How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads people to seek an evaluation. They could be losing their jobs due to missing deadlines, or struggling with relationships due to their impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties because they forget bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms if you think your child or you has ADHD. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is important that you open up to your doctor about the signs and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD conceal their symptoms out of shame or for fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.
Adults differ from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD is more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. The doctor might request others who are in the patient's life like spouses or cohabiting partners or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers, to describe how the patient's behavior has affected them. This could reveal information that may not be found on a checklist or other tests.
In some instances the doctor may want to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in work and social situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with work or school performance, strain relationships, and make it harder to live an independent life.
ADHD can affect any person, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in some people, and it is possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to speak to an expert in mental health or health care professional. This can delay the process of evaluation. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and upfront about your symptoms as well as past circumstances.
During the evaluation the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family and childhood history, as well as an in-depth description of your job and personal life. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, such seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan, which can help identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs or depression.
Your doctor may suggest taking part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. Be aware, however, that these studies could pose risks and not lead to the best treatment for you.
It is also essential to inform your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, as they can interact with some stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. Medications that affect appetite, sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure can affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational supports. Often, it's a combination of these that help people achieve success at school, work and other areas. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are often the first step towards treatment. Find out about the specialist's expertise and training in working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to give you this information, it is best to look for a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. The process of diagnosis may include a medical and family history, as well as a psychiatric assessment. made a post is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment, or fear of criticism. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and have a significant impact in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many adults with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true when those who suffer from ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause an unfulfilled prophecy which causes low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They can start to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or meet new friends. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of the professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can receive help to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety of settings such as at work, home or at school as well as in relationships and many other. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems weren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step towards receiving the assistance they require.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as also his or her family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and any co-existing issues such as anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD Additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests could also be helpful in determining the right dosage of medications for a particular person.
Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they have been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions that you might have. You can also find qualified professionals online or in the phone book. Ask them about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they might recommend for you.