10 Misconceptions Your Boss Has Regarding Adult ADHD Diagnosis
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Adult ADHD Diagnosis
A diagnosis of adult ADHD could be the first step to seeking treatment for some people. They may feel frustrated at work, in their homes, or in their social lives due to signs such as fidgeting or ignoring things.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD will often undergo a thorough evaluation, which includes interviews with them and their families and taking standardized tests. It often includes physical examination.
Symptoms
For many adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be life-changing. It can help them understand why they've struggled so long and make sense of their past decisions. It could also inspire them to look forward to the future. If you're having trouble finding your keys, feeling like you'll never finish your work, or being accused of being irresponsible or lazy, getting a diagnosis is the first step toward finding the right treatment for you.
Most adults experience symptoms in different areas of their lives however, certain areas are more prominent than others. They might be impulsive and restless at school, but have difficulty in keeping up with their work. They may forget appointments or have difficulty estimating how long they will need to complete tasks. They may have difficulty making friends or fighting with their spouses frequently. If these problems are severe they could affect daily life and lead to depression or anxiousness.
It's important to diagnose ADHD However, it's important to determine what other factors could be contributing to the symptoms. Stress, other mental health conditions and certain medications can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. A thorough assessment by a trained professional is required to be sure that the underlying issue is being addressed.
Unlike children, adults with ADHD rarely exhibit the more prominent signs of hyperactivity. Instead, the symptoms of hyperactivity manifest more subtly, such as fidgeting or having trouble sitting in the chair. Women with ADHD are more likely to display these symptoms, as they are more able to hide their inattention in their jobs and social life.
During an assessment, the doctor will review the patient's medical history and consider how their symptoms interfere with their daily lives. They will also ask about family history and, when possible, interview a family member for their views on childhood behavior. They can also conduct neuropsychological, psycho-psychological, or learning disabilities tests. In some instances it is necessary to perform an examination physical to rule out certain diseases which can mimic the symptoms associated with ADHD.
Diagnosis
Adults who believe they have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their health care provider. This is especially crucial if the issues are connected to school or work. Primary health care providers can refer patients to mental health specialists who specialize in adult ADHD assessment and treatment. These professionals must be able to provide information regarding their training level and experience working with adults with ADHD, Hamdani says. Hamdani says that anyone who is reluctant to disclose such information should be viewed with suspicion.
A diagnosis of adult ADHD is a life-changing experience. For some, it finally gives an explanation for the years of frustration and self-criticism. Others feel a sense of satisfaction that there's a rationale for the challenges they've encountered in their lives, or that their struggles were not just "in their heads."
Adults suffering from ADHD are diagnosed by a thorough interview with a specialist. This includes a review of the patient's medical family, personal, and medical history. Additionally, the doctor will likely ask the person to rate their behavior on one or more of the standard ADHD behavior rating scales. These ratings are based on research that compared the behavior of people suffering from ADHD and those who don't have the disorder.
The person will also be asked about how the symptoms affect their life. In order to meet the diagnostic website 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 known as co-morbidities. Depression, anxiety disorders and alcohol or drug use are common comorbidities of ADHD. Some experts believe that these comorbidities are maladaptive strategies for coping with the frustrations of untreated ADHD.
It's important to note that ADHD affects more men than women. Many people with the disorder might struggle to be diagnosed due to long-held prejudices about the symptoms of the disorder and how they affect both men and women. Women may be able to mask their symptoms more effectively and can lead to being diagnosed later or to an inaccurate diagnosis.
Treatment
It may be helpful for adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD to consult an expert in mental health care who has expertise in treating adults suffering from ADHD. This individual can teach the adult behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning at home, at work or at school. They can also assist adults to recognize the reasons why their behavior is different and what triggers them.
A mental health professional must take a thorough look at an adult's health for other disorders that are similar to ADHD. This could include a thorough description of the person's symptoms as well as questionnaires and scales filled out by the client and other people who know him well, a complete medical history of the family and a psychiatric history, as well as a thorough physical examination.
It is essential to conduct a thorough assessment to determine if the adult suffers from a comorbid condition like depression or anxiety. These conditions can trigger the symptoms of ADHD and make treatment more difficult. A mental health professional may also conduct neurological or cognitive tests to determine how the brain functions and to rule out other causes, including an illness that affects the body or a learning disabilities.
Adults suffering from ADHD are usually treated by psychotherapy (psychotherapy) as well as educational programs. Individual therapy can help an adult build better self-esteem and learn to deal with the emotional burden that usually accompanies a diagnosis of ADHD. Behavioral therapies may also improve time management, organization and impulse control. They also can tackle the effects that stressors have on a person's ability to perform.
Certain people with ADHD benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy may offer the opportunity to connect with others who face similar difficulties and discuss ways to overcome these challenges. These groups are usually organized by an advocacy or support group.
Many people suffering from ADHD are treated with medications. There are a myriad of medications available including stimulants (such as methylphenidate that is sold under the name Ritalin) that increase levels of norepinephrine inside the brain. Others help to regulate moods and decrease impulsive behavior, like antidepressants or bupropion, an antipsychotic drug (Wellbutrin). Your Mercy doctor can discuss all of your treatment options with you.
Support
Adults with ADHD might have the disorder for years without realizing it. They may seek an evaluation because they are frustrated by everyday issues like not remembering appointments, making mistakes at work, or ignoring family and friendship commitments. People often feel relieved when they receive the diagnosis.
A mental health professional can perform an assessment for ADHD, but a primary care physician is usually an ideal place to begin. The doctor can also refer the person to a specialist if necessary. A psychiatric nursing, psychiatrist or psychologist may also be able to assess ADHD in adults. A lot of insurance plans include professionals according to their specialties. This will help individuals find an expert in health care who is familiar with ADHD in adults.
During the examination the mental health professional will ask questions regarding the person's behavior, including past problems and how they've been affected by their ADHD symptoms. It is essential to be open and truthfully during the evaluation so that the mental health professional can complete a thorough assessment.
Psychotherapy, or psychological counseling can aid people in managing their symptoms and improve their relationships. Behavioral therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches people specific skills to change their behavior patterns and thinking patterns. The combination of therapy and medication can to reduce the symptoms of the disorder.
Social support groups are beneficial for many adult ADHD patients. The opportunity to share their experiences with other people who have similar struggles can be a great source of inspiration and encouragement. A few of these groups can be found online and are available to anyone suffering from ADHD. Others are geared towards specific populations, such as African Americans with ADHD, couples impacted by the disorder or those who identify as gay or lesbian.
There are people who experience feelings of shame or embarrassment regarding their symptoms, which may hinder their desire to seek help. But a health professional must explain that ADHD is not a sign of weakness or failure.