How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an evaluation. They could be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships because of impulsive behaviors or are having financial difficulties because they forget bills or don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you believe that you or your child have ADHD The first step towards getting assistance is to locate a medical professional who will examine your symptoms. Your assessment will consist of physical examinations and a review your medical background. This will include mental health issues as well as substance abuse. It is essential to be forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. 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 adults and children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the life of the patient- such as spouse or co-habitating partners siblings, parents or coaches and teachers -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This may reveal information that might not show up on tests or checklists.
In certain instances, a doctor may want to examine other conditions which may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, like head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's personal and professional life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to problems in work and social situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect the performance of your work or school, strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.
ADHD can affect everyone, but it's more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this difference exists, but there are probably environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty speaking to a health care specialist or mental health specialist. This can prolong the evaluation process. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous experiences for a thorough evaluation.
In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your family and childhood history as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam consists of blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical issues in the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is suitable for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep and blood pressure could affect the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's typically an amalgamation of all three that helps people succeed at work, school and in other pursuits. Treatment should start with an appointment with your primary care physician or another health care professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or unable to provide this information, you should find a different one.
adhd diagnosis uk adults of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. It could also include the complete medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment, or fear of being criticized. Multiple symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and have a significant impact in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly relevant for people who suffer from ADHD who have a history chronic stress or frustration. Frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy that can result in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for some adults. They can start to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their fault they couldn't establish a career or make friends. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can come with feelings of sadness and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, where people with the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek assistance. People with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of the professionals who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD is able to receive assistance to address the issues and symptoms that affect them in a variety settings such as at work, home, school as well as in relationships and many more. Treatments for adult ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people may find that they require special coaching, which can provide structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their issues aren't caused by bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis can be the first step in getting the help they need.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, however it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interview may include questions regarding the patient's family history as well as the person's own social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the severity and nature of the person's difficulties and the co-existing conditions like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person.
It's also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been working. They should also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you might have. You can also find professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Find out about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they might suggest for you.