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Adult ADHD Diagnosis A diagnosis of adult ADHD could be the first step towards finding treatment for certain people. They may feel frustrated at work, in their social or home lives due to symptoms like fidgeting, forgetting things or interrupting others. Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult usually means going through a thorough evaluation that involves conducting interviews with the person and family members, using standard tests and rating scales. The evaluation usually includes physical examination. Symptoms A diagnosis of ADHD could alter the course of a lot of adult lives. It can help people to understand why they've had to struggle for so long and make sense of their previous choices. It can also give hope for the future to be brighter. If you're experiencing difficulty in locating your keys, feeling that you'll never be able to finish your work, or being accused of being lazy or irresponsible, obtaining an assessment is the first step towards finding the right treatment for you. The majority of adults experience symptoms across various areas of their lives but certain symptoms are more prevalent than others. They may be impulsive and restless at school, but struggle in keeping up with their work. They might miss appointments or have difficulty estimating the amount of time they require to complete their tasks. They might have difficulty making friends or get into frequent disputes with their spouses. If these problems are severe they may affect their everyday life and cause anxiety or depression. It is crucial to identify ADHD however, it's important to determine what other factors could be contributing to symptoms. Stress, mental health problems, and certain medications are often responsible for symptoms that are similar. To ensure that the underlying problem is treated, a thorough evaluation by a professional is required. Adults with ADHD do not exhibit the same signs of hyperactivity as children. Hyperactivity is more subtle and is manifested as fidgeting or difficulty sitting still. Women who suffer from ADHD are more likely to show these symptoms, as they are more able to conceal their inattention within their work and social life. During an assessment, the doctor will review the patient's medical history and examine the ways in which their ailments affect their daily lives. They will also inquire about family history, and should they be able to interview a family member to get their perspectives on childhood behavior. They may also perform the neuropsychological, psychological or learning disabilities tests. In some instances, it may be necessary to perform an examination physical to rule out specific illnesses that can cause symptoms of ADHD. Diagnosis Adults who suspect they have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their physician. This is particularly important if the problems are related to work or school. Primary care providers can refer patients to mental health professionals with experience in adult ADHD evaluations. Those professionals should be willing to provide details about their training level and experience working with adults with ADHD, Hamdani says. Anyone who is reluctant to disclose this information should be regarded with suspicion Hamdani adds. Getting a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing moment. For some, it gives an explanation for years of frustrations and self-criticism. 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 instances, an adult suffering from ADHD will receive a diagnosis by conducting a thorough interview with a professional who is qualified. This will include a review of the individual's personal medical, family and personal history. The doctor will also ask the person to rate their behavior on one or more of the different ADHD scales for behavioral assessment. These ratings are from research that compares the behavior of people suffering from ADHD to the behavior of those who don't have the disorder. The individual will also be asked if the symptoms affect their lives. 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 typically have co-existing disorders, called co-morbidities. Common comorbidities with ADHD include anxiety disorders, depression and alcohol or drug abuse. Some experts believe that these comorbidities are a result of maladaptive coping strategies to deal with the stress and frustrations that come with untreated ADHD. It's also important to note that ADHD is more prevalent in males than women, and it may be difficult for many people who do have the disorder to get diagnosed because of long-held prejudices about the symptoms and their impact on males and females. Women are also better at hiding their symptoms better, which can cause an inaccurate diagnosis or delay in getting it. Treatment Adults who are diagnosed of ADHD may find it helpful to speak with a mental health professional, especially one with experience treating adults with ADHD. The person who treats adults can teach them behavior strategies to help them manage their symptoms and improve their functioning in school, at work or at home. They can also assist adults to learn to understand why their behavior is different and what triggers them. Because a person may suffer from multiple conditions which cause similar symptoms as those of ADHD It is essential for professionals in mental health to thoroughly examine the adult. This could include a thorough 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 them well, a full medical history of the family and a psychiatric history, as well as an extensive physical examination. A thorough assessment is important for determining whether the adult suffers from a comorbid condition such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can worsen ADHD symptoms and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional can also perform cognitive or neuropsychological testing to look at how the brain functions and to determine the cause of the problem, like the presence of a learning disability or physical illness. 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 and cope with the emotional baggage associated with ADHD. Behavioral therapies can help improve the management of time, organization and impulse control. They can also tackle the impact of stressors on the individual's ability to perform. Some individuals who suffer from ADHD benefit from group therapy. This kind of therapy gives you the chance to meet people who face similar issues and discuss strategies to overcome them. These groups are often organized by a support group or an advocacy group. Many people suffering from ADHD can be treated with medications. There are several medications available, including stimulants that increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain (for instance, methylphenidate that is marketed as Ritalin). Others aid in managing mood and decrease impulsive behavior, such as antidepressants or bupropion, an antipsychotic medication (Wellbutrin). Your Mercy doctor will be able to talk with you about all treatment options. Support Many adults diagnosed with ADHD suffer from the disorder for a long time without even realizing it. They may seek an assessment because they are annoyed by everyday challenges such as forgetting appointments and making mistakes at work, or neglecting family and friendship commitments. It's common for these people to feel a sense relief when they receive an diagnosis, particularly when they understand the reason they've been struggling throughout their lives. A mental health professional is able to conduct an evaluation for ADHD however, the primary care physician is typically the best place to begin. The doctor can also refer the person to a specialist if necessary. A psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse or psychologist may be qualified to examine ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans will list specialists according to their specialties, which will help individuals find the right health professional who is familiar with ADHD in adults. During the examination, a mental health professional will inquire about the person's past issues and also how ADHD symptoms have affected them. It's crucial to be honest and forthcoming during the evaluation so that the mental health professional can make an accurate assessment. Therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can help people learn to manage their issues and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy teaches people how to alter their behavior and thinking patterns. Therapy is often coupled with medication, which can to reduce the effects of the disorder. Many adults ADHD sufferers benefit from support groups for adults. The opportunity to share their experiences with other people who are experiencing similar struggles can be a great source of motivation and inspiration. Some of these groups are based online and are open to everyone who has ADHD. Some groups are geared towards specific populations such as African Americans who have ADHD or couples with the disorder, or people who identify themselves as gay or lesbian. Some people might be embarrassed or ashamed of their symptoms. This may make them reluctant to seek help. A health professional should explain to the patient that ADHD is not a sign of weakness or failure.