How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts people to seek an evaluation. They may lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems due to the fact that they forget bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who will examine your symptoms if you think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. Your evaluation will include both physical examination and a review your medical history. This will include mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is crucial to be honest with the doctor about your issues and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear of shame or criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give your doctor a more complete picture of your life and issues.
Adults are different from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD is more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. The doctor might ask others in the patient's life, for example, spouses or cohabiting partners or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers, to describe how the behavior of the person has affected them. This could reveal important details that aren't discovered by tests or checklists.
In some instances the doctor may decide to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries like head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms are affecting their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder schoolwork or work performance and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live an independent life.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD It is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this is the case, but there are probably environmental and genetic factors at play. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in some people, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition because of specific brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always straightforward. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a health care specialist or mental health specialist. This can delay the evaluation process. It is crucial to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous medical background, to ensure a thorough evaluation.
During the evaluation your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history, as well as an extensive description of your work and family life. Your doctor may request an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan which can help you identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. 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.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and education support. It's typically a combination of the three that can help people to succeed at school, work, and other activities. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Ask the doctor about their expertise and training in working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or unable to provide this information, it's best to seek another professional.
The diagnostic process of adult ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. It could also involve the complete medical and family history as well as a an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It's important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment, or fear of being judged. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and exhibit an impairment that is significant in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Untreated ADHD can cause co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when people with ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. It can lead to an unfulfilled prophecy which causes lower self-esteem, low performance and feelings of frustration.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They can begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault they couldn't make friends or establish a career. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with supervisors and coworkers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive help. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can get help for the symptoms and issues that plague him or her at the workplace, at home at relationships, at school and in many other situations. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medication. Some people may find that they require special coaching, which can provide structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren't typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For how is adult adhd diagnosed , being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in getting the support they need to live more fulfilled lives.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It is more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interviewer might inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well the family history of the person. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. The majority of experts agree that a thorough interview is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD.
Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and any co-existing issues such as mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD, additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a particular person.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Then check their professional qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they have been in practice. They should also be able explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you might have. You can also find experts who are certified through the internet or on the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what advice they would give you.
