Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Many people suffer from moderate or mild ADHD. They may be diagnosed if their life problems are so severe that they interfere with work and relationships.
They might be stressed at work or school or feel embarrassed about procrastinating. You could ask your primary care doctor for recommendations or look on the internet for health professionals who conduct ADHD assessments.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The process of diagnosis starts with a thorough interview that concentrates on the medical history of the patient. This includes the family's history as well as significant events in life such as relationships, school or work performance, drug usage and driving records. It also includes lifestyle habits such as diet, sleep and exercise as well as any supplements or vitamins the individual is taking.
Then the provider reviews the person's symptoms and compares them with the diagnostic criteria set out in American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include signs of impulsivity and inattention which are present for at six months or more, are significant enough to interfere with school or work, and are not explained by a different mental health condition. For adults the threshold is less and five out of nine criteria are needed to establish a diagnosis.
A physical exam is usually next, since some illnesses like thyroid issues and seizure disorders can cause symptoms similar to ADHD. This gives the healthcare provider more details to pinpoint possible causes and allows them to make a list of "suspects" that they then test with additional tests. These tests could include bloodwork, brain imaging and cognitive tests. They may take some time but are important to make sure that your doctor doesn't miss the issue that may be at the root of your ADHD symptoms.
Once the list has been reduced to a specific list, a final diagnosis can be made. The doctor will go over the results and suggest treatment according to their findings. For many, receiving a diagnosis can be a life-changing experience. It helps to understand many years of unanswered challenges and problems that were often blamed on incompetence or lazyness. It also helps them to appreciate their strengths and how to make use of their strengths to benefit others. For others, it can result in a period grief as they consider the opportunities that were missed because of the symptoms were not treated.
If you are looking to be diagnosed with ADHD on the NHS, it's best to get a specialist assessment. This should include a mental health assessment, an ADHD assessment and the referral to your GP to share management. It can be difficult to get a diagnosis in private but certain GPs are willing to offer it in exchange for private consultation.
What are the symptoms?
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually able to manage their symptoms and lead productive and fulfilling lives. If their symptoms become more severe however, they could struggle to maintain an occupation and maintain healthy relationships or manage the stress of daily life. They might also face issues with their finances due to missed doctor appointments, late fees, or an impulsive spending. This can cause them to feel that they are failing and feel low self-esteem.
If you suspect you may have ADHD as an adult, it's essential to speak to a health care provider. They can advise you about treatment options and recommend you to a specialist when needed. Your healthcare professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose you, which is the book that lists the symptoms of mental health conditions.
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 symptoms must have been evident in more than one setting and they should interfere with or reduce the quality of your social, school or work-related performance.
Inattention symptoms include a tendency to forget details or instructions, and difficulty paying attention. You may also lose things such as eyeglasses, keys, and paperwork. 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 may also have trouble keeping a schedule, staying organized or finishing chores and homework. They might also have trouble remembering appointments or dates and may be easily distracted by people or activities.
A diagnosis of ADHD is empowering, as it helps you understand that your problems aren't entirely your fault. You can then take steps to change your habits and improve your ability to manage your time, tasks and money. You can also learn strategies to help you cope with your symptoms. In adhd diagnosis uk to medications, your health care professional might suggest lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise. It's also important to sleep enough and avoid sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants in the hours before bedtime.
What is the treatment process?
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically require more than a prescription to be diagnosed. People with the condition also have to change their behavior and lifestyles, and they may need counseling to help them deal with their symptoms.
When an adult goes to a doctor to get an ADHD evaluation, they should be honest about any problems in their lives that could be linked to the disorder, for example issues with relationships, as well as problems at school or work. You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire which asks for specific information about these areas. You might also be permitted to ask your family members or friends to complete the same. These answers can be an important source of information as to whether an individual's issues are caused by ADHD or by other factors like physical or mental stress, for example depression.
The evaluator will also take into consideration the individual's past including their childhood experiences as well as any traumas that they may have endured. The examiner may ask the person to fill out one or more of the standardized behavior ratings scales that compare the behavior of people with ADHD and those who do not. Psychological tests are often used to test working memory, executive function and visual and spatial abilities.
A healthcare professional can refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a specialist familiar with the disorder. People can find these specialists by asking their primary physician for a referral or looking for an expert in mental health who is familiar with ADHD in the online directory of their health insurance plan. You can also join an in-person support group for adults suffering from ADHD and meet with other people who have experienced similar experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can bring up many emotions, such as relief that there's an explanation for their symptoms and frustration that they went undiagnosed for many years. Many people feel guilty for not trying harder or doing better in life. However, this guilt can be overcome when they realize that their difficulties weren't their own fault and seek the appropriate treatment to improve their quality.
What is the Support Process?
If an adult is diagnosed with ADHD, they may feel a range of emotions. They might be relieved that they have a reason behind their struggles, sad about missed opportunities that would have been prevented if the diagnosis had been earlier, or frustrated at the fact that their symptoms were omitted for so long. Getting treated can help you overcome your challenges and reach your goals. It's essential to speak to a healthcare professional who has experience treating adults with ADHD. They can assist you to establish realistic expectations, devise effective strategies to improve your life, and bring family members together.
You could try to self-test or rate yourself on online questionnaires, however those tools can't give you a definitive diagnosis. A conversation with your primary care physician for a referral an ADHD specialist or using the online directory of your health insurance company to find a specialist with experience treating adults is the best way to receive a proper diagnosis.
If you are able to locate an expert in medicine, you should prepare for your appointment by gathering any records that are relevant to your particular situation. This could include performance assessments from work and copies of psychological tests, or report cards from schools. Prepare yourself to answer any questions you may have about your behavior at home and in work and at work, your use of alcohol or drugs and your relationships with friends and family. You may also need to bring records of other professionals like a neurologist or psychologist, or a psychiatrist.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD generally struggle to be successful in both their personal and professional life and are eager to know what's going on. They might feel that their productivity is declining or their relationships are not working, or they may have a persistent sad mood that is not explained by any other factor.
For some people it can be difficult to be diagnosed because health care professionals may have preconceived notions of what the symptoms of ADHD appear to be. This is particularly relevant for people with a disability, born females or non-native English speaking individuals. There is a growing awareness of these biases, and efforts are being made to combat them.