How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an evaluation. They may be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, struggling in 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 an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. Your evaluation will include both physical examination and a review your medical background. This will include mental health issues and substance abuse. It is essential that you open up to your doctor about the signs and how they impact you. Many people suffering from ADHD conceal their symptoms because of shame or fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.
Adults are different from children, so diagnosing ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the person's life -for example, spouse or co-habitating partners siblings, parents, or teachers and coaches to comment on the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal information that might not show up on tests or checklists.
In certain instances the doctor may need to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mental health issues, and physical injuries such as concussions or head trauma. The doctor will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms affect their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live a life of independence.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD It is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this is the case however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been shown to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This can prolong the process of evaluation. It is essential to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms and your previous history, to ensure a thorough evaluation.
In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will utilize standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history as well as a thorough description of your home and work. Your doctor may request a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam typically includes blood tests and a head scan which can reveal any structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
It is possible that your doctor might suggest you take part in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers such as NIMH. Be aware that these studies could carry negative consequences and may not provide the right treatment for you.
It is also essential to inform your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational assistance. Most often, it's the combination of these that help people to achieve success in work, school and other activities. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are usually the first step towards treatment. Find out about the specialist's knowledge and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling not able to give this information, it's best to seek another professional.
The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others and teachers. It could also include the complete medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hide because of embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and cause significant impairment in the individual's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions that include depression and anxiety. This is particularly the case for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or frustration. It can lead to a self fulfilling prophecy that results in lower self-esteem, low performance and feelings of frustration.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for some adults. They may begin to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. For certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with a sense of grief and regret for missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults suffering from ADHD should be prepared to discuss their issues openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and get advice. Those who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and issues that affect him or her in a variety of situations, including at work, home at school as well as in relationships and many more. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication. Some people also require specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their issues aren't caused by bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis can be the first step to receiving the assistance they require.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview could include questions about the individual's family history as well as his or her own emotional and social background. how to get adult adhd diagnosis employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the most reliable indicator of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is vital to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and any co-existing issues such as mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that typically are associated with ADHD Additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can also help determine the right dosage of medication for a person.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Then check their professional qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions that you may have. You can also find qualified professionals through the internet or on the phonebook. Find out about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they would suggest for you.