How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget to pay bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who can assess your symptoms if suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Your evaluation will include physical examination as well as a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues as well as substance use. It is important to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from adhd diagnosed in adulthood are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear or shame criticism A thorough assessment will give the doctor an accurate picture of your life and your difficulties.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor can request other people who are in the patient's life such as the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers to explain how the person's behavior has affected them. This may reveal information that may not be found on checklists or other tests.
In certain cases doctors may decide to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health conditions, as well as physical illnesses or injuries, like concussions or head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms are hindering their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it harder to live a life of independence.
ADHD can be an issue for any person, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. There is no clear explanation for this difference but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has revealed that certain foods and chemicals 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 involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty speaking to a healthcare specialist or a mental health specialist. This can delay the evaluation process. 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 use standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family and childhood history and a detailed description of your work and personal life. Your doctor might order an examination of your body to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam consists of blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems in the brain which may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
Your doctor might suggest taking part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. However, you must be aware that these research studies could be risky and not lead to a treatment that is appropriate for you.
It is also crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adult ADHD. The effects of medications on sleep, appetite heart rate, sleep and blood pressure may all have an effect on how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
Adults with adhd diagnosis in adults can be treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's usually a combination of all three that helps people succeed at work, school and in other pursuits. Treatment should start with an appointment with the primary care provider or other health professional. Ask the professional about their training 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 look for a different one.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. It could also include the complete medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of being judged. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and have a significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Untreated ADHD can cause the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. Frustration can lead to an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can gp diagnose adhd lead to feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They begin to see their own situation and realize that it wasn't their own responsibility for not being able to build a career or meet new friends. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed with adhd as an adult diagnosed of ADHD may be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. People with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of the professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can get help for the symptoms and issues that plague him or her at work, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication. Some people may find that they also need specific coaching, which may help them with structure and support in everyday life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their problems aren't normal or because of lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For some, a diagnosis is the first step in receiving the help they require to live a better life.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn't difficult for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interview might include questions about the individual's family history as well as his or her own social and emotional history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD.
Depending on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to assess the presence and effects of co-existing disorders, such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which typically accompany ADHD. These tests can aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a person.
It's also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional credentials, including their academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any queries you may have. You can also find experts who are qualified via the internet or the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what type of therapy they might suggest for you.