult a mental health professional, especially one with experience treating adults with ADHD. The person who treats adults can teach them ways to manage their symptoms, and improve their performance at school, at work or at home. nhs adhd diagnosis can also assist adults to learn to understand why their behavior is different and what triggers them.
Because a person might suffer from multiple disorders that cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD, it's important for professionals in mental health to evaluate the adult thoroughly. This could include a thorough description of the person's symptoms along with questionnaires and scales that are completed by the person in question and others who know him well, a complete medical history of the family and a psychiatric history, and a thorough physical examination.
A thorough examination is essential to determine whether the adult suffers from a co-morbid disorder, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can cause the symptoms of ADHD and make treatment more challenging. A mental health professional could also perform cognitive or neuropsychological testing to look at how the brain functions and rule out other causes of the problem, like a learning impairment or physical illness.
Treatment options for adults with ADHD typically include counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Adults can benefit from individual talk therapy to improve their self-esteem as well as deal with the emotional baggage associated with ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also help improve time management, organization and impulse control. They also can tackle the effects that stressors have on an individual's abilities to function.
Some people with ADHD may benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy can offer the opportunity to connect with others who face similar difficulties and discuss ways to overcome them. These groups are usually organized by a support or advocacy group.
Many adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medication. There are a variety of medications available that include stimulants (such as methylphenidate, which is sold under the name Ritalin) which increase the levels of norepinephrine within the brain. Others assist in regulating moods and decrease impulsive behavior, like antidepressants and bupropion, an antipsychotic drug (Wellbutrin). Your Mercy doctor can discuss all treatment options with you.
Support
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD suffer from the disorder for a long time without knowing it. They might seek an evaluation because they are annoyed by daily challenges like forgetting appointments or making a mistake at work, or ignoring family and friendship commitments. They often feel a sense of relief when they receive a diagnosis.
A mental health professional is able to conduct an evaluation for ADHD, but an primary care physician is typically the best place to begin. If necessary, the doctor could refer the patient an expert. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist may be qualified to examine ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans include specialists by specialization and can help people find an expert in health care who is experienced in ADHD in adults.
During the examination the mental health professional will inquire about the person's previous issues, as well as how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It is important to speak openly and truthfully during the evaluation so that the mental health professional can make a full assessment.
Psychotherapy, or psychological counseling can aid people in managing their symptoms and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach people specific skills to change their patterns of thinking and behavior. The combination of therapy and medication can help alleviate the symptoms of the disorder.
Many adult ADHD sufferers benefit from support groups for adults. Having the chance to discuss their experiences with others who are experiencing similar struggles can be a great source of encouragement and inspiration. Some of these groups are accessible online and are open for anyone suffering from ADHD. Some groups are for specific populations, like African Americans who have ADHD, couples affected by the disorder, or those who identify as gay or lesbian.
There are people who experience feelings of shame or embarrassment over their symptoms, which may make it difficult for them to seek help. But a health professional should explain that ADHD is not an indication of failing or weakness.