How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an evaluation. They may lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, the first step to seek help is to find an expert in health care who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of a physical exam and a review your medical history. This includes mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is important that you are honest with your doctor about the signs and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear or shame criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give the doctor an accurate picture of your life and your problems.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask other people in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partners siblings, parents or coaches and teachers to provide a description of the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal important information that isn't revealed by tests or checklists.
In some instances the doctor may want to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's personal and professional life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary 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 independently.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD However, it is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence of specific brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not always easy. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and may have difficulty opening up to a health care doctor or mental health professional. This can make the evaluation process longer. It is crucial to speak openly and honestly about your symptoms, as well as your previous history for an accurate assessment.
During the examination, your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history along with an in-depth description of your work and family life. Your doctor may request an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, including seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam consists of blood tests and a brain scan. These can help identify structural or chemical problems in the brain which may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you take part in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these trials could be risky and not result in a solution that is right for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you take, as these could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. It's typically a combination of the three that can help people achieve success in school, work and in other pursuits. Treatment should start with the referral of your primary care physician or another health care professional. Find out about the professional's education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is not able to provide you the information you need, it's best to look for a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. The process of diagnosis may include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of being criticized. A person must display symptoms in two or more locations and have significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Many people with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is especially true if people with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can cause an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They may begin to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their fault they couldn't establish a career or make friends. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can cause regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to talk about their problems with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and request the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help to address the issues and symptoms that affect them at the workplace, at home at school, in relationships and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their problems aren't typical or caused by poor parenting or laziness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.
Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as well the family history of the person. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. But most experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is crucial to take the history of a patient into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests may be required to evaluate the effects and presence of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders that often occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis 's also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they've been working. They should also be able explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you have. You can also search for experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they would suggest for you.