How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty with relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems due to the fact that they forget bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who will examine your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. The evaluation will consist of physical examination as well as an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about the signs and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.
Adults are different from children, and therefore diagnosing ADHD is more difficult than identifying 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 children and adults. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor could also ask other people in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partners siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to comment on the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can provide information that might not show up on a checklist or other tests.
In some cases the doctor may need to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it harder to live independently.
ADHD can be an issue for anyone, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Research has revealed that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty speaking to a health care provider or a mental health professional. This can make the process of evaluation more time-consuming. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and open about your health issues as well as your past medical history.
During the examination, your doctor will use the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask for your family and childhood history, as well as an in-depth description of your work and family life. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam involves blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help to identify chemical or structural issues in the brain which could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also help rule other conditions out that could 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 that these studies could pose potential risks and may not result in the appropriate treatment for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect sleep, appetite, heart rate and blood pressure could all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with medications, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's often a combination of all three that can help people to succeed at work, school and other endeavors. Treatment should begin with an appointment with your primary care physician or another health care professional. Find out about the specialist's expertise and training in working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to give you this information, it is best to look for a different one.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. It could also include the complete medical and family history, as well as an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide due to embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and cause significant impairment in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Many adults with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that results in lower self-esteem, low performance, and feelings of anger.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a great relief. They begin to see themselves and realize it wasn't their own fault they couldn't establish a career or meet new friends. For diagnosing adhd in adults ADHD Diagnosis , the diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense grief and regret about 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 share their experiences and get advice. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and request the names and phone numbers of specialists that specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can get help for the symptoms and issues that afflict him or her at the workplace, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis could be the first step towards receiving the assistance they require.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has expertise in this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as also their family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best way to diagnose ADHD.
Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and co-existing disorders like anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees as well as how long they've been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries you may have. You can also look for experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what advice they would give you.