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 can also be mistaken as having mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
If you suspect you may have ADHD, start by asking your GP to conduct an assessment. They'll talk with you about your symptoms and ask for family/whanau input to build an understanding of your past.
Diagnosis Process
Many people begin by taking online tests and grading scales to determine if they are suffering from ADHD. These tools aren't able provide a definitive diagnose therefore it is recommended to talk to your family physician or mental healthcare specialist if you suspect that you may have ADHD. They can assist you in finding the right specialist to evaluate your symptoms and determine if they're due to ADHD or other reasons, like depression or anxiety.
During the evaluation your provider will ask your child or you to write down the symptoms you've experienced at two different places (at home and at school) in the past six months. They'll also look at the length of time you or your child has suffered from them and if they interfere with your daily activities. For adults, a diagnosis requires at least five established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. Additionally, the signs must have been present since childhood -- i.e. prior to age 12 -- and must cause significant problems in multiple settings such as at home, school or work.
A thorough psychiatric examination also includes the history of your family and medical history. In certain instances, the evaluator will ask people like spouses or parents teachers, coworkers, or colleagues to get a different perspective on your symptoms. They may also ask about your alcohol and drugs consumption, sleeping habits, and physical health.
The evaluator will also take into consideration whether your symptoms could be explained by a mental health issue such as depression or anxiety or a physical issue like being born with a low birth weight or being exposed to toxic substances during pregnancy. It's important to be as truthful and thorough as you can in this phase of the process because these other conditions may cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD.
Once your evaluator has the information needed they'll create an evaluation report or a diagnosis. They'll share it with you and your family members and discuss the treatment options. This is a good moment to discuss your expectations and goals for treatment. A diagnosis of ADHD can be the first step to a relationship that can aid you in managing your symptoms and lead an enjoyable life.
Symptoms
The first step to get an adhd diagnose for adults is to determine symptoms that are impacting their lives. This may be as simple as losing keys frequently, putting off projects at work, or being late for social engagements. Other indicators include being unorganized and not being able to finish homework or chores or appointments, having trouble remembering them and making a few erroneous mistakes. In addition to discussing current issues the examiner will go over the history of the patient with regard to psychiatric disorders such as anxiety or depression, from childhood and into adulthood.
The current guidelines say that in order for an adult be diagnosed with adhd, symptoms should have been present since early childhood. They also need to be consistent in a variety of areas, such as family life as well as academic performance at school, workplace behavior, and social interactions. The doctor will also ask questions about the individual's health, family and work history, as well as any previous psychiatric assessments. They may request information from relatives as well as old school records or report cards. They can also conduct a physical examination to rule out any other medical conditions, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
In addition, the specialist will also conduct an interview with the person being evaluated and any others involved in their life. This could include spouses and other family members, as well as teachers, coworkers or parents. It is essential that the person receiving assessments discuss the issues openly and honestly. They should not be scared of embarrassing themselves or shame, and should feel comfortable talking about how the symptoms of ADHD affect 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 is in compliance with the guidelines for diagnosing. The examiner can also request medical records like bloodwork or a CBC to look for other conditions that might affect the patient's ability to function, such an issue with thyroid or seizure disorder. In addition, the examining psychiatrist may request psychological or neuropsychological testing to help them understand how the symptoms of ADHD can affect the ability of a patient.
Evaluations
For those who seek a diagnosis of ADHD or ADD, their primary care provider will first assess them to ensure their symptoms aren't caused by a different disorder. This could be due to depression or anxiety, that often coexist with ADHD and physical ailments such as seizures or thyroid issues. These conditions could be similar to ADHD symptoms, so it's important that they are ruled out prior to implementing a treatment is developed.
A doctor will use an organized interview to look over the person's history with ADHD symptoms, such as whether they started in childhood and how long have been present. The doctor will also look at the person's lifestyle and family and medical histories to see if there are any other factors contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders offers a list of symptoms that doctors must consider when determining ADHD. To be diagnosed with ADHD, they must have symptoms in more than one setting like school and at home, and these symptoms must impact their daily activities. 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 typically request that people rate their symptoms on a scale or checklist when evaluating them for ADHD. These tools help ensure that the psychiatrist or psychologist is evaluating the individual according to standardized criteria. They may also conduct interviews with other individuals in the life of the person such as a spouse, close friend or parents, as well as teachers to get a better picture of their symptoms and how they impact their lives.
Adults usually seek a diagnosis when they realize that they aren't doing as well at work or in relationships as they could. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a sigh of relief for those who suffer from ADHD. It means they're no longer blaming their problems on insufficiency of intelligence or laziness and can take steps to overcome their problems. However, it can also be a difficult adjustment to accepting that they have a chronic condition that requires continuous treatment to manage.
Treatment
Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the disorder for a long time without ever realizing it. Their frustrations at school or work may finally push them to get an evaluation. Family disputes, like disputes over misplaced items or failing to meet commitments, can also prompt an investigation.
A health care specialist with a specialization in ADHD will conduct the test. They may ask you to fill out a questionnaire and request feedback from other people, such as co-workers, classmates and your spouse. The health care professional will also review your medical history and perform an examination. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea and seizure disorders can cause ADHD-like symptoms and signs. It is crucial to look for these conditions.
Full Document licensed professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment. This includes psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers. You can find a provider by contacting an organization that offers support in your area or your primary care doctor. You can also ask your insurance company for a list of professionals who are able to conduct ADHD assessments.
Your doctor will need to be aware of your behavior since the time you were a child. Your doctor will also compare your symptoms to the symptoms of those with ADHD and examine the history of your family to determine the diagnosis.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD and your doctor will be able to prescribe medication to treat your symptoms. They can also refer you to an therapist who can assist you in learning how to manage your problems.
You can also be part of an ongoing clinical trial to learn about new treatment options for ADHD. These trials are conducted by researchers from NIMH and other institutions around the country. Your doctor can provide you with information about the various clinical trials available.
Adults suffering from ADHD do not completely overcome the condition however, they can learn to manage their symptoms and achieve success at work, in the classroom, and in their private lives. The right treatment can help them avoid issues at home and at work and bring them closer to their families and professional goals.