How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, or struggling with relationships due to impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties because they forget to pay their bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD The first step to seek assistance is to find a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. Your assessment will consist of physical examination and a review your medical history. This will include mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is crucial that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear or shame criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give the doctor a more complete picture of your lifestyle and difficulties.
Adults differ from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD can be more challenging than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. The doctor may ask others who are part of the patient's life, for example, spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers, to describe how the person's behavior has affected them. This can reveal important information that isn't revealed by tests or checklists.
In some instances, the doctor will want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses, like concussions or head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms are affecting their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it harder to live independently.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed due to brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and find it difficult to open up to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This can make the evaluation process even longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and open about your health issues and past history.
In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will employ standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your childhood and family history, and a detailed description your work and home. Your doctor might also request a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam consists of blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine chemical or structural issues in the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your health care provider might suggest you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these research studies could be risky and not result in a solution that is suitable for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effects of medications on the appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep and blood pressure may all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational supports. It's usually a combination of the three that can help people to succeed at work, school, and other activities. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are the first step in treatment. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to give you the information you need, it's best to look for a different one.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. It may also include a complete medical and family history as well as a an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. A person must exhibit several symptoms in more than one place and have an impairment that is significant in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Untreated ADHD can lead to comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially relevant for people who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and lead to feelings of self-doubt and poor performance.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault that they could not make friends or build a career. For certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret for missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns with their supervisors and colleagues. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group, where people with the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Finally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered and to obtain the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD can receive help to address the issues and symptoms that affect them in a variety of settings that include at work, home, school as well as in relationships and many others. Treatments for adult ADHD typically include psychotherapy and medications. Some individuals also discover they require special 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 normal, or due to bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step towards getting the help they need.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, however it is not impossible for adults to have this disorder. 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 with had experience working with this disorder. The interviewer can inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well his or her family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. The majority of experts agree that a thorough interview is the best way to determine the presence of ADHD.
Based on getting diagnosed with adhd of the difficulties a person is experiencing depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests may be required to assess the effects and presence of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders that often accompany ADHD. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a person.
It's also an excellent idea to ask friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they've been in practice. They should be able explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions that you might have. You can also search for experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.