How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an assessment. They may lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget to pay bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, the first step in getting assistance is to find a health care provider who will assess your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is important that you open up to your doctor about the signs and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear or shame criticism, but a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with an accurate picture of your life and your problems.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. 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 can request other people who are part of the patient's life, such as a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings, teachers, and coaches, to describe how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal crucial information that may not be found in tests or checklists.
In certain cases the doctor may need to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health issues and physical injuries such as concussions or head trauma. He or she will also look at the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms impact their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in social and work situations. A severe condition can affect work or school performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it difficult to live a life of independence.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD It is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. There is no clear reason for this however it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been found to cause ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always easy. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have trouble speaking to a health care provider or a mental health specialist. This can prolong the process of evaluation. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms, as well as your previous medical experiences for an accurate assessment.
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 for diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood information along with an in-depth description of your job and home life. Your doctor may order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam consists of blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider might suggest you take part in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. Be aware, however, that these studies may have potential risks and may not result in the right treatment for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as these can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational supports. It's often an amalgamation of all three that helps people to succeed in school, work and in other pursuits. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are usually the first step to treatment. Find out about the specialist's training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or not able to give this information, it's best to seek another professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other significant people. It could also involve an extensive medical and family history, as well as an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hide to avoid embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly relevant for people who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or frustration. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that causes lower self-esteem, low performance, and feelings of anger.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they could not make friends or build an occupation. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults with ADHD must always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive advice. People with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of the professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that plague him or her at home, at work, in school, in relationships and in many other settings. Treatments for adult ADHD typically involve medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they require special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in everyday life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step to getting the help they need to live a better life.
how to get a diagnosis for adhd may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer may ask about the person's personal and emotional history, as also the family history of the person. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, the majority of experts agree that the best indicator of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and that it is essential to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Based on the severity and nature of the individual's issues and any co-existing issues such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can help determine the right dosage of medication for a person.
It's also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they have been in practice. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any queries you may have. You can also find professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would recommend for you.