How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment due to being dissatisfied with 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 because they forget bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who will assess your symptoms if suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Your assessment will consist of physical examinations and a review your medical background. This includes mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is essential that you open up to your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of fear of shame or criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give your doctor an accurate picture of your life and issues.
Adults differ from children, which is why diagnosing ADHD can be more challenging than diagnosing ADHD in children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are applicable for both adults and children. The doctor may request other people who are part of the patient's life, for example, spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the patient's behavior has affected them. This may reveal information that might not be found on a checklist or other tests.
In certain cases the doctor may want to examine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses, like concussions or head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms are affecting their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with academic or work performance and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live an independent life.
ADHD can be an issue for everyone, but it's more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. There isn't a clear explanation for this difference, but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has revealed that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in certain people, and it is possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition because of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
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Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This could make the evaluation process more time-consuming. To ensure a thorough assessment, it is important to be honest and open about your health issues as well as your past medical history.
During the examination your doctor may employ the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor may request a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, such a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam involves blood tests and brain scans. These can help identify chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may suggest you participate in a an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you should be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a solution that is appropriate for you.
It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite, and blood pressure can affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may be treated by treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. Often, it's a combination of these that can help people achieve success at school, work and other pursuits. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Find out about the specialist's training and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or not able to provide this information, you should seek another professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. The process of diagnosis may include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not shy away due to embarrassment, or fear of being criticized. Several symptoms must be present in two or more settings and have a significant impact in the individual's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. This is particularly true for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. Frustration can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault that they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can cause regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and get advice. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered and to obtain the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and problems that affect them in a variety of settings, including at home, work at school as well as in relationships and many more. Treatments for adult ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medications. Some people also require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their problems aren't typical or caused by poor parenting or laziness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step to receiving the help they require to live a better life.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interviewer can inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well the family history of the person. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. Most experts agree that an extensive interview is the best way to diagnose ADHD.
Based on the nature of a person's difficulties, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be used to determine the effects and presence of co-existing disorders, such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which typically occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can also help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and how long they've been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you may have. You can also find qualified professionals via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.