How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD often face stigma and discrimination at work, school 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 for an assessment. They'll discuss your symptoms and will ask for family/whanau's input to create a picture of your history.
The Diagnosis Process
Many people start with self-tests online and rating scales to see whether they may be suffering from ADHD. But these tools don't give a definitive diagnosis, therefore, if you suspect you may have it the best thing to do is talk with your family physician or mental health specialist. They can help you locate the right doctor who can evaluate your symptoms to determine if ADHD is the cause or if there is something else to blame such as anxiety or depression is the reason.
During the examination, your provider will ask you or your child to describe the symptoms you've experienced at two different settings (at home and at school) over the last six months. They'll also look at how long you or your child has had these symptoms and whether they interfere with your daily activities. For adults, a diagnosis requires at least five established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. Additionally, the symptoms must have been present since childhood -- i.e. before the age of 12 -- and cause significant problems in more than one setting such as at home, school or work.
A thorough psychiatric examination includes an evaluation of your medical and family history as well as a social and family history. In certain instances your evaluator will inquire about your spouse, parents, teachers or coworkers who can offer an outsider's perspective on your symptoms. They may also ask about your alcohol and drugs usage, sleep habits and physical health.
Your evaluator may also consider whether your symptoms are better explained by a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression or physical problems, such as the low birth weight or exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy. It is important to be as truthful and thorough as possible during this part of the process because these other conditions can trigger similar symptoms as the symptoms of ADHD.
When your evaluator has all the information needed and more, they'll draft the report or diagnose. The evaluator will discuss the report or diagnosis with you and your family members, and discuss treatment options. This is the time to discuss goals and expectations. Often, a diagnosis of ADHD is just the beginning of an ongoing relationship to manage your symptoms and live a more satisfying life.
Signs and symptoms
The first step to obtaining an adhd diagnosis for adults is to identify the symptoms that are affecting their lives. It could be as easy as being late for social events, losing keys or putting off work projects. Other symptoms include being disorganized and not being able to finish chores or homework or appointments, having trouble remembering them and making careless mistakes. The doctor will not just discuss current challenges but will also review the patient's past psychiatric problems such as depression and anxiety from childhood through adulthood.
Current guidelines state that for an adult to be diagnosed with adhd, symptoms must have been present since the beginning of childhood. Additionally, they must be consistent in a variety of areas, such as family life as well as academic performance at school, work behavior, and social relationships. The specialist will ask about the person's family and work history, as well as their health background, as well as prior psychiatric evaluations. They might request information from relatives as well as old school records or report cards. They may also perform physical examinations to rule out medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
In addition, the specialist will interview the person being evaluated and the other people who are involved in their life. This may include spouses and other family members as well as teachers, coworkers or parents. It is essential that the person being analyzed be able to discuss the concerns openly and honestly. They should not feel ashamed or embarrassed and should be able to talk about the ways in which ADHD symptoms affect their lives.
The psychiatrist who is examining the patient will review the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine if the patient meets the guidelines for diagnosis. The examiner might also seek medical records, including blood tests and a CBC to determine if there are other conditions that could affect the patient's performance like thyroid issues or seizures. The examiner may also request psychological or neuropsychological testing to comprehend the way ADHD symptoms affect an individual's ability.
Evaluations
For adults seeking an diagnosis of ADHD, their primary care physician will first examine them to ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by another disorder. This could include depression, anxiety or physical problems such as thyroid problems or seizures. These may mimic the symptoms of ADHD and it's essential to rule them out before the treatment program is developed.
A doctor will use an organized interview to look over the person's past history of ADHD symptoms, including whether they started in the early years of childhood and how long they have been suffering. The doctor will also examine the person's family, lifestyle and medical background to determine if any factors are 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. To be diagnosed with ADHD the person must exhibit symptoms in more than one setting, such as school and home and their symptoms must affect their daily functioning. The symptoms must start in the early years of childhood and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
Mental health professionals frequently ask people to rate their symptoms on a scale or checklist when evaluating them for ADHD. These tools ensure that the psychologist or psychiatrist is evaluating the individual according to standardized criteria. They can also interview other individuals in the life of the person, like a spouse, close friend or parents, as well as teachers to gain a better understanding of their symptoms and how they affect their lives.
Adults usually seek an answer when they notice they aren't performing as well at work or in relationships as they could. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for these adults. It means they're not blaming their shortcomings due to insufficiency or lack of motivation and can take steps to overcome their problems. However, it can be a difficult adjustment to accept that they suffer from an ongoing condition that requires regular treatment to manage.
Treatment
Many adults who receive an ADHD diagnosis have lived with the disorder for decades without realizing it. They may seek an assessment because of frustrations they have at work or in school. Family disputes, like arguments over misplaced items or not keeping commitments, could also trigger an investigation.
A health specialist who is specialized in ADHD will conduct the evaluation. He or she might request that you fill out an assessment form and seek feedback from other people, such as co-workers, classmates and your spouse. The health professional will also look at your medical history and complete a physical examination. Certain medical conditions, like sleep apnea or seizure disorders may cause symptoms resembling those of ADHD and it is essential that the patient is examined for these issues as well.
adhd uk diagnosis licensed professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment. These include psychiatrists as well as psychologists and social workers. You can find a specialist by contacting an organization that offers support in your area or your primary physician. You can also contact your insurance company to obtain an inventory of the providers who are certified to conduct ADHD assessments.
To diagnose ADHD, your doctor will need to know about your habits from childhood through the present time. To make the diagnosis, your doctor will also review your family history and compare your symptoms to those of other people with ADHD.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD and your doctor will be able to prescribe medication to treat your symptoms. They can also refer you to a counselor or therapist who can help you develop strategies to deal with your problems.
You can also take part in an ongoing clinical trial to learn about new treatment options for ADHD. Researchers from NIMH and other institutions across the nation, conduct these studies. Your doctor can provide you with information about the various clinical trials that are available.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are not able to overcome it however they can manage their symptoms and achieve success at school, work and in their personal lives. The appropriate treatment can help them avoid issues at workplace and at home, and help them connect with their families and their professional goals.