How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They may be losing their jobs due to missing deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to their impulsive behavior or having financial trouble because they forget bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you think your child or you has ADHD. Your evaluation will include both physical examinations and a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and the way they affect you. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of shame or fear of criticism A thorough assessment will provide the doctor with more of a complete picture of your life and difficulties.
Adults differ from children, which is why the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor could also ask others in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches to comment on the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal important details that aren't revealed by tests or checklists.
In some instances the doctor may want to examine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health issues and physical illnesses or injuries like concussions or head trauma. He or she will also review the person's personal and professional life to determine how their symptoms affect their daily routines.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect academic or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.
ADHD can be an issue for any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. There is no definitive explanation for this difference, but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some individuals 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 open up to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can delay the evaluation process. To ensure a thorough assessment, it is important to be honest and open about your symptoms as well as past experiences.
During the evaluation your doctor will use standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood records, as well as an extensive description of your job and personal life. Your doctor might order an examination of your body to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam involves blood tests and an examination of the brain. These can help identify structural or chemical issues in the brain which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including addiction or depression.
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 such as NIMH. However, you should be aware that these research studies could be risky and not result in a treatment that is suitable for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure may all affect the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include therapy, medication and educational supports. It's usually an amalgamation of all three that helps people succeed at school, work and in other pursuits. Treatment should begin with a referral from the primary care provider or other health professional. Find out about the professional's education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If ADHD Diagnosis is unwilling or is not able to provide you this information, it is best to look for a different one.
The diagnostic process of adult ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other significant people. It could also involve the complete medical and family history, as well as an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment, or fear of being judged. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and have a significant impact in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those with ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. It can lead to a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They will begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault that they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of sadness and regret over missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their issues with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. Finally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered, and to find the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance for the symptoms and problems that affect them in a variety settings such as at home, work at school as well as in relationships and many more. Treatments for adult ADHD typically include psychotherapy and medication. Some people discover that they require specialized coaching, which can help them with structure and support in everyday life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems aren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards getting the help they need to live more fulfilled lives.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer might inquire about the patient's social and emotional history, as well as the family history of the person. Some doctors use 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.
Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests may be required to determine the effects and presence of co-existing conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which typically are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the proper dosage of medications for a particular person.
Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Check their qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should also be able to explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you have. You can also search for professional who are qualified through the internet or on the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.