How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to their impulsive behavior or having financial trouble because they forget bills or don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, the first step in getting help is to find a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. Your evaluation will include an examination of your body and an examination of your medical history, which includes 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 suffering from ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of being judged. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychological Association's diagnostic criteria for adhd in adults and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask others in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partner, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.
In certain instances the doctor may need to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. The doctor will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms affect their daily routines.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to problems in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with academic or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live a life of independence.
ADHD can affect everyone, but it's more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this however it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty opening up to a health care specialist or mental health professional. This can make the evaluation process longer. To ensure a thorough assessment it is essential to be honest and transparent about your symptoms as well as your past medical history.
During the evaluation your doctor will employ standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history and an extensive description of your work and personal life. Your doctor may request an examination of your body to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, including seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan which can reveal any structural or chemical problems in the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule other conditions out that may cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression.
Your doctor may suggest that you take part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers such as NIMH. You should be aware that these studies may have risks and not lead to the best treatment for you.
It is also important to inform your doctor any other medications you're taking, since they could interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can give you more information on how to discuss other medicines with your doctor.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational assistance. Most often, it's a combination of these that can help people achieve success at school, work and other activities. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step towards treatment. Find out about the professional's education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to provide you the information you need, it's best to find another professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. It could also involve a complete medical and family history and psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hide because of embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. The frustration can cause an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and poor performance.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a relief. They may begin to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their fault they couldn't establish an occupation or make friends. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret for missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, where people with the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and request the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD is able to receive assistance to address the issues and symptoms that affect them in a variety of situations such as at work, home or at school or in relationships, and many more. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people find that they also need special coaching, which can provide structure and help in everyday life.
Adults who are diagnosed adhd with ADHD are often relieved to know that their issues aren't caused by bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step in receiving the help they require.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives 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 patient's social and emotional history, as also the family history of the person. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the best method to diagnose ADHD.
Depending on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological testing may be used to evaluate the presence and impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders that often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests can also be helpful in determining the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing adhd self diagnosis is also a great idea. Then check their professional qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they have worked. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any queries you may have. You can also look for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they might suggest for you.