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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Many people suffer from moderate or mild ADHD. If their problems are severe enough that they interfere with work or relationships they could be diagnosed.
They might be having difficulty meeting the demands of their work or school and are experiencing stress at home and feeling guilty for putting off work or handling situations poorly. They can consult their primary physician for recommendations, or search online or call a number to find health professionals who perform ADHD assessments.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The diagnosis process starts with an extensive interview that focuses on the person's medical history. This includes the history of their family and major life events like relationships, work and school performance as well as drug and driving history. This includes lifestyle habits like diet, sleep and exercise as well as any vitamins or supplements the individual may be taking.
The doctor then examines the patient's symptoms and compares these to the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include signs of impulsivity and inattention that are present for at six months or more, are significant enough to cause problems with work or school and are not better explained by another mental health disorder. Adults have a lower threshold of only five out of nine criteria is required to identify a mental health condition.
A physical exam is usually next, as certain ailments like thyroid problems and seizure disorders can cause ADHD-like symptoms. This step gives the provider more details to pinpoint possible causes and allows them to make an inventory of "suspects" which they test with additional tests. The tests can range from brain imaging to blood tests to cognitive testing. They can take a while but are crucial to ensure that your doctor doesn't miss the issue that may be at the root of your ADHD symptoms.
After the list has been reduced to a minimum, a final diagnosis is determined. The provider will review the results and make a recommendation according to what they've discovered. A diagnosis can be life-changing for many. It can provide a reason for the years of struggle and challenges that were wrongly blamed by some for incompetence or lazyness. It may also give people an appreciation for their strengths and how they can be utilized to their advantage. For some, it may lead to a period of sadness as they think about the opportunities they missed because the symptoms were not treated.
If you'd like to be diagnosed with ADHD, it is best to get a specialist assessment on the NHS which will include a full mental health assessment and an ADHD assessment, plus a referral to your GP for shared management. Private diagnosis can be difficult, but certain GPs will offer it in exchange for private consultation.
What are the symptoms?
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually able to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling and productive lives. If adhd diagnoses become more severe however, they might be unable to keep a job and maintain healthy relationships or manage the stress of everyday life. They may also experience problems with their finances due to absences from doctor appointments, late fees, or impulsive spending. This can lead people to feel like they're failing and feel low self-esteem.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you suspect you may have ADHD as you grow older. They can guide you on the best treatment options and recommend you to a specialist if necessary. The healthcare professional will diagnose you using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders which is a book that lists 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. In addition, the signs should have been present in at least two or more settings and they must have a negative impact with or hinder the quality of your school, social, or work functioning.
Inattention symptoms include forgetting details or instructions, and difficulty paying attention. You may also lose things like eyeglasses, keys and papers. 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 suffering from ADHD might also have difficulty following a routine, staying organized, or doing their homework and chores. They may also have trouble remembering appointments or dates, and they can be easily distracted by other people or activities.
A diagnosis of ADHD is empowering, as it helps you understand that your difficulties aren't your responsibility. You can then make changes to your behavior and improve the way you manage your time, work and money. You can also learn strategies to help you deal with your symptoms. In addition to medications, your health care professional may prescribe lifestyle changes, including an appropriate diet and regular exercise. It is also essential to sleep enough and avoid caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants in the hours before bedtime.
What is the treatment process?
Adults with ADHD typically require more than the right medication to be diagnosed. People who have ADHD may have to alter their lifestyles and their behavior, and may require counseling to manage their symptoms.
If a person is going to see a healthcare professional for an ADHD assessment, they must be honest about any problems in their lives that could be linked to the disorder, such as relationship issues and trouble at work or school. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire that asks for specific information about these areas. You might also be permitted to ask your family or friends to complete the same. The answers could provide valuable information about whether the person's issues are caused by ADHD or other factors such as physical ailments, stress, depression or ADHD.
The examiner will also take into account the individual's history including their childhood experiences as well as any traumas they might have endured. They may ask the individual to fill out one or more standard behavior rating scales to compare the behaviors of individuals with and without ADHD. Psychological tests are often administered to assess executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual skills.
If a healthcare professional suspects that someone has ADHD they'll usually refer the person to a specialist experienced in treating the condition in adults. These specialists can be found by asking their primary physician for a referral or looking for a mental health professional who is experienced with ADHD in the online directory of their health insurance plan. They are also able to join a local adult ADHD support group and meet others who have experienced the same thing.
The diagnosis of ADHD can trigger a variety of emotions in adults, such as satisfaction and anger at not being diagnosed sooner. Some people might even struggle with feelings of guilt for not having make more effort or achieve better results in their lives, but this guilt can be overcome by recognizing that their difficulties aren't their own fault and identifying the right treatments to improve their lives.
What is the Support Process?
When an adult is diagnosed with ADHD, he or she might experience a range of emotions. They may be happy that they have a reason behind their challenges, disappointed by missed opportunities that would have been prevented if the diagnosis had been earlier, or frustrated that their issues were not addressed for too long. However, getting treated can help you overcome difficulties and achieve your goals. It is essential to speak with a health care professional who is familiar with treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can help you establish realistic goals, devise effective ways to improve your day-to-day life, and also get your family members on the same page.
You could try to self-test or score yourself on online questionnaires, however these tools won't provide you with a definitive diagnosis. The best way to get a proper assessment is to ask your primary care doctor for the referral to an expert or consult your health insurance company online directory to locate a doctor who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD.
You should gather any relevant documents for your situation once you have located an expert in medical care. This could include old school report cards as well as copies of psychological tests, and evaluations of performance at work. Be prepared to answer questions regarding your behavior at work and at home, as well as your alcohol or drug use and your relationships and relationships with family and friends. You may also need to present records from other professionals, like a psychiatrist or neurologist.
Adults seeking a diagnosis for ADHD typically struggle to function well in both their professional and personal lives and are keen to find out what's happening. They might feel that their productivity is declining or that their relationships are strained or they may be suffering from an unrelenting sadness that is not explained by any other reason.
For certain people, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis due to the fact that health care professionals may have preconceived ideas about what the symptoms of ADHD look like. This is especially true for minorities, people born females or non-native English speaking individuals. However, there is increasing awareness of these biases as well as attempts to combat them.
