How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because 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
If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, the first step in getting assistance is to find an expert in health care who will examine your symptoms. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is essential to be honest with your doctor about the signs and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD hide the problem due to shame or fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.
Adults differ from children, so 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 for adults as well as children. The doctor might inquire about other people in the patient's life, for example, the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches, to describe how the behavior of the person has affected them. This can reveal crucial details that aren't found in tests or checklists.
In some cases, the doctor will want to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mental health conditions and physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's work and personal life to determine how their symptoms affect their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder work or school performance as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live an independent life.
Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. There isn't a clear reason for this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have trouble opening up to a health care provider or mental health specialist. This can delay the evaluation process. It is crucial to speak openly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous experiences to ensure a thorough evaluation.
During the evaluation your doctor will employ standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family and childhood history, as well as an extensive description of your job and family life. adhd diagnosis adults may also order a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam includes blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help determine chemical or structural issues in the brain which could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances.
Your doctor may recommend you participate in a a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. Be aware that these studies may have risks and not lead to the best treatment for you.
It is also essential to inform your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, since they could interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure may affect the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide you with more information on the best way to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may be treated by treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's often the combination of these that can help people find success in work, school and other pursuits. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are usually the first step in treatment. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to provide this information, it's best to look for a different professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others and teachers. It could also involve the complete medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not shy away because of embarrassment or fear of being criticized. A person must exhibit several symptoms in more than one place and have an impairment that is significant in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and poor performance.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a relief. They begin to see their own situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault they couldn't establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can cause regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults with ADHD should be prepared to discuss their problems openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive assistance. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety of settings, including at home, work, school, in relationships, and many more. Treatments for adult ADHD typically include psychotherapy and medications. Some people find that they also need specialized coaching, which can help them with structure and support in everyday life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by bad parenting or lazyness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to getting the support they need to live better lives.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview may include questions regarding the patient's family history, as well as the person's own emotional and social history. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. But most experts agree that the best way to determine the presence 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 the issues a person faces, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required to determine the presence and effects of co-existing disorders, such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which typically are associated with ADHD. These tests can also help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also recommended to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to professionals who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they've been in practice. They must also be able to explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for professional who are qualified online or in the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would recommend for you.