How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missing deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties because they forget bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD, the first step in getting help is to find an expert in health care who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examination and a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues and substance abuse. It is important to be open with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of shame or fear of criticism A thorough assessment will give your doctor an accurate picture of your lifestyle and difficulties.
Adults differ from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD can be more challenging than diagnosing ADHD in children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis which are valid for both adults and children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask other people in the life of the patientfor example, spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could provide information that might not be included on tests or checklists.
In some instances the doctor may want to examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it harder to live an independent life.
ADHD can be a problem for everyone, but it's more common in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this is the case however it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to cause ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to talk to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This can prolong the evaluation process. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and transparent about your symptoms and past circumstances.
During the examination, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and childhood, and a detailed description your home and work. Your doctor could also recommend an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam typically includes blood tests and a head scan which can help identify any chemical or structural issues in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in the clinical trials of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you must be aware that these trials may be risky and not result in a solution that is suitable for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect the appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure may all affect the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include therapy, medication and educational assistance. It's often an amalgamation of all three that can help people succeed at school, work and other endeavors. Treatment should start with the referral of a primary care provider or other health professional. Find out about the professional's education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to provide this information, it's best to find a different one.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. It could also involve an extensive medical and family history as well as a psychotherapy evaluation. It is important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant to avoid embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and have a significant impact in the person's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They can start to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with a sense of grief and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults with ADHD should always be ready to discuss their concerns openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek advice. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should look into 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 suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for symptoms and problems that afflict him or her at the workplace, at home, in relationships, at school and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their issues aren't normal or because of poor parenting or laziness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step to getting the help they need to live better lives.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interview could include questions regarding the patient's family history and also their own personal social and emotional background. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, the majority of experts agree that the best indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is vital to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and the co-existing conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD Additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also a good idea to ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they've been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions that you might have. You can also search for experts who are certified through the internet or on the phone book. Find out about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they may recommend for you.