Getting Diagnosed With ADHD As an Adult
A lot of people suffer from mild or moderate ADHD symptoms. If their issues are severe enough to affect the work environment or relationships, they may be diagnosed.
They might find themselves struggling to cope with the demands of their job or school, enduring stress at home and feeling guilty for putting off work or managing situations in a poor way. They can consult their primary care physician for recommendations, or search online or by phone number for health professionals who perform ADHD assessments.
What is the Diagnosis Process?
The process of diagnosis begins with a comprehensive interview that focuses on the medical history of the person. This includes the family history, as well as major life events like relationships, school and work performance, drug use and driving history. This includes lifestyle habits such as sleep, diet and exercise, as well as any supplements or vitamins the individual is taking.
The doctor then examines the patient's symptoms and compares these to the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This includes symptoms of inattention or impulsivity, which have been present for at minimum 6 months and are serious enough to hinder school or work. Adults have a lower threshold: only five of nine criteria is required to diagnose a mental health issue.
A physical exam is usually next, as certain illnesses like thyroid issues and seizure disorders can trigger ADHD-like symptoms. This test gives the doctor more information to narrow down possible causes and allows them to create a list of "suspects" that they then evaluate with further tests. The tests can range from brain imaging to cognitive tests. They can take a while but are important to make sure that your doctor doesn't miss an issue that could be at the root of your ADHD symptoms.
Once the list has been narrowed down to a specific list, a final diagnosis can be made. The doctor will review the results and recommend treatment in light of their findings. For many people, getting a diagnosis can be a life-changing experience. It can make sense of many years of unanswered challenges and problems that were often attributed to laziness or incompetence. It can also assist people to recognize their strengths and how to utilize them. Others may feel a sense of regret as they reflect on the opportunities they missed because of their ailments not being addressed.
If you want to be diagnosed with ADHD then it is recommended to get a specialist assessment on the NHS which will include a full mental health assessment and an ADHD assessment, plus the referral to your GP for shared management. A private diagnosis can be difficult however, certain GPs are willing to accept it when you pay for private consultation.
What are the signs?
Adults who suffer from ADHD can often manage their symptoms and enjoy a productive and satisfying life. If their symptoms become more severe however, they might struggle to find an occupation and maintain healthy relationships or manage the stress of daily life. The financial issues may also arise due to delayed appointments with doctors, missed doctor's appointments, fees or impulsive purchases. This can cause them to feel that they are failing and have low self-esteem.
If you suspect that you have ADHD as an adult, it's crucial to speak with your health care professional. They will be able to advise you about treatment options and refer you to a specialist when necessary. Your healthcare professional will diagnose you based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is an encyclopedia that lists the 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. The symptoms must be present in more than one environment and impact your ability to function at school, work or socially.
Inattention-related symptoms are a lack of attention to tasks, ignoring details or not following instructions. They can 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 may also have difficulty following a routine and staying organized, as well as doing their homework and chores. They might also have trouble remembering appointments or dates and be easily distracted by people or activities.
Receiving a diagnosis of ADHD can be motivating because it helps you understand why your issues aren't your fault. You can then alter your behavior and improve how you manage time, money, and tasks. You can also learn strategies to help you cope with your symptoms. Your health professional may recommend lifestyle changes in addition to medication. This could include a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy diet. It's also important to get enough rest and avoid caffeine, sugar and other stimulants during the hours prior to bedtime.
What is the Treatment Process?
Adults who suffer from ADHD often require more than the right medication to be diagnosed. People who have ADHD may need to change their lifestyles and their behaviour, and they may need counseling to cope with their symptoms.
When an adult goes to see a healthcare professional to get an ADHD assessment, they must be honest about any issues in their lives that could be linked to the disorder, for example relationship issues and trouble at school or work. You will be asked to complete an assessment questionnaire that requests information in these areas. You may also be permitted to ask your family or acquaintances to complete the same. These answers can give valuable information about the extent to which a person's issues are due to ADHD or other causes like physical or mental stress like depression or ADHD.
The evaluator also takes into account the person's past, including their childhood experiences and traumas that they may have endured. The evaluator might request the person to complete one or several standard behavior ratings scales that measure the behavior of people with ADHD and those without. Psychological tests are often administered to assess working memory, executive function as well as spatial and visual skills.
A healthcare professional will refer an adult suffering from ADHD to a specialist who is familiar with the disorder. These specialists can be found by asking your primary physician for a recommendation or searching the online directory for a mental healthcare professional who is experienced in ADHD. You can also join a local adult ADHD support group and talk to others who have experienced the same thing.
The diagnosis of ADHD can cause a range of emotions in adults, such as relief and frustration at not being diagnosed sooner. Many people may feel guilt that they did not try harder or do better in their lives, but this guilt can be overcome by realizing that their issues aren't their own fault and finding the appropriate treatment to improve their quality of life.
What is the Support Process?
When an adult gets diagnosed with ADHD They may have a range of complicated emotions, such as satisfaction that there is now an answer to their struggles, grief over missed opportunities that could have been prevented with a more early diagnosis, or resentment that their issues have been overlooked for many years. Being treated can help you overcome challenges and reach your goals. It's important to talk to a medical professional who is experienced with treating adults with ADHD. They can help you establish realistic expectations, identify effective ways to improve your daily life, and help get family members on the same page.
You can try self-testing or evaluate yourself on online questionnaires, however these tools won't provide you with a definitive diagnosis. Asking your primary care doctor for a referral to an ADHD specialist or using the online directory of your health insurance provider to locate a doctor who has experience treating adults is the best way to get a proper diagnosis.
You should gather any relevant documentation regarding your situation after you have located an expert medical professional. These could include old school report cards as well as copies of psychological tests, and evaluations of performance at workplace. Be prepared to answer questions about your behavior at work and at home, as well as your alcohol or drug use as well as your relationships and relations with family and friends. adhd adults diagnosis uk may also need to bring records of other professionals such as psychologists, neurologists or a psychiatrist.
Adults who seek a diagnosis of ADHD usually do so because they are struggling to perform well in their personal and professional lives, and want to understand what's happening. They may notice their productivity is sagging or their relationships are strained or they may experience ongoing sad moods that don't appear to be attributed to other factors.
It isn't easy for some people to obtain a diagnosis, because the health care experts have preconceived notions of what ADHD symptoms appear to be. This is particularly relevant for people with a disability, born female and non-native English speaking individuals. There is a growing awareness of these biases and efforts are being made to combat them.