adhd in adults undiagnosed of ADHD
A diagnosis of ADHD could be the first step to managing the effects of ADHD that cause chaos at work, home and in relationships. It's also a great opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on problems which have been frustrating and confusing throughout the years.
During the process of evaluation mental health professionals utilize standard behavior rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if an adult is meeting diagnostic criteria. They can also conduct interviews with significant others and family members to gain additional insights.
1. Speak to Your Health Care Provider
If you've experienced problems at work or in your relationships and suspect that ADHD is the cause the first step to getting a diagnosis and treatment is talking to your health medical professional. Your doctor can help identify the symptoms and refer you to a specialist should you require it.
You can also ask your family, friends and colleagues to suggest professionals who are skilled in ADHD evaluations for adults. Your insurance company might be able to provide information on the professionals in your area. Attending an ADHD support group is another alternative. You can speak to others who face the same challenges, and learn from them how they deal with these challenges.
Many adults seek medical attention when their symptoms interfere with their everyday functioning at home or at work. They are tired of having keys stolen and being late for meetings and having trouble maintaining healthy relationships. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD can give you the control you need to manage these issues and restore balance to your life.
If you're discussing your symptoms with your doctor be honest. Do not hide your feelings as you don't want to appear unreliable or weak. Your doctor needs a full description of your issues and how they have affected your work performance and personal life.
If your doctor recommends medication be prepared to discuss your position on the topic. Some adults aren't keen to use medication and prefer other methods of treatment like psychotherapy (the medical term used to describe mental health therapy) and lifestyle adjustments that are referred to as accommodations. As a step stool can help someone who is a little short to attain the same heights that other people achieve accommodations help those with ADHD to reach their goals and achieve.
Your specialist will ask about your past experiences with ADHD. It is recommended to remember specific details from your childhood because this is the time when the disorder is likely manifest. It is possible to speak to your teachers or other adults from your childhood depending on where you live. However, these things don't necessarily mean that you have the diagnosis.
2. Request a reference
If you are concerned about how your conduct is negatively impacting your work, school or relationships, your family doctor may recommend an ADHD evaluation and treatment. They may also be able to provide you recommendations for other specialists, such as psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
If you're going to a specialist to get an assessment, be sure you are open and honest about the issues you are facing. This is especially true for any ADHD-related issues. It is important to not conceal information due to shame or fear of being criticized. The accuracy of your assessment and the effectiveness of any treatment recommended will be largely determined by how thorough your past history is.
The examiner will review your social, emotional and academic history and discuss how these issues are affecting you now. They will also go over the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic guidelines in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," fifth edition (DSM-5). They will ask you about any symptoms you have in the present, and any that you have had since childhood. They will interview and when possible, talk to those who knew you when you were a kid.
In addition to evaluating whether you meet the criteria for ADHD and other ADHD-related disorders, they will also consider whether your symptoms may be attributed to another mental health issue or medical problem such as anxiety or depression. They will also determine whether you suffer from a neurodevelopmental condition or a learning impairment.
If a doctor doesn't believe that you suffer from ADHD they will tell what other conditions or issues might be causing you difficulties and why they do not believe you are suffering from ADHD. This doesn't mean that you have to accept this diagnosis. However it can be helpful in planning your future care.
In many cases adults who are diagnosed with ADHD will receive assistance not just from other adults who suffer from ADHD, but also their families, friends, teachers, coworkers, and coaches. They could also benefit from therapy, classes which teach communication skills, or marriage and couple counseling. Counseling can aid those with ADHD who struggle with low confidence. It can also teach them how to improve their interpersonal skills.
3. Schedule a Consultation
ADHD is caused either due to a deficiency or an imbalance of neurotransmitters which regulate brain activity. This can interfere with the ability of a person to focus and follow through on tasks. Adults who are not treated for ADHD can struggle in their work, relationships and in many other aspects of their lives. If you suspect you be suffering from ADHD, speak to your doctor or seek a recommendation to see a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in mental illness.
A mental health professional will employ a rating system to determine if you suffer from ADHD symptoms. A mental health professional could also conduct an interview with important people in your life such as your spouse and complete an inventory of symptoms. A thorough evaluation might include a psychological test that measures working memory, executive functioning (the abilities that are involved in making decisions and planning), visual and spatial abilities, and reasoning skills. The results will aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression and anxiety.
During an evaluation your health care provider will also take into consideration how you've been managing your symptoms over time. If you tend to skip appointments, make decisions impulsively or miss deadlines, your doctor might recommend therapy or classes to help you develop more effective ways to deal with these issues. Your doctor may suggest medication, too. The most commonly prescribed stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD in adults are highly efficient. They don't work on everyone, and may cause adverse negative effects. Nonstimulant medications that don't have the potential for abuse are now available. They can be as effective as stimulants.
It is essential to educate others on ADHD. While people with ADHD need to be diagnosed and be treated, it is also helpful for them to educate their spouses, parents, and colleagues. For instance, many adults who suffer from ADHD are frustrated that their spouses, parents and friends are unable to comprehend their behavior. Educating others can improve relationships and boost support systems. There are also ADHD online and in a number of communities.
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD as an adult can be a challenge however it is possible. Start by talking to your GP who can recommend the most appropriate service for your needs.
4. Schedule and an Evaluation
It can take some time to get a precise evaluation and diagnosis. Request a referral from your primary care doctor, however, should your GP is hesitant or does not accept a referral consult other health professionals. Call your local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness or CHADD to find the names of local professionals who are experts in adult ADHD, or check with the professional groups that serve people with ADHD to see whether they have any suggestions.
After you've been referred an evaluator, you should be prepared for a lengthy and thorough discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your life. The evaluator will review your medical, family, and personal background along with any current issues. They'll also inquire how the symptoms affect your finances, relationships, or your work performance. They could use standardized rating scales to assess your behavior to that of people who do not have ADHD. These ratings can help determine whether your symptoms are due to ADHD or if they are better explained by other disorders, like anxiety and depression.
Your evaluator could also conduct cognitive tests in order to check for intellectual or learning disabilities that could explain your difficulties in school or at work. Certain evaluators will also test for other conditions that may cause symptoms similar to those caused by ADHD such as seizures or thyroid disorders.
Certain evaluators may request additional physical examinations or lab testing, such as blood work and brain imaging to rule out any other health issues. They might ask you to complete an assessment questionnaire that seeks out specific signs, such as difficulties in organizing and planning or being too active and hyperactive. They may also ask relatives or friends about your childhood in order to search for evidence that you may have ADHD.
It is essential to be honest and open during the interview. Many people feel embarrassed seeking a diagnosis and may be reluctant to divulge information because they fear it will make them appear poor. However, it's crucial to get a positive diagnosis that the evaluator gets accurate information about your issues with organizational skills as well as impulse control and relationships.