Watch Out: How Adult ADHD Diagnosis Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
Adult ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be the first step in finding treatment for certain people. They may feel frustrated at work, in their social or home lives due to symptoms such as fidgeting, ignoring things or interrupting others.
Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often requires a thorough evaluation that involves interviewing the individual and their family members, using standard tests and rating scales. The evaluation usually includes physical examination.
Signs and symptoms
A diagnosis of ADHD may change the course of many adult lives. It can help people understand why they've struggled for so long and help them make sense out of their past choices. It can also provide hope for the future to be brighter. If you're struggling with losing your keys, feeling that you can never finish your work, or being called irresponsible or lazy, getting a diagnosis is the first step to finding the best treatment for you.
For the majority of adults, signs manifest in different areas of their lives. They are more common in one area in comparison to another. They might be unruly and impulsive in school, but struggle to keep up with work. They may not remember to keep appointments or underestimate the time required to complete their work. They may struggle to make friends or argue with their spouses often. If these problems are severe they may affect their everyday life and cause anxiety or depression.
It's important to diagnose ADHD, but it's also important to identify other factors might be contributing to symptoms. Stress, mental health problems, and certain medications are often associated with symptoms that are similar. To ensure that the root problem is resolved, a thorough evaluation by a qualified professional is necessary.
As opposed to children, adults with ADHD do not show the more prominent symptoms of hyperactivity. Hyperactivity is more subtle and manifests as fidgeting, or having trouble sitting. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to display these symptoms, as they are more likely to hide their inattention within their work and social interactions.
During an evaluation, the doctor will review the patient's medical history and look at how their medical conditions impact their daily routine. They will also request the family history of the patient and, if they are able, talk to a loved one to gain their opinion on childhood behavior. They can also conduct the neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests. In some instances it might be necessary to perform an examination physical to rule out certain illnesses that may mimic the symptoms that are associated with ADHD.
Diagnosis
Adults who believe they have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their physician. This is particularly important if the problems are related to school or work. Primary care providers may refer patients to mental health professionals with experience in adult ADHD assessments. These professionals must be able to share information about their training level and experience working with adults with ADHD, Hamdani says. Hamdani warns that anyone who is unwilling to share such information should be viewed as suspicious.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing diagnosis. For some, it finally provides an explanation for years of frustrations and self-criticism. Others feel a sense of relief that there's an explanation for the difficulties they've experienced in their lives, or that their struggles were not just "in their head."
Adults suffering from ADHD are diagnosed with ADHD through an in-depth interview with a specialist. This includes a thorough examination of the person's personal medical, family and personal history. The doctor will also ask the person to rate their behavior on one or several different ADHD behavioral rating scales. These ratings are based on research that compares the behaviors of people with ADHD and those who don't have the disorder.
The person will be questioned about the symptoms and how they affect their life. 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.
People who receive a diagnosis of adult ADHD typically have co-existing disorders, called co-morbidities. Common comorbidities that are associated with ADHD include anxiety disorders, depression and alcohol or drug abuse. Some experts believe that these comorbidities are a result of maladaptive strategies for coping with the frustrations associated with untreated ADHD.
It is important to recognize that ADHD affects more males than females. Many people suffering from the disorder struggle to diagnose because of the long-standing prejudices regarding the symptoms of the disorder and how they affect men and women. Some women are able to hide their symptoms more effectively, which can lead them to being diagnosed later or to an inaccurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Adults who receive a diagnosis of ADHD might find it beneficial to consult a mental health professional particularly one who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can instruct the adult behavior strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their performance at home, at work or school. They can also help adults recognize the reasons why their behavior is different and what triggers them.
A mental health professional should examine an adult thoroughly as they could have other disorders similar to ADHD. This could include a thorough description and scales filled out by the client or other people who know them along with a family and psychiatric history as well as an extensive physical examination.
A thorough assessment is essential to determine whether the adult suffers from a comorbid condition, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can exacerbate ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional may also conduct neurologic or cognitive testing to examine how the brain works and to rule out any other causes, like an illness of the body or a learning disability.
Treatment options for adults suffering from ADHD typically include counseling for psychological issues (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Adults are able to benefit from individual therapy to improve their self-esteem as well as deal with the emotional baggage that comes with ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also help improve time management, organization and impulse control. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult can address the impact stressors have on a person's ability to perform.
Some people who suffer from ADHD benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy can give them the chance to meet other people who have the same challenges and discuss ways to overcome them. These groups are usually run by a support group or an advocacy group.
Many adults with ADHD can also be treated with medications. There are a variety of medications available including stimulants (such as methylphenidate that is sold under the name Ritalin) which increase the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. Antidepressants and the antipsychotic drug Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can help control moods and reduce impulsive behavior. Your Mercy doctor will be able to talk with you about the various treatment options available to you.
Support
Adults with ADHD might have the disorder for many years without realizing it. Frustration with everyday challenges like not remembering appointments, making rash mistakes at work or blowing off family or friendship commitments can lead them to seek an assessment. It's common for these people to feel a sense of relief after receiving a diagnosis, especially when they realize why they have been struggling all their lives.
A mental health professional may perform an ADHD evaluation, however a primary physician is usually a good starting point. The doctor can also refer the patient to a specialist when needed. A psychiatric nursing, psychiatrist or psychologist may also be able to assess ADHD in adults. A lot of insurance plans have professionals by specialty and can help individuals locate the right health professional who is experienced in ADHD in adults.
During the evaluation the mental health professional will inquire about the person's past problems, as well as how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It is essential to be honest and forthcoming during the assessment, so that the mental health professional can provide an accurate assessment.
Therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can help people learn to manage their problems and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, helps people develop specific skills to change their thinking patterns and behaviors. The combination of therapy and medication can help to reduce the symptoms of the disorder.
Many adults ADHD sufferers benefit from support groups for adults. Being able to share their experiences with others who are experiencing similar struggles can be a source of motivation and inspiration. Some of these groups are online and are open to anyone who has ADHD. Other groups are for specific groups, such as African Americans with ADHD, couples impacted by the disorder, or people who identify as gay or lesbian.
There are people who experience feelings of shame or embarrassment about their symptoms, which can hinder their willingness to seek help. However, a doctor must explain that ADHD is not an indication of insufficiency or failure.