How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment because they are dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget to pay bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who will evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD. The assessment will include physical examination as well as an analysis of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is crucial that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and the way they affect you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems because of shame or fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult 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 could also ask others in the person's life -for example, spouse or co-habitating partners siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal information that may not show up on a checklist or other tests.
In some cases the doctor may decide to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with academic or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live a life of independence.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more common in men and boys than girls. There is no clear reason for this however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to determine ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care professional. This can prolong the evaluation process. To ensure a thorough assessment, it is important to be honest and upfront about your symptoms as well as past experiences.
During the examination, your doctor will use standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and family history and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor may also order an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam consists of blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help to identify chemical or structural issues in the brain which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is appropriate for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will give you more information about how to discuss other medicines with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. It's usually a combination of all three that helps people to succeed at work, school, and other activities. getting a adhd diagnosis from primary care doctors or other health professionals are usually the first step in treatment. Find out about the specialist's expertise and training in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to give you this information, it's best to look for a different one.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others and teachers. It may also include a complete medical and family history as well as a an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment, or fear of criticism. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true when people with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. It can lead to an unfulfilled prophecy which results in lower self-esteem, low performance, and feelings of anger.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for some adults. They may begin to understand themselves and realize it wasn't entirely their responsibility for not being able to build a career or meet new friends. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret for missed opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Those who have an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and problems that affect them in a variety of situations, including at work, home, school as well as in relationships and many others. Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their problems aren't normal or because of lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the assistance they require.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to be affected by this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer might inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as well their family history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the most effective way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the nature and severity of the person's difficulties and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. The results of these tests can also be helpful in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.
It's also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees as well as how long they've been in practice. They must also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or through the phone book. Ask about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they may recommend for you.