How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People with ADHD often face discrimination and stigma at work, school and in their relationships. They could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
Ask your GP to evaluate your condition if you think you have ADHD. They'll talk to you about your symptoms and ask for family/whanau's input to create a picture of your history.
Diagnosis Process
Many people begin with self-tests online and rating scales to determine if they might have ADHD. These tests aren't able to give a definitive diagnosis, so it's best to talk to your family physician or a mental health professional if you suspect you might be suffering from ADHD. They can help you find the right specialist who will analyze your symptoms to determine whether ADHD is the reason or if it's something else such as depression or anxiety.
During the evaluation your provider will ask your child or you to describe the symptoms you have experienced in two different settings (at home and at school) over the last six months. They'll also determine the length of time you or your child has had them and if they interfere with your daily functioning. 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. before the age of 12 -- and cause significant problems in multiple settings, such as home, school or work.
A thorough psychiatric examination also includes the history of your family and medical history. In certain instances the evaluator may interview individuals such as spouses or parents, teachers, or coworkers to gain a different viewpoint on your symptoms. They might also request details about your current or previous drug and alcohol use and sleep habits, as well as your physical health.
Your evaluator will also consider whether your symptoms can be explained by a mental health issue, such as depression or anxiety, or by physical issues, such as being born with a low birth weight or being exposed to toxins during pregnancy. This step is crucial because other disorders may have similar symptoms to ADHD.
When your evaluator has all this information and more, they'll draft a report or diagnosis. They'll present it to you and your family members and talk to you about treatment options. This is the time to discuss goals and expectations. Often, a diagnosis of ADHD is only the beginning of an ongoing partnership to manage your symptoms and lead a more fulfilling life.
Symptoms
The first step to getting an adhd diagnose for adults is to recognize the signs that are affecting their lives. It could be as easy as being late to social events, misplacing keys or putting off work tasks. Other symptoms include being disorganized, failing to complete chores or homework, having trouble remembering appointments and making careless mistakes. In addition to discussing the current challenges, the examiner will review the person's past history in relation to psychiatric symptoms like anxiety or depression, from the beginning and later in life.
The current guidelines say that in order for an adult to be diagnosed with adhd, signs should have been present since early childhood. They also need to be consistent across a variety of areas, including family life, academic performance at school, work behavior, and social relationships. The doctor will also conduct a thorough examination of the person's health, family and work history as well as any previous psychiatric evaluations. They might request information from relatives and friends as well as old report cards or other school documents and they may conduct an examination to rule out any other medical conditions that can be similar to the symptoms of ADHD, such as thyroid issues or seizure disorder.
The specialist will also interview anyone else who is that are part of the individual's life. This may include spouses and other family members and teachers, coworkers and parents. It is essential that the person being analyzed talk about these concerns openly and honestly. They should not feel embarrassed or ashamed, and be able to openly discuss how ADHD symptoms are impacting their lives.
The psychiatrist who is examining the patient will review the criteria set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine whether or not the patient meets the diagnostic guidelines. The doctor may also request medical records, like bloodwork and a CBC to look for other conditions that may be impacting the patient's functioning for example, thyroid issues or seizures. In addition, the examining psychiatrist might request psychological or neuropsychological testing to understand how the symptoms of ADHD affect the abilities of a person.
Evaluations
Adults seeking a diagnosis of ADHD will be screened by their primary care provider to determine if their symptoms are not caused by another health issue. This could include anxiety, depression, or physical issues such as thyroid problems or seizures. These could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD, and it's important to rule them out prior to the treatment program is developed.
A doctor will conduct an interview format to go over the person's history of ADHD symptoms, including whether they began in the early years of childhood and how long they have been present. The doctor will also look at the person's lifestyle and medical and family history to see if there are any factors that might be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders provides a list of signs that doctors must take into consideration when diagnosing ADHD. A person must display symptomatic behaviors in at least two environments that include home and school for them to be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms must also affect the daily activities. The symptoms must begin in the early years of childhood and cannot be explained by other mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety.
Mental health professionals typically require people to assess their symptoms using an appropriate scale or checklist when conducting an evaluation for ADHD. These tools help ensure that the psychiatrist or psychologist evaluates the person in accordance with standardized criteria. They can also conduct interviews with other people in the patient's life, such as the spouse or a close friend, or their teachers or parents to obtain a full picture of the person's issues and how they impact their lives.
Adults usually seek an answer when they notice they aren't doing 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 laziness or insufficient intelligence and can take steps to overcome their difficulties. It can be difficult to accept that you have an illness that is chronic and requires continuous treatment.
Treatment
Many people who receive an ADHD diagnosis have suffered from the disorder for decades without realizing it. Their frustrations at school or at work could eventually prompt them to seek an evaluation. A thorough investigation could also be prompted by family problems, such as arguments over misplaced items or a failure to fulfill commitments.
A health professional who specializes in ADHD will conduct the test. They will ask you to fill out an assessment questionnaire. They may request feedback from other people, like your spouse, colleagues and your classmates. The health professional will also review your medical history and complete a physical exam. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea and seizure disorders can cause ADHD-like symptoms and signs. It is important to be aware of these issues.
Psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers are all licensed professionals who can perform an ADHD evaluation. You can obtain an appointment from your primary care physician, or you can contact a local support organization for those suffering from ADHD to find a professional. You can also ask your insurance provider for a list of providers who are certified to conduct ADHD evaluations.
Your doctor will need to be aware of your behavior from your childhood. Your doctor will also compare your symptoms to those of people with ADHD and review your family's history to make the diagnosis.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to help manage the symptoms. They may also refer you to a therapist or counselor who can provide strategies to deal with your issues.
resources can also participate in a clinical study to find out more about the new treatment options available for ADHD. These trials are conducted by researchers at NIMH and other institutions around the nation. Your doctor can inform you about the various clinical trials that are available.
Adults who suffer from ADHD don't outgrow the condition however, they can learn to manage their symptoms and enjoy success at work, in school and in their personal lives. Getting the correct treatment can help them avoid issues at workplace and at home, and bring them closer to their families and professional goals.