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10 Misconceptions Your Boss Shares About Adult ADHD Diagnosis
Adult ADHD Diagnosis

For some, a diagnosis of adult ADHD is the first step to get treatment. They may feel frustrated in their work, social or home lives due to symptoms such as fidgeting, forgetting things or interrupting others.

Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult often involves undergoing a thorough evaluation that involves conducting interviews with the person and family members, using standardized tests and rating scales. It often includes a physical examination.

Signs and symptoms

A diagnosis of ADHD can alter the course of many adults' lives. It can help people understand why they've been through so much and make sense of their past decisions. It can also offer hope for an improved future. Whether you are experiencing difficulty in locating your keys, feeling as if you'll never finish your work, or being accused of being irresponsible or lazy, getting an assessment is the first step towards finding the best treatment for you.

For the majority of adults, signs manifest in different areas of their lives. Some are more prevalent in one place than the other. They might be impulsive and irritable at school, but have difficulty in keeping up with their work. They might forget to make appointments or underestimate the time needed to complete tasks. They may have trouble making friends or engage in frequent arguments with their spouses. If these problems are severe they can interfere with daily life and lead to anxiety or depression.

It is crucial to identify ADHD however, it's important to determine what other factors may be causing the symptoms. Stress, other mental health conditions, and certain medications can often cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. A thorough examination by a trained professional is essential to make sure that the issue is being treated.


Like children, adults who suffer from ADHD rarely exhibit the more prominent signs of hyperactivity. Hyperactivity is less obvious and manifests as fidgeting, or a difficulty in sitting. Women with ADHD are more likely to exhibit these signs, since they are more likely to hide their inattention in their jobs and social life.

During an evaluation the doctor will go over the patient's medical history and look at how their symptoms interfere with their daily lives. They will also request the family history of the patient and, if they are able, ask a family member for their opinion on childhood behavior. They can also conduct psychological, neuropsychological or testing for learning disabilities. In some cases physical examinations might be required to rule out certain illnesses that can mimic symptoms of ADHD.

Diagnosis

Adults who think they may have ADHD should discuss their symptoms with their doctor. This is especially important if the problems are related to work or school. Primary care providers can refer patients to mental health professionals who have experience in adult ADHD evaluations. Hamdani says that professionals who deal with adults suffering from ADHD should be able and willing to provide information regarding their training and experiences. Hamdani warns that anyone who is reluctant to share this information should be treated as suspicious.

Getting a diagnosis of adult ADHD can be a life-changing moment. For some, it finally gives an explanation for the years of frustration and self-criticism. Others feel a sense satisfaction that there's a rationale for the struggles they've faced in their lives, or that their struggles were not just "in their heads."

Adults who suffer from ADHD are diagnosed through a thorough interview with a specialist. This may include a thorough review of the patient's medical, family, and personal background. The doctor will also ask the patient to rate their behavior on one or more of the standard ADHD ratings for behavior. These ratings are based on research that compared the behavior of people with ADHD and those who don't have the disorder.

The individual will also be asked about how the symptoms 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 known as co-morbidities. Common comorbidities that are associated with ADHD include anxiety disorders, depression and alcohol or drug dependence. Some experts suggest these comorbidities develop as maladaptive coping strategies to manage the frustrations that are commonly associated with untreated ADHD.

It is also important to remember that ADHD is more prevalent in males than women, and it can be difficult for many people who do have the disorder to get diagnosed because of long-held biases about the symptoms and the impact they have on men and women. Women are also capable of masking their symptoms better, which can cause an inaccurate diagnosis or delay in obtaining a diagnosis.

Treatment

It can be beneficial for adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD to speak with a mental healthcare professional, preferably one with experience in treating adults with ADHD. The professional can help teach adult behavior strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their functioning at home, at work or school. They can also help adults recognize the reasons why their behavior is different and what triggers them.

A mental health professional should take a thorough look at an adult's health because they may have other disorders that are similar to ADHD. This may include a detailed description of the individual's symptoms as well as questionnaires and scales filled out by the person who is being evaluated and by other people who know him well, a complete medical and psychiatric history, and a thorough physical examination.

A thorough evaluation is also important for determining whether the adult suffers from a co-morbid condition, such as anxiety or depression. These conditions can cause the symptoms of ADHD and make treatment more challenging. 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 a learning disability or physical illness.

Adults who suffer from ADHD are usually treated by psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and educational programs. Adults can benefit from individual talk therapy to improve their self-esteem and cope with the emotional burdens that come with ADHD. Behavioral therapies can also improve time management and organization, as well as impulse control. They also can deal with the effect that stressors can have on an individual's abilities to perform.

diagnosis for adhd suffering from ADHD can benefit from group therapy. This type of therapy offers you the opportunity to meet others who have similar challenges and discuss how to overcome them. These groups are usually organized by an advocacy or support group.

Many people suffering from ADHD are treated with medications. There are many medications, including stimulants (such as methylphenidate, which is sold under the name Ritalin) that boost levels of norepinephrine inside the brain. Antidepressants and the antipsychotic drug Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can help control moods and decrease the impulsive behavior. Your Mercy doctor will discuss all treatment options with you.

Support

Adults suffering from ADHD may suffer from the disorder for a long time without realizing it. They may seek an assessment because they are frustrated by everyday challenges such as forgetting appointments and making mistakes at work, or not paying attention to family and friendship commitments. These people often feel relieved when they receive a diagnosis.

A mental health professional can conduct an ADHD evaluation, but a primary physician is usually an excellent starting point. If necessary, the doctor can refer the patient to an expert. A psychiatric nursing, psychiatrist or psychologist may also be able to assess ADHD in adults. Many insurance plans will list specialists according to their specialties, which can assist people in finding a health care provider that is familiar with ADHD among adults.

During the evaluation the mental health professional will ask questions about the person's behavior, such as previous issues and how they have been affected by their ADHD symptoms. It's important to talk openly and honestly during the evaluation so that the mental health professional can make a full assessment.

Therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can help people learn to manage their symptoms and improve relationships. Behavioral therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy, teaches people specific techniques to alter their behavior patterns and thinking patterns. Therapy is often coupled with medication, which can help to reduce the effects of the disorder.

Social support groups can be beneficial to many adults ADHD patients. The opportunity to share their experiences with other people who are facing similar challenges can be a great source of encouragement and inspiration. Some of these groups can be found online and are available to anyone with ADHD. Some groups are specifically for groups, like African Americans with ADHD, couples impacted by the disorder, or those who identify as gay or lesbian.

Some people may experience feelings of shame or embarrassment about their condition, which could make it difficult for them to seek assistance. A healthcare professional should explain to the patient that ADHD is not a weakness or failure.