How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment because they are dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs because of missed deadlines, struggle with relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask how to get an adult adhd diagnosis or a mental health professional about their experience and training 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. The evaluation will consist of a physical exam and a review your medical background. This will include mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is essential to be honest with the doctor about your issues and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide their problems out of fear of shame or criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give your doctor a more complete picture of your life and your issues.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more difficult 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. The doctor can inquire about other people who are part of the patient's life, for example, the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches, to describe how the behavior of the person has affected them. This can provide information that might not show up on tests or checklists.
In certain cases, a doctor may want to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussion or head trauma. They will also examine the individual's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms impact their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it harder to live independently.
Anyone can have ADHD It is more common in men and boys than girls. There isn't a 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 certain individuals. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not always easy. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to open up to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can delay the process of evaluation. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and transparent about your health issues as well as past history.
During the examination, your doctor will use the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history, and a detailed description your work and home. Your doctor might also request an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan which can help identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that may be causing your 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 doctor might suggest you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you should be aware that these trials may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is suitable for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications you take, as these may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will give you more information on the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational support. It's usually an amalgamation of all three that helps people to succeed in school, work, and other activities. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are the first step to treatment. Ask the professional about their training and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to provide this information, it's best to seek another professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. It could also involve a complete medical and family history, as well as psychiatric evaluation. It is important that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide to avoid embarrassment. A person has to show symptoms in two or more places and cause an impairment that is significant in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Untreated ADHD can cause comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if people with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. Frustration can lead to an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They may begin to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault they couldn't establish an occupation or make friends. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD may be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret for missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek assistance. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered and to obtain the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and problems that affect them in a variety of settings that include at work, home at school as well as in relationships and many other. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to getting the support they need to live more fulfilled lives.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in 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 background. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. But most experts agree that the most reliable way to determine the presence of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is crucial to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and co-existing disorders 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 also help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and the length of time they've been in practice. They should also be able explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for qualified professionals online or in the phone book. Ask them about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they would suggest for you.