How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD are often viewed as a stigmatized group and criticized at work, at schools, and in their relationships. They may be misdiagnosed with other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
If you suspect you may have ADHD, start by asking your GP to conduct an assessment. They will ask you about your symptoms and your family members/whanau to build a picture of the history.
The Diagnosis Process
Many people start by taking online self-tests or rating scales to see whether they have ADHD. These tools aren't able provide a definitive diagnosis therefore it is recommended to speak with your family doctor or mental healthcare professional if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD. They can help you find the right specialist who will examine your symptoms to determine whether ADHD is the reason or if it's something else such as anxiety or depression is the reason.
During the evaluation your provider will ask your child or you to write down the symptoms you've experienced at two different locations (at home and at school) during the last six months. They will also ask how long you or your child have been suffering from the symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. For adults, a diagnosis requires at least five established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. In addition, the symptoms must have been present since childhood -- i.e. before the age of 12 -- and must cause significant difficulties in more than one environment like home, school or work.
A thorough psychiatric assessment also includes the medical, family and social history. In some instances the evaluator may interview individuals such as spouses or parents teachers, friends, or coworkers to get a different perspective on your symptoms. They might also request information about your current or previous drinking and drug usage, sleep habits and physical health.
Your evaluator may also consider whether your symptoms are better explained by another mental health issue like depression or anxiety or physical issues like being born with a low birth weight or being exposed to contaminants during pregnancy. This aspect of the process is important because other conditions can have similar symptoms as ADHD.
Once they have all the data, your evaluator will write an evaluation report or make a diagnosis. They'll share it with you and your family and discuss the treatment options. This is the time to discuss expectations and goals. A diagnosis of ADHD can be the first step in an alliance that will assist you in managing your symptoms and lead an enjoyable life.
Symptoms
The first step to get an adhd diagnosis for adults is identifying symptoms that are impacting their lives. It could be as easy as being late to social gatherings, misplacing keys or putting off work projects. Other signs include being unorganized, not completing chores or homework, and not remembering appointments. The doctor will not just discuss current challenges but also look at the person's past mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression from childhood through adulthood.
According to current guidelines, in order for someone to receive an adhd diagnosis in the adult age, the symptoms must be present by early childhood and must be consistent across several different settings such as family life and academic performance, work behavior, and social interactions. The specialist will inquire about the person's family and work history, as well as their health background and previous psychiatric assessments. They may request information from family members and friends as well as old report cards or other school documents and may also conduct a physical exam to rule out other medical conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD like a thyroid problem or a seizure disorder.
The specialist will also interview anyone else who is who are involved in the life of the person. This can include spouses, teachers, coworkers, parents and children. It is essential that the person who is undergoing evaluations talk about the issues openly and honestly. They shouldn't feel embarrassed or ashamed, and be able to discuss openly how ADHD symptoms affect their lives.
The psychiatrist who examines the patient will look at the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine if the patient's condition is within the guidelines for diagnosis. The doctor may also seek medical records, including bloodwork and a CBC, to check for other conditions that could be impacting the patient's functioning for example, thyroid issues or a seizure disorder. In addition, the psychiatrist could request psychological or neuropsychological testing to understand how the symptoms of ADHD affect the abilities of a person.
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For those who seek an diagnosis of ADHD, their primary care provider will first assess them to ensure their symptoms aren't caused by a different condition. This could be due to anxiety, depression or physical ailments such as thyroid problems or seizures. These conditions may resemble ADHD symptoms It is therefore essential to rule them out prior to implementing a treatment is developed.
A doctor will conduct an interview with the patient to review their history of ADHD symptoms. This includes whether or not they began in the early years of childhood and how long. The doctor will also look at the person's family, lifestyle and medical background to determine whether any factors are contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides a list of signs that doctors must consider when determining ADHD. A person must display symptomatic behaviors in at least two different settings such as home and school for them to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms should also impact everyday functioning. The symptoms must manifest in the early years of childhood and cannot be explained by other mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
When looking to evaluate someone for ADHD, mental health professionals typically ask the person to assess their own symptoms using a rating scale or checklist. These tools guarantee that the psychiatrist is evaluating a patient according to the established criteria. They can also interview other individuals in the life of the person such as spouses, close friend, parents, or teachers to gain a clearer picture of their symptoms and how they affect their lives.
Adults often seek an assessment when they realize they aren't performing well at work or in relationships as they should. For these adults, receiving the diagnosis of ADHD can be a welcome relief. It means they're no longer blaming their failures due to insufficiency or lack of motivation and can take steps to overcome their difficulties. It can be difficult to accept that you suffer from a chronic illness that requires continuous treatment.
Treatment
Many adults diagnosed with ADHD have suffered from the disorder for years without realizing it. They may seek an assessment because of their frustrations at work or at school. An investigation can be triggered by family issues, such as disputes over misplaced objects or failure to keep commitments.
A health professional with a specialization in ADHD will conduct the test. The doctor will ask you to fill out a questionnaire, and may also solicit feedback from other people, such as your spouse, coworkers, and your classmates. The health care professional may also ask about your medical history and conduct an examination. Certain medical conditions, like seizure disorders or sleep apnea can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD, so it's important to check the patient for these issues, too.
Psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers are all licensed professionals that can conduct an ADHD assessment. You can find a specialist by calling an organization that offers support in your area or your primary care physician. You can also ask your insurance company for a list or providers who are able to conduct ADHD evaluations.
To diagnose ADHD your doctor will need to know about your habits from your childhood until the present time. To make the diagnosis, your doctor will also examine your family history and compare your symptoms to the symptoms of other people suffering from ADHD.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD and your doctor will be able to prescribe medication to help manage your symptoms. They can also refer you to a therapist or counselor who can teach you strategies to deal with your issues.
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 nation conduct these trials. Your doctor will provide you with information about the various clinical trials that are available.
Adults suffering from ADHD aren't able to overcome the disorder, but they can learn to manage their symptoms and achieve success at work, school and in their personal lives. Finding the correct treatment can help them avoid issues at home and at work and bring them closer to their families and their professional goals.