How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an evaluation. They may lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget to pay bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD The first step towards getting assistance is to find a medical professional who will assess your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examination and a review of your medical background. This includes mental health issues and substance abuse. It is important to be forthcoming with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD conceal their symptoms out of shame or for fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.
Adults differ from children, which is why the diagnosis of ADHD can be more challenging 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 valid for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask other people in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to comment on the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This could reveal information that might not be found on tests or checklists.
In certain cases, the doctor will want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. They will also review the individual's work and personal life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms that cause difficulty in social and work situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live a life of independence.
ADHD can be a problem for everyone, but it's more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. There is no clear reason for this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has revealed 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 due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and may have difficulty opening up to a health care provider or a mental health professional. This can make the process of evaluation more time-consuming. It is important to talk openly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your past background, to ensure an accurate evaluation.
During the evaluation the doctor will use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history and a detailed description of your work and family life. Your doctor could also recommend a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam typically includes blood tests and a head scan which can help identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help rule other conditions out that may cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
Your doctor might suggest you participate in a a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. You should be aware that these studies may have negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you.
It is also important to tell your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, since they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. Medications that affect appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure may affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide you with more information about how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's often a combination of these that can help people to achieve success in work, school and other areas. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to give you this information, it's best to look for a different one.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant people, and teachers. The process of diagnosis may include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not shy away because of embarrassment or fear of being criticized. Multiple symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and cause significant impairment in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Many adults with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is especially true for those who suffer from ADHD who have a history of chronic stress or a sense of frustration. Discontent can result in self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for some adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't because of them that they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can cause sadness and regret over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered, and to find the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and issues that affect them in a variety of settings, including at work, home, school as well as in relationships and many other. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they require special coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems weren't due to poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis could be the first step in getting the help they need.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interviewer can inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well the family history of the person. Some doctors use computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. However, how to get an adult adhd diagnosis agree that the best indicator of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is vital to take the patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Based on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and the co-existing conditions like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that typically 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 may also help in determining the right dosage of medications for a particular person.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. You should then verify their qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they have been in practice. They must also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for qualified professionals through the internet or on the phonebook. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what advice they would give you.