Adult ADHD Diagnosis: What's The Only Thing Nobody Is Talking About
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Adult ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be the first step towards finding treatment for certain people. They may be frustrated at work, in their homes, or in their social life due to signs such as being distracted or forgetting things.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult typically means going through an extensive evaluation that includes interviewing the person and their family members, using standardized tests and rating scales. The evaluation usually includes physical examination.
Symptoms
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help people understand why they've been struggling for so long and help them discover the meaning behind their previous decisions. It can also offer hope for a brighter future. Whether you are struggling with losing your keys, feeling that you'll never be able to finish your work or being called lazy or irresponsible, getting an assessment is the first step towards finding the right treatment for you.
For most adults, symptoms manifest in different areas of their lives and are more prevalent in one place in comparison to another. They may be restless and impulsive at school, but have trouble keeping up at work. They may forget appointments or have trouble estimating how long they will need to complete their tasks. They might have difficulty making friends or get into frequent arguments with their spouses. If these issues are serious, they could affect everyday life and cause depression or anxiousness.
While it's essential to consider a diagnosis of ADHD but it's equally important to determine the other factors that could be that are causing the symptoms. Stress, mental health problems and certain medications are typically responsible for symptoms that are similar. A thorough assessment by a qualified professional is necessary to make sure that the underlying issue is being addressed.
As opposed to children, adults with ADHD rarely exhibit the more obvious symptoms of hyperactivity. Instead, the symptoms of hyperactivity are displayed more subtly, such as fidgeting or difficulty sitting still in chairs. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display these signs more frequently since they are able to conceal their inattentional behavior in their work and social lives.
During the assessment, the doctor will examine the patient's medical background and 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 instances, it may be required to conduct an examination of the body to rule out certain illnesses that may mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD.
Diagnosis
It's important for adults who think they might be suffering from ADHD to discuss their symptoms with a health care professional, especially if their problems stem from school or work. Primary care providers may refer patients to mental health professionals who have experience in adult ADHD assessments. Those professionals should be willing to share details about their level of training and experiences working with adults suffering from ADHD, Hamdani says. Anyone who is hesitant to disclose this information should be treated with suspicion Hamdani says.
Getting a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing event. For some, it gives a reason for years of frustrations and self-criticism. Some people are happy that they have a reason for their difficulties in life or that they aren't "just in their minds."
In most cases, an adult with ADHD will be diagnosed by a thorough interview with a certified professional. This includes a thorough examination of the individual's personal medical, family, and background. Additionally, the specialist will likely request the person to rate their behaviors using one or more of the standard ADHD behavior scales. These ratings are based upon 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 about how the symptoms affect 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 frequently have coexisting conditions which are referred to as co-morbidities. Common comorbidities associated with ADHD include depression, anxiety disorders and alcohol or drug abuse. Some experts suggest these comorbidities develop as maladaptive coping strategies to manage the frustrations commonly associated with untreated ADHD.
It's also important to recognize that ADHD is more prevalent in males than women, and it may be difficult for people who do have the disorder to be diagnosed due to long-held biases about the symptoms and their impact on males and females. Some women can mask their symptoms more effectively, which can lead them to a delayed diagnosis or an inaccurate diagnosis.
Treatment
It is recommended for adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD to talk to an expert in mental health that has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. The professional can help teach adult behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their performance at home, work or school. They can also assist adults recognize why their behavior is different and what triggers it.
A mental health professional must thoroughly evaluate an adult as they could have other disorders that are similar to ADHD. This could include a thorough description of the individual's symptoms along with questionnaires and scales that are completed by the person in question and others who know them well, a complete medical and psychiatric history, as well as a thorough physical examination.
It is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if a person suffers from a co-occurring disorder such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can increase ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional may also conduct neurological or cognitive tests to determine how the brain functions and to rule out any other causes, like an illness that affects the body or a learning disability.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated through psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as educational programs. Adults can benefit from individual talk therapy to improve their self-esteem and deal with the emotional baggage associated with ADHD. Behavioral therapies may also improve time management and control of impulses. They can also tackle the effects that stressors have on a person's ability to perform.
Some people with ADHD might benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy gives you the opportunity to meet people who face similar issues and discuss ways to overcome these challenges. These groups are typically run by a support or advocacy group.
Medication is also an option for many adults with ADHD. There are a myriad of medications available including stimulants (such as methylphenidate that is sold under the name Ritalin) which increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Others help to regulate moods and decrease impulsive behavior, like antidepressants and the anti-psychotic drug bupropion (Wellbutrin). Your Mercy doctor will be able to talk with you about all your treatment options.
Support
Adults suffering from ADHD might have the disorder for a long time without even realizing it. They may seek an evaluation because they are frustrated by everyday issues like not remembering appointments and making mistakes at work, or ignoring family and friendship commitments. It's normal for these people to feel a sense of relief more info after receiving a diagnosis, especially when they can see why they have been struggling throughout their lives.
A mental health professional can conduct an assessment for ADHD however an primary care physician is typically the best place to begin. The doctor may also refer the patient to a specialist in the event of need. A psychiatric nurse, psychiatrist or psychologist may be qualified to examine ADHD in adults. A lot of insurance plans include professionals according to their specialties. This can assist people in finding the right health professional who is familiar with ADHD in adults.
During the evaluation, a mental health professional will inquire about the person's previous issues, as well as how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It's important to talk openly and honestly during the evaluation so that the mental health professional can conduct a thorough evaluation.
Therapy, or psychotherapy, can help people learn to manage their problems and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach people how to alter their behavior and thinking patterns. Therapy is often combined with medications, which can help lessen the effects of the disorder.
Many adult ADHD sufferers benefit from social support groups. The opportunity to share their experiences with others who are facing similar challenges can be a great source of motivation and inspiration. A few of these groups can be found online and are open for anyone with ADHD. Others are geared towards specific populations, such as African Americans with ADHD, couples affected by the disorder, or those who identify as gay or lesbian.
Some people may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their symptoms. This can make them less willing to seek help. However, a doctor should explain that ADHD is not a sign of insufficiency or failure.