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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives people to seek an evaluation. They may be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to their impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties because they forget to pay their bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. Your evaluation will include physical examination as well as a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is important to be honest with the doctor about your issues and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of shame or fear of criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give your doctor an accurate picture of your life and difficulties.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both children and adults. The doctor may inquire about other people who are in the patient's life for example, spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the patient's behavior has affected them. This may reveal information that may not be found on tests or checklists.
In certain cases, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries like concussions or head trauma. They will also look at the person's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms impact their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of your work or school or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live an independent life.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD It is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. There isn't a clear reason behind this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in certain people, and it is possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition because of specific brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty opening up to a healthcare doctor or a mental health specialist. This can make the process of evaluation longer. It is important to talk openly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous medical history, to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the evaluation your doctor will employ standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and childhood as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor might order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, including seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam includes blood tests and brain scans. These can help identify structural or chemical issues in the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs or depression.
Your doctor may suggest you participate in a clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. It is important to be aware that these studies could carry negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you take, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more information on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include therapy, medication and educational support. It's often the combination of these that can help people to achieve success in work, school and other areas. Treatment should start with the referral of the primary care provider or other health care professional. Ask the professional about their training and experience working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, you should look for a different professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. It may also include a complete medical and family history as well as a an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not shy away because of embarrassment or fear of criticism. A person must display symptoms in two or more places and have an impairment that is significant in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly relevant for people who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for some adults. They begin to see their own situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault they couldn't establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can trigger feelings of sadness and regret over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD should be ready to discuss their concerns openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek advice. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered, and to get names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that affect them at home, at work, in school, in relationships and in many other settings. Treatments for adult ADHD typically involve medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they require special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren't normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step to getting the help they need to live more fulfilled lives.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview might include questions regarding the patient's family history and also his or her own emotional and social history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess a patient's. However, most experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is vital to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Depending on helpful site and nature of the individual's problems and co-existing disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that commonly are associated with ADHD, additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be administered to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. The results of these tests could also be helpful in determining the proper dosage of medications for a particular person.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and the length of time they have been practicing. They must also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you have. You can also search for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what they would recommend for you.