How is ADHD Diagnosed in Adults?
Adults need to undergo a thorough assessment by a mental health professional or health care provider to determine if they suffer from ADHD. This may include interviews of the patient and close family members or colleagues.
The person who is being evaluated could also be asked to complete questionnaires or provide written statements regarding childhood behaviors. A complete evaluation will also include screening for ADHD symptoms and a battery of psychological tests.
Signs and symptoms
Many people suffering from ADHD are not diagnosed until they reach adulthood at which point the signs of the disorder become more noticeable in their daily lives. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms in order to consult an expert in healthcare regarding your concerns. The evaluator will ask about the 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 frequently forget appointments or deadlines, for example? Do you have trouble keeping track of your financial records or other responsibilities? Are you impulsive and frequently make rash decisions that could strain relationships with your family, friends and co-workers? These behaviors could be an indication of ADHD. This could make it difficult to sustain a successful career and manage relationships. Treatment can reduce these symptoms and allow you to achieve your goals in life and work.
The symptoms of ADHD in adults are similar to those in children, however they may be slightly different due to the way adults function in their professional and social life. They vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that can cause noticeable disruptions in your functioning. In extreme cases, these symptoms can lead to problems with relationships and finances, as well as difficulties at school or in your career.
If you think you may have ADHD, the first step is to speak with your primary care provider to get a referral to an expert in mental health who can conduct an assessment. You can also contact your health insurance provider for a list or professionals who perform evaluations for ADHD or other disorders. A support group for ADHD can also be an excellent source. Members may have suggestions for professionals in this area.
The evaluator could also ask you about your symptoms. They will also go over your medical history and psychiatric conditions. They will complete an assessment questionnaire and survey with you and may ask others (such as your parents, teachers, spouses, or close friends) complete it. The evaluator could also choose to do a physical exam as well as neurological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities if needed.
Diagnosis
If an adult suffers from ADHD symptoms that interfere with daily functioning the person could benefit from an evaluation by a mental health professional or primary medical doctor. The evaluator will review the person's medical and psychiatric background, speak with the person about their symptoms, employ checklists or rating scales to assess the symptoms of ADHD and complete psychological tests to assess working memory, executive functions (abilities that involve making decisions and planning) as well as spatial and visual ability. Psychological or neuropsychological tests can be used to determine if an existing condition is the reason behind the person's symptoms.
During the assessment process, the evaluator will speak to the person about their issues and symptoms they're experiencing at home, in school, and at work. It is important for the person being assessed to be honest and not conceal information due to embarrassment or shame. The evaluator may also ask the person's significant other, close friends and family members. This will help in gaining a better understanding of the issues the person is facing and how they affect their relationships.
The evaluator will be looking for signs in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) to diagnose ADHD. This includes difficulty paying attention to the details or making careless mistakes, difficulty staying focused on tasks or activities and problems with following directions and completing schoolwork, chores and job duties. The evaluator may also ask about the person's childhood and family history.
If the examiner determines that the individual has ADHD and they determine that the person has ADHD, they will refer them to a specialist who can offer treatments. Adults may have a weak or unclear memory of childhood experiences or psychiatric evaluations. The person being assessed will need to solicit the help of their parents, or any significant people, to fill out a an retrospective ADHD profile. This will allow the evaluator to verify the childhood ADHD symptoms and determine ADHD as a disorder that is currently present. Some people who suffer from ADHD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression and drug misuse. These issues need to be addressed to alleviate ADHD symptoms.
Treatment
Seek help if you are having trouble completing tasks at work or home, or if you experience forgetfulness or impulsive behaviors. Find a mental health professional who is trained in working with adults with ADHD, or a primary health care provider. Ask family and friends for recommendations or search for professionals in your area on the internet. Read reviews of professionals before you visit them, and be sure your insurance covers the cost.
The symptoms must be experienced more often than every week, and they must cause impairment in a variety of areas of your life. Impairment includes problems such as losing your job or facing financial problems due to excessive spending or failing classes at school, marital difficulties, or difficulties with relationships with family and friends. The American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines 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 caregivers, you as well as your teachers. It also includes a complete medical history.
adhd undiagnosed in adults suffering from ADHD can be treated in different ways, including psychotherapy and medications. Behavioral therapy is a method that teaches you to monitor and alter your behavior. It can also help you improve your problem-solving and organization skills. Psychotherapy can help you learn to understand the connection between your ADHD and identify negative patterns of thinking that contribute to the disorder.
Psychotherapy can be beneficial for addressing depression, anxiety or addiction to substances and also helps manage your ADHD. Marriage counseling and family therapy are also beneficial, especially if you or your spouse have ADHD and are facing the same issues as you do.
Adults with ADHD are best treated by using a combination of treatments. Talking to your GP is the first step. He can recommend a treatment that is suitable for you. Your GP can advise you on whether an assessment for ADHD is appropriate for you.
Support
People with ADHD are able to benefit from support groups where they can share their experiences and learn from one another. In addition to providing emotional support, these groups can also assist in educating people on ADHD treatments, treatment options and coping techniques. It can be beneficial for people with ADHD to seek professional help to manage their symptoms. Certain professionals provide specific services for adults with ADHD While others offer more general therapy sessions.
Talk therapy is a method to manage the symptoms of ADHD. Therapists can assist individuals to boost their self-esteem, and assist them develop better methods for handling stress and anger. Some therapy providers specialize in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) which is a method that focuses on changing how people think and behave.
Adults suffering from ADHD frequently face challenges that didn't exist when they were children, including relationships, financial issues and academic problems. Individual therapy helps people overcome negative feelings such as embarrassment and shame.
A person must exhibit significant impairment in at least two or more situations to be diagnosed with ADHD. This could mean working in a way that is not satisfactory, experiencing excessive conflict and distress in a marriage or getting into trouble with the law as a result of reckless spending or driving. The root causes of the impairment should be determined in addition to other factors like medical issues, alcohol and drug use or other mental health issues.
During an ADHD assessment, a health care provider or mental health professional will speak with the patient, spouse or close relatives and friends, ask questions about past problems and conduct psychiatric assessments. They may also use behavioral rating scales or symptom checklists and take psychological tests that examine the brain's cognitive processes, such as memory and decision-making. They could also take a look at medical, educational and family background to rule out other causes for the symptoms.
During the evaluation, it is important to be as honest and open as possible. The therapist will evaluate whether or not the patient is taking steps to manage symptoms, like a maintaining a regular sleep schedule or avoiding foods that may worsen symptoms.