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Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
Many people suffer with mild or moderate ADHD. They may get a diagnosis if their life problems are so severe that they interfere with relationships and work.
They might be struggling to cope with the demands of their job or school and are enduring stress at home and feeling shame for procrastinating or managing situations poorly. You can consult your primary care doctor for recommendations or look online for health professionals that conduct ADHD assessments.
What is the Diagnosis process?
The process of diagnosis begins with a thorough interview that focuses on the person's medical history. This includes the family's history, as well as major events in life such as relationships, school or work performance, drug usage and driving records. This includes lifestyle habits like sleep, diet and exercise, as well as any supplements or vitamins the person is taking.
The doctor analyzes the patient's symptoms and compares them with the diagnostic criteria laid out in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These include signs of impulsivity and inattention that are present for at minimum six months, and are significant enough to cause problems with school or work, and aren't better than a mental health condition. Adults have a lower threshold of only five of nine criteria are needed to diagnose a mental health issue.
The next step is typically an examination for physical health, as some conditions like thyroid problems and seizures can cause symptoms resembling ADHD. This step gives the provider more info rmation to determine possible causes and allows them to create a list of "suspects" that they can test with additional tests. The tests could range from bloodwork to brain imaging to cognitive tests. They can take a while but are important to make sure that your provider doesn't miss a problem that could be the cause of your ADHD symptoms.
When the list is reduced, it's time for a final diagnosis. The doctor will review the results and recommend treatment in light of their findings. A diagnosis can be life-changing for many. It can provide a reason for years of struggle and problems that were wrongly blamed by some for laziness or lack of competence. It can also lead to a new appreciation of their strengths and how they can be utilized to their advantage. Some may experience some regret as they reflect on the opportunities that were lost due to their conditions not being properly treated.
If you're looking to be diagnosed with ADHD then it is recommended to get a specialist assessment on the NHS, which should include a complete mental health assessment as well as an ADHD assessment, along with the referral to your GP for shared management. A private diagnosis can be difficult however, certain GPs will do so when you pay for a private consultation.
What are the symptoms?
Adults suffering from ADHD can often manage their symptoms and enjoy a productive and satisfying life. However, if their symptoms become more severe they may have difficulty to find work, maintain healthy relationships, and cope with the stress of everyday life. Financial problems may also arise due to missed doctor's appointments, late fees or impulse purchases. This can result in feelings of failure and low self-esteem.
If you suspect you may have ADHD as an adult, it's important to speak with your health care professional. They can give you advice on treatment options and may refer you to a specialist, should you require. Your healthcare professional will be able to 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 must have been present in more than one setting, and they must interfere with or hinder the quality of your school, social or work performance.
Inattentive symptoms include difficulty in paying attention to tasks, forgetting details or not following instructions. They may also result in losing things like eyeglasses, keys and even 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 with ADHD can also have difficulty keeping a schedule or staying organized. They may also have difficulty doing their homework and chores. They might also have trouble remembering appointments or dates, and be easily distracted by people or activities.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be empowering, since it helps you realize that your issues aren't your responsibility. You can then take steps to change your behaviors and improve your ability to manage your time, work and finances. You can also learn strategies to help you cope with your symptoms. Your health professional may prescribe lifestyle changes, in addition to medications. This could include eating a balanced diet, regularly exercise, and a healthy diet. It is essential to get adequate rest and stay away from sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants before bedtime.
What is the procedure for treatment?
Adults who suffer from ADHD typically require more than just the right medication to be diagnosed. People with the condition also have to change their lifestyle and behavior and may require counseling to help them deal with their symptoms.
If a person is going to a healthcare professional for an ADHD assessment, they must be honest about any issues in their lives that may be related to the disorder, such as problems with relationships and difficulties at school or at work. You will be asked to fill out the questionnaire which asks for specific information about these areas. You may also be permitted to ask your family or friends to complete the same. The answers could be an important source of information into whether a person's issues are caused by ADHD or other factors like stress or physical conditions like depression.
The evaluator takes into account the person's past including their childhood experiences and traumas that they may have endured. They might ask the person to fill out one or more of the standardized behavior rating scales that measure the behaviors of individuals with and without ADHD. They could also be asked to take psychological tests that examine executive functioning, working memory as well as spatial and visual abilities.
A healthcare professional can refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a specialist familiar with the disorder. These specialists can be found by asking their primary care doctor for a referral or looking for a mental health professional who is knowledgeable about ADHD in the online directory of their health insurance plan. They can also attend an in-person support group for adults suffering from ADHD and meet with other people who have had similar experiences.
A diagnosis of ADHD in adults can trigger a variety of emotions, such as satisfaction that there is now a reason for their symptoms, and anger that they were unable to be diagnosed for too long. Some people may feel guilty for not trying harder or making progress in their daily lives. However this guilt can be quelled when they realize that their issues were not their fault and seek the appropriate treatment to improve their quality.
What is the Support Process?
When a person is diagnosed with ADHD, they may experience complicated emotions, including relief that there is finally a concrete explanation for their difficulties, regret over missed opportunities that could have been avoided by an earlier diagnosis, or anger at the fact that their condition has been overlooked for many years. Being treated can help you overcome your challenges and achieve your goals. It's essential to talk to a health care professional who has experience treating adults suffering from ADHD. They can help you set realistic expectations, create effective strategies to improve your life, and bring family members closer.
You can test yourself or rate your own performance using online questionnaires. However, these tools cannot give you a definitive diagnose. The best way to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to consult your primary care physician for an appointment with an expert or consult your health insurance company online directory to find an expert who is experienced in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
It is important to collect any relevant records to your particular situation after you have located an expert medical professional. This could include performance assessments from work as well as copies of previous psychological tests, and old reports from your school. Be prepared to answer any questions regarding your work-related symptoms and home, your drug or alcohol use, and your relationships relationships with your family and friends. You may also have to provide evidence from other professionals, like a psychiatrist or neurologist.
Adults seeking a diagnosis for ADHD generally struggle to function effectively in their personal and professional life and want to know what's happening. They might find that their productivity is dropping or their relationships are straining or they may experience persistent mood swings that don't seem to be caused by other factors.
For certain people, it can be difficult to get a diagnosis due to the fact that healthcare professionals might have preconceived notions of what the symptoms of ADHD appear to be. This is especially true for minorities, people born females or non-native English speaking individuals. There is increasing awareness of these biases and efforts are being made to overcome them.