Adult ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be the first step towards finding treatment for certain people. They may feel frustrated at work, in their homes, or in their social life due to symptoms such as being distracted or forgetting things.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD typically undergo an extensive evaluation that includes interviews with the family members and themselves and using standardized tests. This usually involves physical examination.
Signs and symptoms
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people to understand why they've had to struggle for so long and help them make sense out of their past choices. It may also inspire them to look forward to an improved future. Whether you are experiencing difficulty in locating your keys, feeling that you'll never finish your work or being labeled as lazy or irresponsible, obtaining an assessment is the first step toward finding the right treatment for you.
Most adults experience symptoms in different areas of their lives however, certain symptoms are more prevalent than others. They might be unruly and impulsive at school but have trouble keeping up at work. They might miss appointments or struggle to estimate how much time they need to complete their tasks. They might have difficulty making friends or engage in frequent fights with their spouses. If the problems are serious, they could affect everyday life and cause anxiety or depression.
While it's important to consider the possibility of being diagnosed with ADHD, it's just as important to consider the other factors that could be that are causing the symptoms. Stress, other mental health issues and medications can often cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. To ensure that the underlying problem is treated an in-depth evaluation by a specialist is required.
Adults with ADHD do not show the same symptoms of hyperactivity that children do. Instead, the signs of hyperactivity are displayed more subduedly as fidgeting or a difficulty sitting in a chair. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms more often because they are able to hide their inattentional behavior at work and in social lives.
During the assessment the doctor will look at the patient's medical history as well as how their symptoms impact their daily lives. They will also ask about family history, and when possible, ask a family member their views on childhood behavior. They can also conduct psycho-, neuropsychological or learning disabilities tests. In certain cases physical examinations could be required to rule out illnesses that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Adults who think they may have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their doctor. This is particularly important if the problems are related to school or work. I Am Psychiatry can refer patients to mental health professionals with experience in adult ADHD assessments. These professionals must be able to provide information about their level of training and experiences working with adults suffering from ADHD, Hamdani says. Hamdani says that anyone who is unwilling to disclose this information should be treated with suspicion.
The diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing event. It can provide a reason for years of self-criticism and frustration for certain. Some people feel relieved that there is an explanation for their difficulties in life or that they aren't "just in their heads."
In most cases, an adult diagnosed with ADHD will receive a diagnosis through a comprehensive interview with a professional who is qualified. This includes a thorough examination of the individual's personal, family and medical history. Additionally, the specialist will likely ask the individual to rate his or her behaviors using one or more of the standardized ADHD behavior rating scales. These ratings are based on research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and people who do not suffer from the disorder.
The individual will also be asked how the symptoms impact their lives. In order to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, an adult must have at least five persistent symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that cause significant impairment in at least two settings (such as home, school and work) and that are not better explained by other factors.
The people who are diagnosed of adult ADHD often have coexisting conditions, called co-morbidities. Common comorbidities that are associated with ADHD include depression, anxiety disorders, and drug or alcohol abuse. Some experts suggest that these co-morbidities are maladaptive strategies to manage the stressors that are typically associated with untreated ADHD.
It is also important to remember that ADHD is more prevalent in males than women, and it may be difficult for many people who are affected to get diagnosed because of persistent prejudices regarding the symptoms and the impact they have on men and women. Some women are even better at hiding their symptoms better, which can cause an inaccurate diagnosis or delay in getting it.
Treatment
It may be helpful for adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD to speak with an expert in mental health that has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can instruct the adult behavior strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning at work, home or at school. They can also help adults learn to understand why their behavior is different and what triggers them.
A mental health professional should thoroughly evaluate an adult for other disorders that are similar to ADHD. This can include a detailed description and scales filled out by the client or other people who are familiar with him/her as well as a psychiatric and family history, as well as a thorough physical exam.
It is important to conduct a thorough evaluation in order to determine if an adult suffers from a comorbid disorder such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional may also conduct neurological or cognitive testing to examine how the brain works and to rule out any other causes, such as an illness that affects the body or a learning disability.
Treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD typically include counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Adults may benefit from individual talk therapy to boost their self-esteem and deal with the emotional burdens that come with ADHD. Behavioral therapies may also improve time management, organization and impulse control. They can also deal with the effect that stressors can have on an individual's abilities to perform.
Some people with ADHD might benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy can provide an opportunity to meet other people who have the same difficulties and discuss ways to overcome these challenges. These groups are typically run by an advocacy or support group.
Medication is also an option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. There are several medications available that include stimulants, which increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain (for instance, methylphenidate which is sold as Ritalin). Antidepressants and the antipsychotic drug Wellbutrin (Bupropion) help regulate moods and reduce impulsive behavior. Your Mercy doctor will be able to talk with you about the various treatment options available to you.
Support
Many adults who are diagnosed with ADHD live with the disorder for decades without realizing it. Frustration with everyday challenges such as missing appointments, making irresponsible mistakes at work, or blowing off family or friendship commitments can lead them to seek an evaluation. It's normal for these people to feel a sense relief once they get an answer, particularly when they can see why they have been struggling throughout their lives.
A mental health professional is able to conduct an evaluation for ADHD however, the primary care physician is usually the best place to begin. If necessary, the doctor can refer the patient to a specialist. A psychiatric nursing, psychiatrist or psychologist may also be able to assess ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans include specialists according to their specialization and help individuals locate the right health professional who is knowledgeable about ADHD in adults.
During the assessment, the mental health professional will ask questions regarding the person's behavior, such as past problems and how they've been affected by their ADHD symptoms. It is essential to be open and truthfully during the evaluation so that the mental health professional is able to complete a thorough assessment.
Therapy, or psychotherapy, can help people learn to manage their problems and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches people how to alter their thinking and behavior. Therapy is often paired with medications, which can help reduce the effects of the disorder.
Many adult ADHD patients benefit from social support groups. The chance to share their struggles with others who face similar struggles can provide a lot of motivation and inspiration. Some of these groups can be found on the internet and are open to all people with ADHD. Other groups are for specific groups, like African Americans with ADHD, couples impacted by the disorder, or people who identify as gay or lesbian.
Some people may be embarrassed or embarrassed by their symptoms. This could cause them to be reluctant to seek assistance. A health professional should explain to the patient that ADHD is not a weakness or failure.