10 Things We All Do Not Like About Adult ADHD Diagnosis
Adult ADHD Diagnosis
For some who are diagnosed with adult ADHD is the first step towards treatment. They may be frustrated in their work, homes or social lives due to symptoms such as fidgeting, forgetting things, or interrupting others.
Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult typically requires an extensive evaluation that includes interviewing the person and their family members using standardized tests and rating scales. It usually includes a physical examination, too.
Symptoms
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help adults recognize the reasons they've struggled with for so long and help them make sense out of their past choices. It can also offer hope for a brighter future. If you're struggling with losing your keys, feeling like you can never finish your work or being called irresponsible or lazy, obtaining an assessment is the first step towards finding the best treatment for you.
For most adults, symptoms are present in a variety of areas of their lives. Some are more common in one area than another. They might be irritable and impulsive at school, but struggle to keep up with work. They may forget appointments or have trouble estimating how much time they need to complete their work. They may struggle to make friends or argue with their spouses often. If these issues are serious, they can interfere with the daily routine and can lead to depression or anxiousness.
While it's essential to consider the possibility of being diagnosed with ADHD, it's just as important to look at the other factors that could be contributing to the symptoms. Stress, other mental health conditions and certain medications can trigger symptoms that are similar to the symptoms of ADHD. To ensure that the underlying issue is addressed, a thorough evaluation by a specialist is required.
Adults who suffer from ADHD do not exhibit the same symptoms of hyperactivity that children do. Instead, the symptoms of hyperactivity are displayed more subduedly as fidgeting or having trouble sitting in the chair. Women who suffer from ADHD tend to display these symptoms more frequently since they are able to conceal their inattention within their social and professional lives.
During the assessment, the doctor will look at the patient's medical history as well as how their symptoms impact their daily lives. They will also ask for information about the family and, if possible ask a family member for their view on the behavior of children. They might also conduct the neuropsychological, psychological or testing for learning disabilities. In some instances physical examinations could be required to rule out certain diseases that may mimic the symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Adults who think they may have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their physician. This is especially crucial if the issues are connected to school or work. Primary care providers may refer patients to mental health professionals who have expertise in adult ADHD assessments. Hamdani says that professionals who deal with adults suffering from ADHD should be willing and able to give information about their education and experiences. Hamdani warns that anyone who is unwilling to share this information should be treated with suspicion.
Being diagnosed with adult ADHD can be a life-changing moment. For some, it provides an explanation 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 heads."
In the majority of instances, an adult suffering from ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive interview with a certified professional. This will include a review of the person's personal, family and medical history. The doctor will also ask the person to rate their behavior using one or more of the standardized ADHD behavioral rating scales. These ratings are based upon research that compared the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who do not have the disorder.
The individual will be asked 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.
Comorbidities are common among those who have been diagnosed as having adult ADHD. Anxiety disorders, depression and alcohol or drug use are common comorbidities of ADHD. Some experts suggest that these complications are a result of maladaptive coping strategies to cope with the frustrations commonly related to untreated ADHD.
It's also important to recognize that ADHD is more prevalent in males than women, and it may be difficult for those who do have the disorder to be diagnosed due persistent prejudices regarding the symptoms and the impact they have on men versus women. Some women are able to hide their symptoms better and this can lead to a delayed diagnosis or an incorrect diagnosis.
Treatment
Adults who have been diagnosed of ADHD might find it beneficial to consult an expert in mental health, especially one with expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. This individual can teach the adult behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their performance at work, home or school. They can also help adults understand why their behavior differs and what triggers it.
A mental health professional should examine an adult thoroughly for other disorders similar to ADHD. This could include a detailed description of the person's symptoms along with questionnaires and scales that are completed by the person who is being evaluated and by other people who know him well, a complete psychiatric history and family medical history, and an extensive physical examination.
It is crucial to conduct a thorough examination in order to determine if a person suffers from a comorbid disorder such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can increase ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional could also conduct neuropsychological or cognitive tests to determine how the brain functions, and to identify other causes for the problem, like the presence of a learning impairment or physical illness.
Adults suffering from ADHD are typically treated with psychological counseling (psychotherapy) as well as educational programs. Adults may benefit from individual talk therapy to improve their self-esteem as well as deal with the emotional burdens that come with ADHD. Behavioral therapies may also improve time management and organization, as well as impulse control. I Am Psychiatry can tackle the effects that stressors have on an individual's abilities to function.
Some individuals with ADHD benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy may give them the chance to meet other people with the same issues and discuss strategies to overcome these challenges. These groups are typically organized by a support or advocacy group.
Many adults suffering from ADHD can be treated by medications. There are many medications including stimulants (such as methylphenidate that is sold under the name Ritalin) that increase levels of norepinephrine inside the brain. Antidepressants and the antipsychotic drug Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can help control moods and reduce the impulsive behavior. Your Mercy doctor can discuss all of your treatment options with you.
Support
Adults with ADHD may suffer from the disorder for a long time without even realizing it. They might seek an evaluation because they are frustrated by everyday issues like not remembering appointments or making a mistake at work, or ignoring commitments to friends and family. These people often feel relieved when they receive an answer to their questions.
A mental health professional can conduct an assessment for ADHD however, an primary care physician is typically the best place to begin. If needed, the doctor could refer the patient an expert. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist may also be qualified to assess ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans include specialists by specialization and can help people find an expert in health care who is familiar with ADHD in adults.
During the examination the mental health professional will inquire about the person's past problems and also how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It is essential to be honest and transparent during the evaluation so that the mental health professional can make an accurate assessment.
Therapy, or psychotherapy, can help people learn to manage their problems and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, can teach people how to change their behavior and patterns of thinking. Therapy is often combined with medication, which can to reduce the effects of the disorder.
Social support groups are beneficial to a lot of adults ADHD patients. The opportunity to share their struggles with others who face similar challenges can be a source of inspiration and encouragement. A few of these groups are available online and are available to all people with ADHD. Certain groups are specifically targeted for groups, such as African Americans who have ADHD or couples with the disorder, or people who identify themselves as gay or lesbian.
Some people may experience feelings of shame or embarrassment about their symptoms, which may hinder their desire to seek assistance. A medical professional must explain to the patient that ADHD is not a sign of weakness or failure.