How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment because they are frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to their impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, the first step in getting assistance is to locate an expert in health care who will assess your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues as well as substance use. It is essential to be open with your doctor about your symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of being criticized. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both children and adults. The doctor can ask other people in the patient's life, like a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings, teachers, and coaches to explain how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal crucial details that aren't discovered by tests or checklists.
In certain cases the doctor may decide to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health conditions, and physical illnesses or injuries, such as concussion or head trauma. They will also review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms are hindering their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder schoolwork or work performance and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live independently.
ADHD can affect everyone, but it's more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. It is unclear 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 trigger ADHD in certain people, and it is possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence of certain brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to an expert in mental health or health care professional. This can prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure a thorough assessment it is crucial to be honest and upfront about your symptoms and past history.
During the exam the doctor will use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your childhood and family history, and a detailed description your home and work. Your doctor may also order a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam involves blood tests and brain scans. These can help identify structural or chemical problems in the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may suggest that you take part in an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted at research centers such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these trials can have risks and may not lead to a treatment that is suitable for you.
Tell ADHD Diagnosis about any other medications that you are taking, as they could interact with stimulants that are 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 how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational support. It's often a combination of all three that can help people succeed in school, work and other endeavors. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are the first step to treatment. Find out about the professional's education and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to provide you this information, it's best to find another professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. It could also include the complete medical and family history and psychotherapy evaluation. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant because of embarrassment. A person must display symptoms in two or more locations and cause a significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly true for those with ADHD who have a history chronic anxiety or frustration. Frustration can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and lead to feelings of low self-esteem and poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for some adults. They can begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault they could not make friends or build an occupation. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD may be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to find out the services covered and to obtain the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can get help to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at the workplace, at home, in school, in relationships and in many other situations. Treatments for adult ADHD usually include medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they require special coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their issues aren't normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the help they need to live more fulfilled lives.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist with had experience working with this disorder. The interview might include questions regarding the patient's family history and also their own personal emotional and social history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. However, most experts agree that the best indicator of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is vital to take the patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Based on the nature of the issues a person faces depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological testing may be used to evaluate the presence and effects of co-existing conditions, like anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders that often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests could also be helpful in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person.
It's also recommended to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to professionals who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees as well as how long they have been practicing. They should also be able explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you might have. You can also search for experts who are qualified via the internet or the phone book. Find out about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they would recommend for you.