How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues due to the fact that they forget bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is crucial to be forthcoming with the doctor about your issues and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD hide the problem due to shame or fear of being criticized. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your life.
Adults are different from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD is more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. The doctor might inquire about other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses or cohabiting partners or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches, to describe how the person's behavior has affected them. This could provide information that might not be found on checklists or other tests.
In certain cases the doctor may need to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health issues and physical injuries such as concussions or head trauma. They will also examine the individual's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms impact their daily routines.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of a job or school as well as strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this is the case however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to cause ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that certain individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and are unable to open up to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This could make the evaluation process longer. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous experiences, to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the exam the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family and childhood history as well as a thorough description of your home and work. Your doctor may order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam includes blood tests and brain scans. These can help identify structural or chemical problems in the brain which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may recommend taking part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these research studies may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is suitable for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide you with more information about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may be treated by medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's typically an amalgamation of all three that helps people succeed at work, school and other endeavors. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are usually the first step to treatment. Ask the professional about their training and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or not able to give this information, it's best to look for a different professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. It could also involve a complete medical and family history as well as a psychotherapy evaluation. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not shy away due to embarrassment or fear of being criticized. A person has to show symptoms in more than one place and exhibit a significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those who suffer from ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. Frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy that causes lower self-esteem, low performance and feelings of frustration.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They will begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't because of them that they could not make friends or build a career. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can trigger feelings of grief and regret about missed opportunities.
Adults with ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those with the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. People with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of the professionals who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance for the symptoms and issues that affect him or her in a variety settings that include at work, home at school, in relationships, and many others. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically include psychotherapy and medications. Some people also find they require special coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step to receiving the assistance they require.
Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has expertise in this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. Iam Psychiatry could include questions about the person's family history as well as their own personal emotional and social background. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. The majority of experts agree that a thorough interview is the best method to determine the presence of ADHD.
Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and the co-existing conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person.
It is also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the number of years they have worked. They should be able explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for professional who are qualified on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask them about their counseling approach and what kind of therapy they might suggest for you.