How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts people to seek an evaluation. They could be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships because of impulsive behaviors or have financial issues because they forget bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you believe that you or your child suffer from ADHD, the first step in getting assistance is to locate a medical professional 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 to be forthcoming with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide their problems out of fear or shame criticism, but a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with a more complete picture of your lifestyle and issues.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing 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 appropriate for both adults and children. The doctor can inquire about others in the patient's life, like a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers, to describe how the person's behavior has affected them. This can reveal important information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.
In some cases the doctor may decide to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical illnesses or injuries such as concussions or head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's personal and professional life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live independently.
ADHD can be a problem for everyone, but it's more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. It is not clear why this difference exists, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has revealed that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition because specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to recognize ADHD. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and are unable to talk to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can make the process of evaluation even longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and open about your health issues as well as your past medical history.
During the evaluation your doctor may employ standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family history and childhood and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor may order an examination of your body to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, including seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam involves blood tests and brain scans. I Am Psychiatry can help to identify structural or chemical problems in the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances.
Your doctor might suggest that you take part in an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies may be risky and not result in a solution that is suitable for you.
It is also crucial to tell your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adult ADHD. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure can all affect the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details about the best way to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational assistance. It's often a combination of these that can help people find success in work, school and other areas. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are usually the first step in treatment. Ask the professional about their training and experience working with adults with 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 diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others and teachers. The diagnostic process could also include an assessment of family and medical history as well as a psychiatric assessment. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide because of embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in a variety of settings and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many people with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is especially true if those with ADHD have a history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. Frustration can lead to an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and lead to feelings of self-doubt and poor performance.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a relief. They can begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault that they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must be always ready to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. Those who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety of situations, including at work, home, school or in relationships, and many other. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people find that they also need specific coaching, which may help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis could be the first step to 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. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interviewer might inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as also their family history. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. But most experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is crucial to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Depending 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 tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests can also help in determining the right dosage of medications for an individual.
It is also recommended to ask friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and the length of time they have been practicing. They should be able to explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Find out about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they would recommend for you.