How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an evaluation. They may be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships because of impulsive behaviors or are having financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, the first step towards getting assistance is to find a health care provider who will examine your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is crucial to be honest with the doctor about your issues and how they affect your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems because of shame or fear of being judged. However, a thorough evaluation can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be 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. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the life of the patientfor example, spouse or co-habitating partner, parents, siblings or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This may provide information that might not be included on checklists or other tests.
In some cases the doctor may need to examine other conditions which may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms affect their daily routines.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing some difficulties in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder schoolwork or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live a life of independence.
Anyone can have ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this difference exists however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to cause ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to recognize ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care professional. This can make the evaluation process longer. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and open about your health issues as well as past circumstances.
During the evaluation, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family and childhood history and will also provide a detailed account of your home and work. Your doctor could also recommend a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam includes blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical problems within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
Your doctor may recommend taking part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could carry negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications that you take, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect appetite, sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure can all have an effect on how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can give you more information about how to discuss other medicines with your physician.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and education support. Often, it's the combination of these that helps people achieve success at work, school and other pursuits. Treatment should start with a referral from your primary care physician or other health professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses or is not able to provide you this information, it is recommended to seek out a different professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient, parents or other significant people, and teachers. The diagnostic process may also include an examination of the family and medical history and an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment or fear of being criticized. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. It can lead to an unfulfilled prophecy which results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance and feelings of frustration.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They can start to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can cause grief and regret about missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive guidance. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD is able to receive assistance for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety of situations such as at home, work at school or in relationships, and many other. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication. Some people find that they also require special coaching, which can provide structure and help in daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their problems aren't normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.
Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interviewer can inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well the family history of the person. Some doctors use computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. However, how do i get an adhd diagnosis agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is crucial to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Depending on the nature of the issues a person faces and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests may be required to evaluate the presence and effects of co-existing conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests can also help in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Then check their professional credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they have worked. They should be able to explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions that you may have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what advice they would give you.