How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what drives people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs because of missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you believe that you or your child suffer from ADHD The first step towards getting assistance is to find an expert in health care who will assess your symptoms. Your evaluation will include an examination of your body and an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is essential to be honest with your doctor about the signs and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partner parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to comment on the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This may reveal information that may not be included on a checklist or other tests.
In certain cases, the doctor will want to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. They will also look at the person's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms affect their daily routines.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulties in work and social situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with the performance of a job or school and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live an independent life.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD It is more common in men and boys than girls. There is no clear reason behind this however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has revealed that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in certain 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 sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty talking to a healthcare doctor or a mental health specialist. This can make the process of evaluation longer. It is crucial to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms and your past background to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the evaluation, your doctor may use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and family history as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor could also recommend a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam usually includes blood tests and a head scan which can help you identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also aid in determining other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances.
Your doctor may recommend taking part in an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you should be aware that these trials can have risks and may not lead to a treatment that is appropriate for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. 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 more details on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational supports. It's typically an amalgamation of all three that helps people to succeed at work, school and other endeavors. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are the first step towards treatment. Find out about the specialist's training and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or not able to provide this information, it's best to look for a different professional.
how to get an adult adhd diagnosis of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. The process of diagnosis may include a medical and family history, as well as a psychiatric assessment. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest, not holding back because of embarrassment or fear of being criticized. Multiple symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and must cause significant impairment in the person's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. It can lead to a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They may begin to see their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault 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 suffering from ADHD should be prepared to discuss their issues openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and get advice. Those who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into 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 can seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at the workplace, at home at school, in relationships and in many other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people find that they also need specific coaching, which may help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their issues aren't caused by poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to getting the help they need to live a better life.
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.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interview could include questions regarding the patient's family history and also their own personal social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD.
Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's issues and the co-existing conditions like anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD, additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they have been practicing. They should also be able explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you might have. You can also look for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would recommend for you.