How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to missing deadlines, having trouble with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or having financial trouble because they forget bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, the first step towards getting assistance is to locate an expert in health care who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examination and a review your medical history. This includes mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is crucial to be open with your doctor about your issues and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD conceal their symptoms due to shame or fear of being judged. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.
Adults differ from children, which is why diagnosing ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both children and adults. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor might also ask others in the person's life -for example, spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents, or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal information that might not be included on tests or checklists.
In some cases the doctor may need to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries like head trauma. The doctor will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms affect their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulties in work and social situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect the performance of your work or school or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD However, it is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. It is unclear the reason for this however it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been shown to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to talk to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can make the evaluation process more time-consuming. It is important to talk openly and honestly about your symptoms, as well as your previous medical history, to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the evaluation your doctor will use the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your family history and childhood, and a detailed description your home and work. Your doctor may also order an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam typically includes blood tests and a head scan which can help you identify any structural or chemical issues within the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help determine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider might suggest you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these trials may be risky and not result in a solution that is suitable for you.
It is also important to tell your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, since they could interact with some stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and education support. It's typically an amalgamation of all three that can help people to succeed in school, work and other endeavors. Treatment should begin with a referral from your primary care physician or other health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling not able to provide this information, it's best to find a different one.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. It may also include the complete medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide due to embarrassment. A person must display symptoms in two or more locations and have an impairment that is significant in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true for those with ADHD who have a history chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that can result in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault they could not make friends or build a career. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret over missed opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults with ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive advice. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and obtain the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that afflict him or her at home, at work at relationships, at school and in many other situations. Treatments for adult ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medication. Some people may find that they require specific coaching, which may provide structure and help in everyday life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis could be the first step in receiving the help they require.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn't impossible for adults to have this disorder. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer might inquire about the patient's social and emotional history, as well as his or her family history. undiagnosed adult adhd utilize computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. But most experts agree that the best indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and that it is essential to take the patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to evaluate the presence and effects of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which often accompany ADHD. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person.
It is also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and the length of time they've been in practice. They should also be able explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask about their counseling approach and what kind of therapy they would recommend for you.