Adult ADHD Diagnosis
For some people being diagnosed with adult ADHD is the first step towards treatment. They may feel frustrated at work, in their homes, or in their social lives due to signs such as being distracted or forgetting things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often involves undergoing an extensive evaluation that includes conducting interviews with the person and family members, using standard tests and rating scales. The evaluation usually includes a physical exam, too.
Signs and symptoms
For many adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they've struggled for so long and make sense of their previous choices. It can also offer hope for the future to be brighter. If you're struggling to locate your keys, feel as if you're unable to finish your task or you're being labelled lazy or irresponsible, or have been accused of being lazy or irresponsible, then getting a diagnosis will aid you in finding the best treatment for you.
Most adults experience symptoms in various areas of their lives, but some are more prominent than others. They might be unruly and impulsive at school but are unable to keep up at work. They might forget to make appointments or underestimate the time needed to complete tasks. They might have difficulty making friends or engage in frequent fights with their spouses. If these problems are severe they can interfere with daily life and lead to anxiety or depression.
It's crucial to recognize ADHD, but it's also important to identify other factors might be contributing to the symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and medications can often cause symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. To ensure that the underlying issue is addressed with a thorough assessment by a specialist is required.
Adults with ADHD do not show the same signs of hyperactivity as children. Hyperactivity is less obvious and can be seen as fidgeting or a difficulty in sitting. Women with ADHD tend to display these signs more frequently since they are able to conceal their inattentive behaviors in their work and social lives.
During an evaluation during an assessment, the doctor will review the patient's medical history and consider how their symptoms interfere with their daily life. They will also ask about family history, and should they be able to interview a family member to get their perspective on childhood behaviors. They may also conduct psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities. In certain instances it might be required to conduct a physical examination in order to rule out specific illnesses that can cause symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
It is essential for adults who believe they may have ADHD to discuss their symptoms with a health care provider, particularly if their problems stem from school or work. Primary health care providers can refer patients to mental health professionals who specialize in adult ADHD evaluations and treatment. They should be able to disclose information about their training level and experiences working with adults suffering from ADHD, Hamdani says. Hamdani warns that anyone who is reluctant to provide such information should be viewed as suspicious.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing experience. For some, it gives an explanation for the years of frustration and self-criticism. Some people feel relieved that there is an explanation for their struggles in life, or that they weren't "just in their heads."
In the majority of cases, an adult with ADHD will be diagnosed by a thorough interview with a qualified professional. This will include a review of the person's personal, family and medical history. The professional will also ask the person to rate their behavior on one or a variety of standardized ADHD scales for behavioral assessment. These ratings are basing on research that compares the behaviors of people suffering from ADHD to those of people who don't have the disorder.
The person will also be asked about how the symptoms impact their life. 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.
Comorbidities are often present among those who have been diagnosed with adult ADHD. Anxiety disorders, depression and alcohol or drug use are typical comorbidities of ADHD. Some experts suggest these complications are a result of maladaptive coping strategies to manage the frustrations commonly related to untreated ADHD.
It's also important to recognize that ADHD is more prevalent in males than women, and it can be difficult for those who do have the disorder to get diagnosed because of long-held prejudices about the symptoms and the impact they have on men versus women. Women are also better at hiding their symptoms better, which could lead to an incorrect diagnosis or delay in getting it.
Treatment
Adults who are diagnosed of ADHD may find it helpful to consult a mental health professional, especially one with experience in treating adults with ADHD. This individual can teach the adult strategies for managing their symptoms and improve their functioning at work, home or school. They can also assist adults to recognize the reasons why their behavior is different and what triggers them.
A mental health professional should examine an adult thoroughly for other disorders similar to ADHD. This may include a detailed description of the person's symptoms as well as questionnaires and scales filled out by the person in question and others who know him or her well, a complete psychiatric history and family medical history, as well as an exhaustive physical exam.
A thorough examination is essential to determine whether the adult suffers from a comorbid condition, such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional can also conduct neurological or cognitive tests to determine how the brain functions and to rule out any other causes, like an illness of the body or a learning disabilities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD are usually treated through psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as educational programs. Individual therapy can help an adult build better self-esteem and learn to manage the emotional burden that usually is associated with a diagnosis of ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also improve efficiency, time management and impulse control and may help to reduce the effects of stressors on a person's ability to function.
Some people with ADHD might benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy may give them the chance to meet other people who have the same issues and discuss strategies to overcome them. These groups are usually organized by a support or advocacy group.
The use of medication is also an option for a lot of adults suffering from ADHD. There are a myriad of medications available that include stimulants (such as methylphenidate, which is sold under the name Ritalin) that boost levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Antidepressants and the antipsychotic drug Wellbutrin (Bupropion) help regulate moods and reduce impulse-driven behavior. Your Mercy doctor will be able to discuss all of your treatment options with you.
Support
Adults suffering from ADHD might have the disorder for many years without realizing it. They may seek an evaluation because they are frustrated by everyday challenges such as forgetting appointments or making a mistake at work, or not paying attention to the demands of friends and family. They often feel a sense of relief when they receive a diagnosis.
A mental health professional could perform an ADHD assessment, but the primary doctor is usually a good starting point. The doctor can also refer the person to a specialist if necessary. 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 assist people in finding the right health professional who is knowledgeable about ADHD in adults.
During the assessment, a mental health professional will inquire about the person's past issues, as well as how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It's important to talk openly and truthfully during the evaluation so that the mental health professional can 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 change their thinking and behavior. The combination of therapy and medication can help reduce the symptoms of the disorder.
Social support groups are beneficial for many adults ADHD patients. The opportunity to share their experiences with others who have similar struggles can be a source of inspiration and encouragement. Some of these groups are available on the internet and are open to anyone with ADHD. Some groups are specifically for populations, such as African Americans with ADHD, couples impacted by the disorder, or those who identify as gay or lesbian.
Some people might be embarrassed or ashamed of their symptoms. This could make them less willing to seek help. But a health professional must explain that ADHD is not a sign of insufficiency or failure.