How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial issues due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or don't keep track of 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 examine your symptoms if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. Your assessment will consist of physical examinations and a review your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is essential that you are honest with your doctor about the signs and the way they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of being judged. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.
Adults are different from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD is more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosis that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor can request other people who are part of the patient's life, such as the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents, teachers, and coaches, to describe how the person's behavior has affected them. This may provide information that might not show up on a checklist or other tests.
In certain cases, a doctor may want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussions or head trauma. They will also look at the person's personal and work life to determine how their symptoms affect their daily routines.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder 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, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. There is no definitive reason for this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has revealed that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition because of specific brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty opening up to a health care provider or mental health specialist. This can prolong the evaluation process. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and transparent about your health issues as well as your past medical history.
During the exam, your doctor may use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family history and childhood as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor may request an examination of your body to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, including seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam consists of blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as addiction to drugs or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you take part in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers such as NIMH. However, you should be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a solution that is appropriate for you.
Discuss with your doctor 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. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. Often, it's the combination of these that can help people achieve success at work, school and other activities. Treatment should start with an appointment with your primary care physician or other health professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or unable 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, as well as teachers. The diagnostic process could also include a medical and family history as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant because of embarrassment. A person must exhibit several symptoms in more than one place and have significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Many people with untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can trigger an unfulfilled prophecy which can result in lower self-esteem, low performance and feelings of frustration.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They can start to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their fault they couldn't establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense grief and regret about missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those with the condition can share their experiences and get advice. Also, those who have a diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to find out the services covered and to find the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that affect them at work, at home at relationships, at school and in many other settings. adhd diagnosis for adults is usually treated using medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they require special coaching, which can provide structure and support in daily life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their issues aren't typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in receiving the help they require to live better lives.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview might include questions about the individual's family history, as well as his or her own social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the best way to diagnose ADHD.
Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be used to determine the presence and effects of co-existing disorders, like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which typically occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.
It's also an excellent idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to professionals who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they've been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you might have. You can also look for experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.