Adult Diagnosis of ADHD
Getting a diagnosis as an adult can bring up complex emotions. Many people notice that their ADHD symptoms overlap depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
It is never too late for help. There are effective treatments for adults, including medication, lifestyle changes and therapy. It is crucial to visit a qualified mental health professional to get an evaluation.
Evaluations
While healthcare professionals who are certified will differ in the methods and testing tools they use, they will follow established protocols when conducting an evaluation of ADHD. They will conduct a thorough diagnostic interview, information from other sources such as spouses or other family members, DSM-5 symptom checklists and standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD. Some professionals also ask patients to complete online surveys that help identify impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity-related symptoms. While these surveys aren't diagnostic, they provide a good starting point to help the healthcare professional determine whether they should proceed to more detailed assessment tools.
When reminiscing about past events, it's important that the person who is being evaluated be honest. Many people suffering from ADHD have spotty memories, particularly of their childhood. So it's recommended to bring any records, such as report cards or old school test results, that can shed light on those times. Your healthcare provider may want to talk with significant other, such as a spouse or partner, to gain the same kind of personal insight.
DSM-5 criteria for ADHD diagnosis states that symptoms must be present "often" in order to hinder academic, social, or occupational functioning. In adults, the symptoms must have been present throughout the person's life and not triggered by another mental health issue. For those who weren't diagnosed with ADHD in their early years, their symptoms must have lasted for at minimum six months and be inappropriate for their developmental level.
Many mental health professionals recommend not taking online surveys to diagnose ADHD. These questionnaires lack an established scientific basis and may lead to an inaccurate diagnosis. This is especially relevant for adults. In fact, many of the questions included in these online questionnaires are also used for other mental disorders, and could provide false positive results for ADHD.
Your healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination and order any required laboratory tests like a blood test or EKG, in order to rule out medical conditions that could cause ADHD symptoms, for example seizure or thyroid disorder. These tests can also reveal whether there are any co-existing conditions, like learning difficulties or depression which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms.
Signs and symptoms
People with ADHD frequently have trouble managing their time and staying organized. They also have trouble following through. They may also appear to be easily distracted, have difficulty remembering things and become bored quickly. This mix of symptoms can make it difficult for them to finish tasks that don't hold their interest. It can also lead to issues at work, at school, and in relationships.
adhd diagnosis in adults can vary from person to person and are distinct. They can range from mild to serious. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) contains criteria that doctors use to determine the severity of the disorder.
Doctors meet with the ADHD patient and go over their medical and family histories from childhood to the present. They also take into consideration the person's mood and any other health conditions they may have. They will inquire about their work or home life, as well as their relations with family and friends.
It's important to keep in mind that a diagnosis for ADHD doesn't mean one is less intelligent or has a brain disorder. Having ADHD can make it difficult to focus and may cause issues in a variety of areas however, if the symptoms are treated, people with ADHD can achieve success at work as well as in their personal lives.
For many adults, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD is the first step in learning how to manage their symptoms. If not treated, ADHD can cause issues at work and in school. It can also make it difficult to maintain healthy relationships and cause people to become insecure, lazy or unreliable.
If someone is diagnosed of ADHD as an adult, they are likely to feel a range of emotions, such as happiness and relief. They can also be surprised that they've struggled with their symptoms for quite a long time. They may be surprised to learn that they have been misunderstood, and even referred to as "names" due to their lack of memory or lack of organization.
Diagnosis
Adults may have a hard time getting diagnosed with ADHD. Adults must meet the threshold for symptoms lower than children to be considered for diagnosis. For a diagnosis one must show five of nine symptoms that last for at least six month. The doctor also needs to rule out other causes, including mental health issues, stress and physical ailments that could cause similar symptoms.
The doctor will look over the patient's medical history as well as the psychiatric history and look for signs that started before the age of 12 years old. They may also request to speak with family and friends, school teachers and counselors. It's not to get "right" answers but rather to gain an understanding of the person. People with ADHD typically have a difficult of revealing their symptoms and they're particularly adept in faking them.
A doctor will want to know how the person manages their work and home lives and how his behavior affects their daily life. To aid in diagnosing the problem, the doctor could employ clinical interviewing, rating scales or symptoms checklists. Doctors may also request work and school records, and may conduct psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests.
Answering questions honestly is important. Do not be afraid to admit that you are embarrassed or shame. Although it can be difficult for those suffering from ADHD to admit it, they are often low-self-esteemed and have issues with interpersonal relationships. They also are under lots of pressure to perform at work and at home. They might feel overwhelmed and stressed, which can cause more symptoms. Undiagnosed and untreated, ADHD can lead to permanent problems in nearly every area of a person's life. If untreated, adult ADHD is estimated to cost the economy $70 billion each year. Untreated ADHD can have negative consequences. Fortunately, medications or other treatment options are available to reduce the effects. Several medications can be used to treat adults with ADHD, and some people benefit from behavior therapy as well.
Treatment
For adults, the same methods used in childhood may help alleviate symptoms. ADHD symptoms can be controlled through behavioral strategies, medication and therapy. The goal of treatment for ADHD is to reduce the issues caused by it and to encourage independence.
The first step is to get an expert evaluation. A health care provider or mental health professional will go over the person's history and run tests to rule out other conditions that share similar symptoms, for example anxiety disorders or physical ailments.
A diagnosis is determined by determining whether the individual is a candidate for ADHD according to DSM-5 criteria. These criteria include inattention and hyperactivity, and impulsivity that has been present for at least six months. In adults the inattention or impulsivity must have significantly affected school or work performance.
Adult ADHD is a difficult diagnosis because the symptoms change as we age and they don't cause the same impairments as children. In addition, people with ADHD might be able to disguise symptoms or find ways to compensate for it, which makes it more difficult for their doctors.
Once a diagnosis of ADHD is established, it is important that the person informs their doctor about how they feel and how symptoms impact their life. The doctor can then recommend medication, therapy, and other methods to help improve their functioning.
Adults with ADHD are typically treated with medication. stimulants, which boost levels of a chemical in the brain that passes messages between nerve cells, are used to reduce impulsivity and increase attention and concentration. Presently, two stimulants are approved by the FDA for use by adults with ADHD namely the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the lisdexamfetamine (Focalin).
Many people find that behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes can help manage their symptoms. Therapy can help them improve their time management and organizational skills, and to recognize and deal with their symptoms. Therapy also teaches them how to overcome the distortions in their thinking that cause mood swings and a feeling of being out of control.