How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They may be losing their jobs due to missing deadlines, or struggling with relationships due to their impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child suffer from 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 an examination of your body and an examination of your medical history, which includes mental health issues as well as substance use. It is crucial to be honest with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of being judged. However an extensive evaluation will give your doctor a better picture of your daily life.
Adults differ from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD is 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 which are valid for both adults and children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask others who are in the patient's life- such as spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents or coaches and teachers to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal important details that aren't found in tests or checklists.
In certain cases the doctor may need to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily routine.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with schoolwork or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live an independent life.
ADHD can affect everyone, but it's more common in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this difference exists, but there are probably environmental and genetic factors at play. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence of specific brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and find it difficult to talk to a mental health professional or health care professional. This can make the process of evaluation more time-consuming. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and upfront about your symptoms and past circumstances.
During the exam, your doctor may use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood records along with an extensive description of your job and home life. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam involves blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine chemical or structural issues in the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances.
Your doctor may recommend that you take part in an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these studies may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is appropriate for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications that you take, as these may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep and blood pressure could affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide you with more information about how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational supports. It's often a combination of all three that helps people achieve success at work, school, and other activities. Treatment should start with a referral from a primary care provider or another health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or not able to provide this information, it's best to seek another 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 assessment of family and medical history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide to avoid embarrassment. A person must exhibit several symptoms in more than one place and have a significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. getting a diagnosis for adhd is especially the case for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. The frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a great relief. They may begin to see themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can cause grief and regret about missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and get the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for the symptoms and issues that plague him or her at home, at work, in relationships, at school and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people discover that they also need specific coaching, which may provide structure and support in everyday life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their troubles weren't just normal or because of 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 identify in children. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interview might include questions regarding the patient's family history as well as their own personal emotional and social background. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Depending on the severity and nature of the person's difficulties and the co-existing conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can help determine the right dosage of medication for a person.
It's also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for professional who are qualified online or in the phonebook. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what advice they would give you.