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How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD are often viewed as a stigmatized group and criticized at work, in schools, and in their relationships. They could also be misinterpreted for having other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
Ask your GP to evaluate whether you have ADHD. They'll talk with you about your symptoms and request family/whanau's input to create an outline of your life.
Diagnosis Process
Many people begin by conducting online tests and rating scales to determine if they are suffering from ADHD. However, adhd diagnosis in adults can't provide a definitive diagnosis, so if you think you may be suffering from it the best thing you can do is talk with your family doctor or a mental health professional. They can help you locate the right specialist who will analyze your symptoms to determine whether ADHD is the cause or if there is something else to blame such as anxiety or depression is the reason.
During the examination your doctor will ask you or your child to describe the symptoms in two different contexts (home and at school) during the past six months. They'll also look at the length of time you or your child have had them and whether they affect your daily functioning. For adults, a diagnosis requires at least five established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. The symptoms must also have been present in the early years of childhood, i.e. before the age of 12, and they must be causing major difficulties at home, at school or at work.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation also includes an evaluation of your medical and family history as well as a social and family history. In some cases the evaluator may ask people like parents or spouses teachers, coworkers, or colleagues to get a different perspective on your symptoms. They may also ask about your alcohol and drug use, sleeping habits and physical health.
Your evaluator may also look at whether your symptoms are caused by a different mental illness such as depression or anxiety or a physical issue such as low birthweight or exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy. It's important to be as truthful and thorough as you can during this part of the procedure because other illnesses can trigger similar symptoms as the symptoms of ADHD.
Once your evaluator has all the information needed, they'll write up the report or diagnose. The evaluator will discuss the report or diagnosis with you and your family, and will discuss treatment options. This is a good moment to discuss your expectations and goals for treatment. Often, a diagnosis of ADHD is just the first step in an ongoing partnership to manage your symptoms and live a more satisfying life.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in getting an adhd diagnosis for adults is identifying the symptoms that are affecting their lives. This can be as simple as being late to social events, misplacing keys or putting off work projects. Other indicators include being unorganized, not finishing homework or chores and forgetting appointments. In addition to discussing the current challenges the examiner will go over the history of the patient with regard to psychiatric disorders like depression or anxiety, in childhood and into adulthood.
Based on current guidelines, for someone to receive an adhd diagnosis as an adult the symptoms must be present in early childhood and be consistent across a variety of situations, including family life academic performance, work behavior, and social interactions. The specialist will also ask questions about the person's health, family or work history, as along with any prior psychotherapy examinations. They may ask for information from family members as well as old school records or report cards. They may also perform an examination to rule out other medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
In addition, the specialist will interview the person being evaluated as well as anyone else who are involved in their lives. This can include spouses and other family members and teachers, coworkers and parents. It is essential that the person undergoing evaluations talk about the issues openly and honestly. They shouldn't be embarrassed or ashamed, and be able to talk about how ADHD symptoms are impacting their lives.
The examining psychiatrist will examine the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine if the patient's condition is within the guidelines for diagnosing. The examiner may also request medical records, including bloodwork and a CBC, to check for other conditions that may affect the patient's performance for example, thyroid issues or seizures. Additionally, the psychiatrist could require neuropsychological or psychological testing to determine how the symptoms of ADHD can affect a person's abilities.
Evaluations
If a person is seeking a diagnosis of ADHD the primary care physician will first evaluate them to make sure the symptoms aren't caused by another health issue. This could be due to depression or anxiety, that often coexist with ADHD as well as physical issues such as seizures or thyroid issues. These can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD and it's essential to rule them out prior to a treatment plan is established.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview to review the person's past history of ADHD symptoms, such as whether they started in the early years of childhood and how long they have been present. The doctor will also review the lifestyle of the person as well as their family and medical histories to determine if there are any factors that might be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association provides a list of ADHD symptoms that doctors should be aware of when diagnosing ADHD. A person must exhibit symptomatic behaviors in at least two environments such as home and school in order to be identified as having ADHD. These symptoms must also affect the daily activities. The symptoms must begin in the early years of childhood and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
When looking to evaluate the person for ADHD, mental health professionals usually request that the person assess their own symptoms using the scale of a checklist or rating. These tools help ensure that the psychiatrist or psychologist is evaluating the person in accordance with standardized criteria. They may also speak with other people in the patient's life, such as family members, a close friend or spouse or their teachers or parents to get a more complete picture of the person's issues and how they impact their lives.
It's not uncommon for adults to seek a diagnosis after realizing they're not doing as well as they should or in their relationships. For these adults, obtaining a diagnosis of ADHD could be a great relief. This can be a relief for these adults, as they are no longer able to blame their failures due to insufficient intelligence or lazyness. They can now take steps to overcome the obstacles. However, it can also be a difficult adjustment to accept that they suffer from a chronic condition that will need regular treatment to manage.
Treatment
Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis have lived with the disorder for years without realizing it. They may seek an assessment because of their frustrations at work or at school. Family disputes, like arguments over lost items or failing to meet commitments, could also trigger an investigation.
A health specialist with a specialization in ADHD will perform the evaluation. The doctor will ask you to complete the questionnaire, and will also solicit feedback from others, including your spouse, colleagues and your classmates. The health care professional will also look at your medical history and complete physical exam. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea, seizure disorders, or sleep apne can trigger symptoms similar to those of ADHD It is therefore essential to check the patient for these issues as well.
Psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers are all licensed professionals that can perform an ADHD assessment. You can get a referral from your primary care physician or can join a local support group for people suffering from ADHD to locate a specialist. You can also contact your insurance company to get the list of doctors who are qualified to conduct ADHD assessments.
Your doctor must be aware of your behavior from childhood. Your doctor will also compare your symptoms with those of people who have ADHD and review the history of your family to determine the diagnosis.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD and your doctor will be able to prescribe medication to manage your symptoms. They can also refer to a therapist who will help you learn how to manage your problems.
You can also take part in a clinical trial to find out more about the new treatment options available for ADHD. Researchers at NIMH as well as other institutions across the country are conducting these studies. Your doctor can tell you about the different clinical trials that are available.
Adults with ADHD do not completely overcome the condition however, they can learn to manage their symptoms and achieve success at work, school and in their personal lives. The appropriate treatment can help adults with ADHD avoid issues at work and home, and get closer to their goals for their family and professional lives.
