How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or have financial issues because they forget bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor to assess your symptoms if suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Your assessment will consist of physical examination and a review of your medical background. This includes mental health issues and alcohol abuse. It is important to be forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or fear of being judged. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.
Adults are different from children, so diagnosing ADHD is more difficult 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 appropriate for both children and adults. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partners siblings, parents, or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could provide information that might not be found on tests or checklists.
In some cases, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mental health conditions and physical illnesses or injuries such as concussions or head trauma. They will also examine the individual's personal and professional life to determine how their symptoms impact their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms that cause difficulty in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect academic or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live an independent life.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD It is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. There isn't a clear reason behind this, but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to recognize ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty opening up to a healthcare provider or a mental health specialist. This can prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and upfront about your health issues as well as your past medical circumstances.
During the evaluation your doctor will employ standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family and childhood history along with an in-depth description of your job and family life. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam usually includes blood tests and a head scan which can reveal any chemical or structural problems in the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor might suggest that you take part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these studies may be risky and not lead to a treatment 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 appetite, sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure can all affect the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational supports. It's often a combination of these that can help people to achieve success in school, work and other activities. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are usually the first step to treatment. Find out about the professional's education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or unable to give this information, you should look for a different professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. The diagnostic process may also include a medical and family history as well as a psychiatric assessment. how to diagnose adhd is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true if people with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause an unfulfilled prophecy which can result in low self-esteem, a lack of performance and feelings of frustration.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they were unable to make friends or start a career. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret for missed opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. Finally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to see the services covered and to obtain the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and problems that affect them in a variety of situations that include at work, home or at school as well as in relationships and many more. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people discover that they also need specific coaching, which may help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems aren't due to poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the help they require.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to recognize in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the person's family history and also their own personal emotional and social history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, the majority of experts agree that the best indication of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is vital to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Depending on the severity and nature of the person's difficulties and the co-existing conditions like mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD, additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a particular person.
It is also recommended to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to professionals who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their credentials, including academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you might have. You can also look for professional who are certified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what they would recommend for you.