The 10 Scariest Things About Adult ADHD Diagnosis
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For some people, a diagnosis of adult ADHD is the first step to get treatment. They may be unhappy at work, in their social or home lives due to symptoms like fidgeting, forgetting things, or interrupting others.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD typically undergo an extensive evaluation that includes interviews with them and their families and taking standardized tests. This usually involves physical examination.
Symptoms
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can have a profound impact on their lives. It can help them understand why they've struggled so long and discover the meaning behind their previous choices. It can also offer hope for an improved future. If you're struggling with losing your keys, feeling as if you'll never finish your work, or being called unreliable or lazy, obtaining an assessment is the first step to finding the treatment that works for you.
For most adults, symptoms are present in a variety of areas of their lives and are more prevalent in one place than the other. They might be unruly and impulsive at school, but have trouble keeping up at work. They may forget appointments or have trouble estimating how much time they need to complete their work. They might have difficulty making friends or have frequent disputes with their spouses. If the issues are severe they may affect everyday life and cause depression or anxiety.
While it's crucial to think about the possibility of a diagnosis of ADHD however, it's equally important to consider the other factors that could be contributing to the symptoms. Stress, mental health issues and certain medications are frequently associated with symptoms that are similar. A thorough evaluation by a trained professional is essential to make sure that the root cause is being treated.
As opposed to children, adults with ADHD seldom show the more prominent symptoms of hyperactivity. Hyperactivity is less obvious and can be seen as fidgeting or difficulty sitting still. Women with ADHD tend to exhibit these symptoms more frequently since they are able to conceal their inattention at work and in social lives.
During the assessment the doctor will examine the patient's medical history and how symptoms affect their daily lives. They will also request information about the family and, if they are able, talk to a loved one to gain their opinion on childhood behavior. They may also conduct psychological, neuropsychological or tests for learning disabilities. In some instances physical examinations may be needed to rule out certain illnesses that may mimic symptoms of ADHD.
Diagnosis
Adults who believe they have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their doctor. This is especially important if the symptoms are related to school or work. Primary care providers can refer individuals to mental health professionals who specialize in adult ADHD assessments and treatment. Those professionals should be willing to provide details about their training level and experiences working with adults suffering from ADHD, Hamdani says. Anyone who is reluctant to provide this information should be regarded with suspicion, adult adhd diagnosis Hamdani adds.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing event. It can provide a reason for years of frustration and self-criticism for some. Others feel a sense of relief that there's a reason for the challenges they've encountered in their lives or that their problems weren't simply "in their head."
In the majority of cases, an adult diagnosed with ADHD will be diagnosed by a thorough interview with a professional who is qualified. This includes a thorough examination of the individual's personal medical, family and personal history. The professional will also ask the person to rate their behavior using one or several different ADHD scales for behavioral assessment. These ratings are from research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD to those of people who don't have the disorder.
The person will be asked about their symptoms and how they affect their daily 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.
The people who are diagnosed of adult ADHD frequently have coexisting conditions, called co-morbidities. Anxiety disorders, depression and alcohol or drug use are all common comorbidities associated with 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 note that ADHD is more prevalent in men than women, and it can be difficult for people who are affected to get diagnosed because of long-held prejudices about the symptoms and their impact on men versus women. Women can also be capable of masking their symptoms better, which can lead to an incorrect diagnosis or delay in obtaining a diagnosis.
Treatment
Adults who receive a diagnosis of ADHD might find it beneficial to speak with an expert in mental health particularly one who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. The specialist can instruct the adult behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their performance at home, at work or school. They can also help adults understand why their behavior is different and what triggers it.
A mental health professional must examine an adult thoroughly for other disorders that are similar to ADHD. This can include a detailed description and scales filled out by the client or other people who know him/her as well as a psychiatric and family history as well as an extensive physical examination.
A thorough evaluation is also essential to determine whether the adult suffers from a co-morbid condition such as depression or anxiety. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional can also conduct neurological or cognitive tests to determine how the brain functions and to rule out other causes, such as an illness of the body or a learning disability.
Adults with ADHD are usually treated through psychotherapy (psychotherapy) as well as educational programs. Individual talk therapy can help a person develop confidence in themselves and cope with the emotional baggage that often is associated with a diagnosis of ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also help improve time management and organization, as well as impulse control. They also can tackle the effects that stressors affect an individual's ability to function.
Certain people with ADHD may benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy may 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 suffering from ADHD can also be treated with medication. There are a variety of medications available that include stimulants, which increase the levels of norepinephrine as well as dopamine in the brain (for instance, methylphenidate that is marketed as Ritalin). 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 years without realizing it. They might seek an evaluation because they are annoyed by everyday challenges such as forgetting appointments or making a mistake at work, or neglecting family and friendship commitments. People often feel relieved when they are given the diagnosis.
A mental health professional can perform an ADHD assessment, but the primary doctor is usually a good starting point. The doctor can also refer the person to a specialist if necessary. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist might be qualified to examine ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans will list specialists according to their specialties. This can assist people in finding the right health professional who is knowledgeable about ADHD in adults.
During the assessment, a mental health professional will inquire about the person's past problems, as well as how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It's important to talk openly and truthfully during the evaluation so that the mental health professional is able to make a full assessment.
Therapy, or psychotherapy, can help people learn to manage their issues and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people how to modify their behavior and patterns of thinking. Therapy is often coupled with medications, which can help lessen the effects of the disorder.
Many adult ADHD sufferers benefit from support groups for adults. The chance to share their struggles with other people who are experiencing similar issues can provide a lot of inspiration and encouragement. Some of these groups are online and are open to anyone who has ADHD. Some groups are for specific populations such as African Americans who have ADHD or couples with the disorder, or those who identify as gay or lesbian.
Certain people may feel a sense of shame or embarrassment regarding their symptoms, which may hinder their willingness to seek assistance. However, a healthcare professional should explain that ADHD is not an indication of insufficiency or failure.
