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 could lose their jobs due to missing deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to impulsive behavior 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 training in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, the first step towards getting assistance is to locate an expert in health care who will assess your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examination as well as an examination of your medical history, which includes mental health issues as well as substance use. It is crucial that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems because of shame or fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychiatric 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. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor might also ask others in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers to comment on the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal important information that isn't discovered by tests or checklists.
In some instances, the doctor will want to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These can include mood disorders, mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the individual's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms are hindering their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live an independent life.
ADHD can be a problem for anyone, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. There is no clear reason for this however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to diagnose ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to talk to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care professional. This can delay the evaluation process. It is crucial to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms, as well as your previous medical experiences for a thorough evaluation.
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 a diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood information and a detailed description of your job and home life. Your doctor might order an examination of your body to rule out medical causes 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 issues within the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs 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. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis is important to be aware, however, that these studies may have potential risks and may not result in the appropriate treatment for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, as they 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. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may be treated by medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support. It's typically an amalgamation of all three that can help people succeed at work, school and other endeavors. Treatment should begin with the referral of your primary care physician or other health care professional. Ask the doctor about their knowledge and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling not able to provide this information, you should look for a different professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others and teachers. It could also involve a complete medical and family history as well as a psychotherapy evaluation. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of criticism. Multiple symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and must cause significant impairment in the individual's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many adults with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially the case for those with ADHD who have a history of chronic stress or a sense of frustration. It can lead to a self fulfilling prophecy that causes low self-esteem, a lack of performance and feelings of frustration.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They may begin to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault that they weren't able to establish an occupation or make friends. For certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret for missed opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to talk about their problems with supervisors and coworkers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, where people with the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive help. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety settings, including at work, home or at school or in relationships, and many others. Treatments for adult ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medications. Some people discover that they require specialized coaching, which can provide structure and support in everyday life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems weren't due to poor parenting or laziness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step to getting the support they need to live a better life.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It is more difficult to diagnose in children. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the individual's family history as well as the person's own social and emotional history. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. But most experts agree that the most accurate way to determine the presence of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed that it is essential to take the history of a patient into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Based on the severity and nature of the individual's issues and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that typically are associated with ADHD Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the appropriate dosage of medications for a particular person.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Check their credentials, including academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They must also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phonebook. Find out about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they would suggest for you.