How is ADHD Diagnosed in Adults?
For adults, the diagnosis of ADHD requires an experienced health care professional or mental health professional to conduct an extensive assessment. This may include interviews with the patient and close friends or coworkers.
In diagnosis of adhd being assessed might be asked to complete questionnaires and make written statements about their childhood behaviors. A complete evaluation also includes screening for ADHD symptoms and a battery of psychological tests.
Signs and symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD are diagnosed only after the symptoms become more evident in their daily life. It is essential to recognize the signs to be able to speak with a health care professional about your concerns. The examiner will inquire about your experiences with symptoms, particularly as a child, because current guidelines state that a diagnosis cannot be made without evidence that the symptoms were present prior to the age of 12.
Do you often miss deadlines or appointments for instance? Do you find it difficult to keep track of your financial documents or other responsibilities? Are you easily distracted and frequently make unwise decisions that can strain relationships with your family, friends and co-workers? These behaviors may be an indication of ADHD that can make it difficult to keep the job you have and manage relationships. However, treatment can help reduce the severity of these symptoms, allowing you to reach your personal and professional goals.
Symptoms of ADHD in adults are similar to those in children, but they may be slightly different due to the way adults are able to function in their social and work life. They vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing noticeable changes in your performance. In extreme instances, these symptoms could lead to financial and relationship issues, as well as difficulties at school or in your career.
If you think you may have ADHD The first step is to consult with your primary care provider to get the referral to an expert in mental health who can conduct an evaluation. You could also ask your health insurance provider for a list of professionals who can conduct tests for ADHD or other disorders. A support group for ADHD could also be an excellent resource. Members might have suggestions for professionals in the area.
The evaluator could also ask you about your symptoms. They will also review your medical history and psychiatric conditions. They will complete an assessment questionnaire and survey with you, and could also have others (such as your parents, teachers, spouses, or close friends) complete it. The evaluator may also conduct physical examinations and may suggest psychological, neuropsychological, or learning disabilities tests if necessary.
Diagnosis
If ADHD symptoms are affecting daily functioning in an adult, they could require a visit to the primary care physician or mental health provider. The examiner will review the person's medical and psychiatric background, speak with the patient about their symptoms, employ checklists or rating scales to evaluate ADHD-related symptoms and complete psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functions (abilities that involve the ability to plan and make decisions) as well as spatial and visual ability. Psychological or neuropsychological tests may also be used to determine if a co-existing illness is causing the person's symptoms.
During the assessment process the evaluator will speak to the person about their concerns and the symptoms they're facing at home, school and work. It is important for the person being evaluated to be honest and not hide information out of shame or embarrassment. Often the evaluator will also interview the person's significant other as well as close family and friends members. This helps to gain an understanding of the issues the individual is facing and how they impact their relationships.
To diagnose ADHD the examiner will refer to symptoms from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition Text Revision of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5). This includes difficulty paying attention or making mistakes, difficulty staying focused on work or other activities and difficulties in following directions and complete schoolwork, chores and other job responsibilities. The evaluator can also inquire about the person's childhood or family history.
If the evaluator concludes that the person meets the criteria for ADHD, he or she will refer the person to an expert for treatment options. Because adults may have poor or hazy memories of childhood experiences and psycho-psychiatric assessments, the person who is being evaluated may have to have their parents or significant others complete retrospective ADHD profiles. This will enable the evaluator to verify childhood ADHD symptoms and determine ADHD as a current disorder. Some people with ADHD may also suffer from co-occurring disorders, such as substance abuse, depression and anxiety. These additional issues must be addressed to alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Treatment
Seek help if you are having trouble completing tasks at work or home, or if you experience inattention or impulsive behavior. You can seek advice from an expert in mental health with special training to work with adults with ADHD or your primary health care provider. You can ask your family and friends members for recommendations, or you can look online for professionals in the area. Read reviews about professionals before you visit them, and make sure your insurance will cover the expenses.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have symptoms that are more frequently than every week and result in significant impairment in a variety of areas of your life. Problems with impaired functioning include losing your job, having financial problems due to excessive spending or failing classes in schools, marital issues, or difficulties with relationships with family members or friends. The American Psychiatric Association's guidelines for diagnosing for ADHD are in the fifth edition of their Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM-5 criteria include the description and evaluation of your symptoms by your family members, caregivers and teachers. It also provides an extensive medical history.
There are a variety of treatment available for adults with ADHD which include psychotherapy and medication. Behavioral therapy teaches you how to monitor and modify your behavior. It also teaches you methods to improve your ability to manage and solve problems. Psychotherapy can help to identify the negative thinking patterns that lead to ADHD and your relationship to it.
Psychotherapy can be helpful for treating anxiety, depression, or substance misuse as well as helping to manage your ADHD. Family therapy and counseling for marriage are also helpful, especially if you or your spouse have ADHD and are facing the same issues as you do.
Adults with ADHD should be treated with using a combination of therapies. Talking to your GP is the first step. He will be able to suggest a service that is right for you. Your GP will be able to tell you if an assessment for ADHD is the right thing to do.
Support
People suffering from ADHD are able to benefit from support groups in which they can share their experiences and learn from one another. These groups provide not only emotional support but also educate people on ADHD and treatment options and coping techniques. It is often beneficial for people with ADHD to seek help from a professional to manage their symptoms. Certain professionals provide services specifically targeted at adults suffering from ADHD while others may offer general therapy sessions.
Talk therapy can help manage ADHD symptoms. Therapists can help people improve their self-esteem, and help them to discover strategies to manage anger and stress. Therapists who are trained in cognitive behavior therapy, which focuses on changing the way that a person thinks.
Adults with ADHD face challenges they didn't face when they were children, such as financial problems, relationship conflicts and academic issues. Individual talk therapy can help people deal with these issues and work to overcome negative feelings like shame, embarrassment and resentment.
A person must exhibit significant impairment in two or more areas to be diagnosed with ADHD. This could mean failing at work, experiencing an excessive amount of conflict and stress in a marriage, or getting into trouble with the law because of reckless spending or driving. It is essential to determine the root causes for the problem, including medical conditions or alcohol and drug abuse.
During an ADHD evaluation the health care provider or mental health professional will speak with the patient, spouse or other close relatives and friends, ask questions about past issues and conduct psychiatric tests. They may also fill out behavior ratings scales or symptom lists and conduct psychological tests that test the cognitive abilities of the person, like memory and decision-making. They may also look into medical, educational, and family background to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
During the process of evaluation it is crucial to be as transparent as you can. The therapist will be able to determine if the patient is taking steps to manage their symptoms, such as maintaining a regular schedule for sleep or avoiding foods that might worsen them.