How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment because they are frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, or struggling with relationships due to their impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who will assess your symptoms if suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. The evaluation will consist of physical examination and a review your medical background. This includes mental health issues and substance abuse. It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact you. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem because of shame or fear of being criticized. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life.
Adults are different from children, so diagnosing ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. 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 may also ask others in the person's life -like spouses or co-habitating partner, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers to comment on the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This could reveal information that may not be found on checklists or other tests.
In some cases doctors may decide to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health issues and physical injuries like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms are affecting their daily activities.
relevant webpage of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in work and social situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect academic or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD However, it is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors at play. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some people are predisposed due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to speak to a mental health professional or health care professional. This could make the evaluation process even longer. It is essential to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms, as well as your previous experiences to ensure a thorough evaluation.
During the examination your doctor may employ standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood records along with an extensive description of your job and family life. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam includes blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical problems in the brain which may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
Your doctor might suggest taking part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these studies can have risks and may not lead to a treatment that is right for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as they may 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 can provide more details on the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support. It's often an amalgamation of all three that helps people succeed at school, work and in other pursuits. Treatment should start with a referral from a primary care provider or other health professional. Find out about the professional's education and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or not able to provide this information, it's best to look for a different professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. The diagnostic process could also include an assessment of family and medical history as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It's important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back 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 people with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if people with ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger an unfulfilled prophecy which results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance and feelings of frustration.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They may begin to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive guidance. Additionally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered and to find the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can get help to address the issues and symptoms that affect them at the workplace, at home, in relationships, at school and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medications. Some people may find that they also require special coaching, which can provide structure and help in everyday life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their troubles weren't just normal or because of lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in receiving the help they require to live a better life.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to have this disorder. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist who has worked with this condition for a long time. The interview might include questions about the individual's family history and also the person's own emotional and social history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best method to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the nature of the issues a person faces, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to determine the effects and presence of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which often accompany ADHD. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
It's also an excellent idea to ask friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They must also be able to explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you have. You can also look for professional who are qualified online or in the phone book. Ask about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they might suggest for you.