How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment because they are dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They may be losing their jobs due to missing deadlines, struggling in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or having financial trouble because they forget to pay their bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Your evaluation will include both a physical exam and a review your medical background. This will include mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is essential to be honest with the doctor about your issues and how they affect your life. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of fear of shame or criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give the doctor a more complete picture of your life and difficulties.
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) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor could also ask other people in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.
In some cases the doctor may decide to examine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms affect their daily routines.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing some difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with work or school performance as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live a life of independence.
Anyone can have ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than girls. It is not clear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Studies have shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition because of specific brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty talking to a healthcare specialist or mental health specialist. This can make the evaluation process more time-consuming. To ensure a thorough assessment it is crucial to be honest and open about your health issues as well as past history.
During the examination, your doctor may use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and family history and will also provide a detailed account of your home and work. Your doctor may order an examination of your body to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam involves blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical problems within the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. You should be aware that these studies may have potential risks and may not result in the right treatment for you.
It is also important to tell your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, as they can interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may be treated by medications, behavioral therapy and education support. Click Link 's often an amalgamation of the three that can help people achieve success at school, work, and other activities. Treatment should begin with an appointment with the primary care provider or another health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it is recommended to seek out 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 may also include a complete medical and family history as well as a psychotherapy evaluation. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant due to embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Untreated ADHD can cause the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true for those who suffer from ADHD who have a history chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can cause an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for some adults. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't because of them that they couldn't make friends or establish a career. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD may be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret over missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults with ADHD must be always ready to discuss their concerns with co-workers and supervisors. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and get the names and phone numbers of specialists that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety of situations such as at home, work, school, in relationships, and many other. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people also find they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their troubles weren't just normal or because of lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to getting the help they need to live a better life.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn't impossible for adults to have this disorder. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interview might include questions about the individual's family history, and also his or her own social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. The majority of experts agree that a thorough interview is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD.
Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and the co-existing conditions like mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests can also help in determining the right dosage of medications for an individual.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they've been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any queries that you may have. You can also find experts who are certified through the internet or on the phone book. Find out about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they might recommend for you.