How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD The first step in getting help is to find a health care provider who will assess your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examination as well as a review of your medical background. This will include mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is crucial to be honest with the doctor about your symptoms and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of being criticized. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your life.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychiatric 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 interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the person's life -for example, spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers to provide a description of the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.
In certain instances the doctor may need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, such as concussion or head trauma. They will also examine the individual's personal and work life to determine how their symptoms impact their daily routines.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. A severe condition can affect school or job performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it difficult to live a life of independence.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD It is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. adhd diagnosing is not clear why this is the case, but there are probably environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to talk to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can make the evaluation process longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and open about your health issues and past history.
During the exam the doctor will use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood records, as well as a detailed description of your job and home life. Your doctor may request an examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like seizures or a thyroid disorder.
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 causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may suggest taking part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. You should be aware, however, that these studies may have negative consequences and may not provide the appropriate treatment for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications that you take, as these can 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. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide you with more information about how to discuss other medicines with your physician.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and educational supports. Often, it's the combination of these that can help people achieve success at school, work and other pursuits. Treatment should start with the referral of your primary care physician or other health professional. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to give you this information, it is best to look for a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. The diagnostic process may also include an assessment of family and medical history and an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back due to embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Many adults with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. Discontent can result in an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a poor performance.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They can begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault they were unable to make friends or start a career. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret over missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults suffering from ADHD must be always ready to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of the professionals that specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for the symptoms and issues that affect them at home, at work at the classroom, in relationships and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medication. Some people also need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to be affected by this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this condition can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview might include questions about the individual's family history as well as the person's own emotional and social background. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess a patient's. Most experts agree that an extensive interview is the most effective way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the nature and severity of the person's difficulties and co-existing disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that typically are associated with ADHD Additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a person.
It's also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any queries you may have. You can also find professional who are certified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.