How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment because they are dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle with relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have training in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you believe that you or your child suffer from ADHD The first step towards getting help is to find a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of a physical examination and an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues as well as substance use. It is crucial that you open up to your doctor about the signs and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of fear or shame criticism, but a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with more of a 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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis which are valid for both children and adults. The doctor might request others in the patient's life, like a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings, teachers, and coaches to discuss how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal crucial details that aren't revealed by tests or checklists.
In some cases the doctor may need to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical illnesses or injuries, such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms interfere with their daily routines.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulty in social and work situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it harder to live independently.
ADHD can be a problem for any person, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. There is no clear reason for this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition because of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to diagnose ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty speaking to a health care specialist or a mental health professional. This can prolong the evaluation process. It is essential to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms, as well as your previous medical experiences, to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the evaluation your doctor will employ the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family and childhood history along with an extensive description of your work and home life. Your doctor might order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, including seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam typically includes blood tests and a head scan which can help you identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
Your doctor may suggest that you take part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted at research centers, such as NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could pose potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications that you take, as these may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more information on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and education support. It's typically an amalgamation of the three that can help people achieve success in school, work and in other pursuits. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are usually the first step to treatment. Ask the doctor about their expertise and training in working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional is unwilling in a position to provide this information, it's best to seek another professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. The process of diagnosis may include an assessment of family and medical history, as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not shy away because of embarrassment or fear of being judged. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Many adults with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. This is particularly true for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of self-doubt and poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for some adults. They can start to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must be always ready to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can share their experiences and get assistance. Additionally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered and to obtain the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that afflict him or her at work, at home at the classroom, in relationships and in many other situations. adhd diagnosis for adults for adult ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medication. Some people may find that they also require specialized coaching, which can provide structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their issues aren't caused by bad parenting or lazyness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step to getting the help they need to live more fulfilled lives.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer can inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as also their family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD.
Depending on the severity and nature of the person's difficulties and co-existing disorders like anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD Additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. These tests can aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also an excellent idea to ask friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Check their qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you might have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what type of therapy they might recommend for you.