How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment because they are frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues due to the fact that they forget bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor to examine your symptoms if you suspect you or your child has ADHD. Your evaluation will include both a physical exam and a review your medical history. This will include mental health issues and substance abuse. It is important that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems because of shame or fear of being criticized. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.
Adults are different from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD can be more challenging than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor could also ask others in the person's life -for example, spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal crucial details that aren't found in tests or checklists.
In certain cases, the doctor will want to examine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, like head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms interfere with their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live an independent life.
ADHD can be a problem for any person, but it is more frequent in men 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 at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that certain individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty talking to a health care provider or a mental health specialist. This could make the evaluation process even longer. It is essential to speak openly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous medical history for an accurate assessment.
During the examination, your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your family and childhood history and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor could also recommend an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam includes blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems in the brain which could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. Be aware that these studies could pose negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you.
It is also essential to inform your doctor any other medications you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants that are used to treat adult ADHD. Drugs that affect sleep, appetite heart rate, appetite, and blood pressure can affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD treatments include behavioral therapy, medication and educational supports. It's usually an amalgamation of all three that can help people to succeed at school, work and other endeavors. Treatment should start with the referral of the primary care provider or other health professional. Find out about the specialist's expertise and training in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is not able to provide you this information, it is best to look for a different one.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other important people. It could also include a complete medical and family history and psychiatric evaluation. It is important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant because of embarrassment. Several symptoms must be present in two or more settings and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true when those who suffer from ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. It can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy that can result in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for some adults. They can start to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault they couldn't establish a career or make friends. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Also, those who have the diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered and to get names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for the symptoms and issues that affect them at the workplace, at home at relationships, at school and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adult ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medications. Some people may find that they also need specific coaching, which may help them with structure and support in everyday life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their issues aren't caused by poor parenting or laziness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the help they need to live better lives.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interview may include questions about the person's family history, and also the person's own social and emotional history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. However, the majority of experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is crucial to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Based on the nature of a person's difficulties depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests may be required to evaluate the presence and effects of co-existing disorders, like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which often are associated with ADHD. adult adhd diagnoses of these tests can also be helpful in determining the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and the length of time they have been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you may have. You can also search for qualified professionals online or in the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what kind of therapy they may suggest for you.