How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or are having financial difficulties because they forget bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child has ADHD. The evaluation will consist of physical examinations and a review your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is crucial to be open with your doctor about your issues and how they impact you. Many people suffering from ADHD hide their problems out of fear or shame criticism A thorough assessment will provide the doctor with more of a complete picture of your life and your problems.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more complicated than diagnosing children with 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 applicable for both children and adults. The doctor can ask others in the patient's life, such as a spouse or cohabitating partner or siblings, parents, teachers, and coaches, to describe how the person's behavior has affected them. This can reveal crucial information that isn't revealed by tests or checklists.
In certain cases the doctor may need to examine other conditions which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical illnesses or injuries like head trauma. The doctor will also review the person's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms impact their daily routines.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder school or job performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live a life of independence.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD However, it is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. There is no definitive explanation for this difference however it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed due to brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a healthcare doctor or a mental health specialist. This can make the process of evaluation more time-consuming. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous history for a thorough evaluation.
In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will utilize the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood information along with an extensive description of your job and home life. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam includes blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems in the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances.
Your doctor may suggest you participate in a an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these research studies may be risky and not result in a solution that is suitable for you.
It is also essential to inform your doctor any other medications you're taking, as they can interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide you with more information about how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's often a combination of these that help people find success in work, school and other activities. Treatment should begin with an appointment with your primary care physician or other health professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to provide you this information, it's recommended to seek out a different professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. The diagnostic process could also include an assessment of family and medical history as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hide because of embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and cause significant impairment in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Many people with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is particularly relevant for people with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. The frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They begin to see the situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault they couldn't establish an occupation or make friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and get the names and phone numbers of specialists that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety settings, including at work, home at school, in relationships, and many others. Treatments for adult ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medications. Some people find that they require specific coaching, which may provide structure and support in daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems aren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step to receiving the assistance they require.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interviewer can inquire about the patient's social and emotional history, as also their family history. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the best way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that commonly are associated with ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can help determine the right dosage of medication for a person.
It is also an excellent idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they have worked. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions that you may have. You can also look for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.