How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
People suffering from ADHD are often stigmatized and criticized at work, in schools, and in their relationships. They could be misdiagnosed as having other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
If you think you have ADHD Start by asking your GP for an assessment. They'll talk with you about your symptoms and request family/whanau's input to create an outline of your life.
Diagnosis Process
Many people start by taking online tests and grading scales in order to determine if they are suffering from ADHD. However, these tests can't provide a definitive diagnosis, so if you think you may have it, the best thing to discuss the issue with your family doctor or a mental health expert. They can help you find the right specialist who will evaluate your symptoms to determine if ADHD is the cause or if it's something else such as anxiety or depression is the reason.
During the evaluation the doctor will ask you or your child to describe your symptoms in two different settings (home and school) during the past six months. They'll also determine the length of time you or your child have had these symptoms and whether they affect your daily functioning. For adults, a diagnosis requires at least five established symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity. In addition, the symptoms must have been present since childhood -- i.e. before the age of 12 -- and cause significant difficulties in multiple settings like school, home or at work.
A thorough psychiatric evaluation also includes the medical background, family and social history. In some instances your evaluator will interview people such as spouses teachers, parents, or colleagues who can provide an outsider's perspective on your symptoms. They may also ask for information about your current or previous alcohol and drug use and sleep habits, as well as your physical health.
Your evaluator may also consider whether your symptoms are better explained by another mental health issue like anxiety or depression, or by a physical issue, such as being born with a low birth weight or being exposed to contaminants during pregnancy. It's important to be as honest and thorough as you can in this process since these other conditions can trigger similar symptoms as those of ADHD.
Once your evaluator has this information and more, they'll draft an evaluation report or a diagnosis. The evaluator will share the report or diagnosis with you and your family and discuss the treatment options. This is the perfect time to discuss goals and expectations. Often, a diagnosis of ADHD is just the first step in an ongoing partnership to help manage your symptoms and lead a more fulfilling life.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in obtaining an adhd diagnose for adults is to identify symptoms that are affecting their lives. This could be as easy as losing keys regularly, putting off projects at work or being late for social occasions. Other signs include being unorganized, not completing chores or homework, and not remembering appointments. The examiner will not only discuss current challenges but will also review the patient's past mental health issues such as depression and anxiety from childhood through adulthood.
Current guidelines state that in order for an adult to be diagnosed with adhd, signs should have been present since childhood. Additionally, they must be consistent in a variety of areas, such as family life as well as academic performance at school, work behavior, and social relationships. The doctor will also inquire about the individual's health, family and work history as in addition to any previous mental health examinations. They may request information from friends and family, old report cards or other school documents, and may also conduct physical examinations to rule out any other medical conditions that could be similar to the symptoms of ADHD for example, thyroid issues or seizure disorder.
The expert will also interview anyone else who is involved in the person's life. This could include spouses and other family members and teachers, coworkers or parents. It is important that the person being evaluated talk about these issues honestly and openly. They should not feel embarrassed or ashamed and be able to openly discuss how ADHD symptoms are affecting their lives.
The psychiatrist who examines the patient will look at the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), to determine if the patient's condition is within the guidelines for diagnosis. I Am Psychiatry may also request medical records, including bloodwork and a CBC to look for other conditions that may be impacting the patient's functioning for example, thyroid issues or a seizure disorder. In addition, the examining psychiatrist might conduct a neuropsychological or psychological test to help them understand how the symptoms of ADHD affect the ability of a patient.
Evaluations
For adults seeking an diagnosis of ADHD, their primary care provider will first examine them to ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by a different disorder. This could be due to anxiety, depression or physical ailments like thyroid issues or seizures. These may mimic the symptoms of ADHD, and it's important to rule them out prior to a treatment plan is put in place.
A doctor will conduct a structured interview with the patient in order to review their history of ADHD symptoms. This includes whether or not they started in childhood and for how long. The doctor will also examine the person's lifestyle, medical and family histories to determine if there are any factors that might be contributing to their ADHD symptoms.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association provides a list of ADHD symptoms that doctors should be aware of when determining ADHD. For a person to be diagnosed with ADHD the person must exhibit symptomatic behavior in two or more settings, such as school and at home and their symptoms must affect their daily activities. The symptoms must manifest in the early years of childhood and cannot be explained by other mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Mental health professionals frequently ask people to evaluate their symptoms using the scale or on a checklist when conducting an evaluation for ADHD. These tools ensure that the psychiatrist is evaluating a patient according to standard criteria. They can also interview other individuals in the life of the person, like a spouse, close friend, parents, or teachers to get a better picture of their symptoms and how they impact their lives.
Adults usually seek an assessment when they notice they aren't doing well at work or in relationships as they should. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for those who suffer from ADHD. It can mean they're no longer blaming their problems on laziness or insufficient intelligence and can take steps to overcome their challenges. It isn't easy to accept that you suffer from an illness that is chronic and requires ongoing treatment.
Treatment
Many people diagnosed with ADHD have had the disorder for years without even realizing it. Their frustrations at school or work might finally prompt them to get an evaluation. An investigation may be triggered by family problems, such as arguments over misplaced items or a failure to fulfill commitments.
A medical professional with an expertise in ADHD will conduct the test. They may ask you to fill out an assessment form and seek feedback from others, such as co-workers and classmates as well as your spouse. The health professional might also inquire about your medical history and perform an examination. Certain medical conditions, such as sleep apnea and seizure disorders can trigger ADHD-like symptoms and signs. It is essential to be aware of these issues.
All licensed professionals can conduct an ADHD assessment. This includes psychiatrists as well as psychologists and social workers. You can get an appointment from your primary care physician, or you can contact a local support organization for people suffering from ADHD to locate a specialist. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of providers qualified to conduct ADHD assessments.
To diagnose ADHD, your doctor must know about your habits from childhood through the present. Your doctor will also compare your symptoms with the symptoms of those with ADHD and look at your family's history to make the diagnosis.
If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication to help manage the symptoms. They may also refer you to a therapist or counselor who can help you develop strategies to deal with your issues.
You can also take part in a clinical trial to find out more about the latest treatment options for ADHD. These trials are conducted by researchers at NIMH and other research institutions across the country. Your doctor can inform you more about the clinical trials that are available.
Adults who suffer from ADHD aren't able to overcome the disorder, but they can learn to manage their symptoms and attain success at work, in school and in their personal lives. The appropriate treatment can help adults with ADHD avoid problems at home and work and achieve their goals for their family and professional lives.