How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs because of missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay 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 can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, which includes mental health issues as well as substance use. It is important that you open up to your doctor about the signs and how they affect your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear or shame criticism A thorough assessment will give your doctor more of a complete picture of your lifestyle and issues.
Adults differ from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychological 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 request other people in the patient's life, like spouses or cohabiting partners or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the person's behavior has affected them. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can reveal crucial information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.
In certain instances the doctor may need to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical illnesses or injuries such as concussions or head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with the performance of your work or school and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live a life of independence.
ADHD can affect any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this is the case, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed due to brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to talk to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and upfront about your health issues as well as your past medical circumstances.
During the exam your doctor may employ standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history along with an in-depth description of your job and personal life. Your doctor may order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan, which can help identify any structural or chemical issues in the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may recommend that you take part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could carry negative consequences and may not provide the right treatment for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details about how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may be treated by medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's typically a combination of all three that helps people to succeed at school, work and other endeavors. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are the first step in treatment. Ask the doctor about their training and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is not able to provide 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's parents or other significant people, and teachers. It may also include the complete medical and family history as well as a psychotherapy evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hide due to embarrassment. A person has to show symptoms in two or more locations and exhibit significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true if those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. Frustration can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They can start to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of grief and regret about missed opportunities.
Adults with ADHD should be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek assistance. Finally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered, and to obtain the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for the symptoms and issues that plague him or her at the workplace, at home at relationships, at school and in many other settings. Treatments for adult ADHD typically involve medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they require specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren't typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step towards getting the help they need.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn't difficult for adults to suffer from this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the individual's family history as well as his or her own emotional and social history. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the best way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the severity and nature of the individual's issues and co-existing disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that commonly are associated with ADHD additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests may also help in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they've been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions that you might have. You can also look for professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what advice they would give you.
