How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what drives people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child has ADHD. Your assessment will consist of a physical exam and a review your medical background. This includes mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is essential that you open up to your doctor about the signs and the way they affect you. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of shame or fear of criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give the doctor more of a complete picture of your life and your problems.
Adults differ from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally valid for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the person's life -- such as spouse 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 can reveal important information that isn't discovered by tests or checklists.
In certain instances, a doctor may want to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms are hindering their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect schoolwork or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live independently.
Anyone can have ADHD It is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. There is no clear explanation for this difference but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence of specific brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to open up to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This can prolong the evaluation process. To ensure a thorough assessment it is essential to be honest and open about your health issues and past circumstances.
During the evaluation your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood information along with a detailed description of your job and home life. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, such a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan, which can help you identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider might suggest you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. You should be aware, however, that these studies may have potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you.
Inform your doctor about 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 sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can give you more information about how to discuss other medicines with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. Often, it's a combination of these that can help people find success in work, school and other areas. Treatment should begin with the referral of a primary care provider or another health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to provide this information, it's best to look for a different professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. The diagnostic process could also include an examination of the family and medical history and an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant due to embarrassment. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and have significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true when people with ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for some adults. They may begin to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their fault they couldn't establish a career or meet new friends. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those with the condition can share their experiences and get advice. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and issues that affect them in a variety settings that include at work, home at school or in relationships, and many other. Treatments for adult ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medications. Some people may find that they require specialized coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their problems aren't typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis could be the first step towards getting the help they need.
Adults can also 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 who has experience with this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interviewer might inquire about the patient's social and emotional history, as well their family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. diagnosing adhd of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD.
Based on the nature of the issues a person faces and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests may be required to assess the presence and impact of co-existing disorders, such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a particular person.
It's also recommended to ask friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they have been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any queries you may have. You can also find qualified professionals online or in the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would recommend for you.