How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment due to being annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They may be losing their jobs due to missing deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to impulsive behavior or having financial trouble due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD The first step towards getting help is to find an expert in health care who will examine your symptoms. Your assessment will consist of a physical exam and a review of your medical background. This will include mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is crucial that you open up to your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people with ADHD conceal their symptoms out of shame or for fear of being criticized. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partner, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This may reveal information that may not show up on a checklist or other tests.
In certain instances, a doctor may want to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mental health issues and physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms are hindering their daily routine.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in work and social situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live a life of independence.
ADHD can be a problem for anyone, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to trigger ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have trouble speaking to a health care doctor or a mental health specialist. This can prolong the evaluation process. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms and your previous medical experiences for a thorough evaluation.
During the examination your doctor may employ standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history and a detailed description of your work and home life. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam includes blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical issues within the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances.
Your doctor may recommend that you take part in an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. However, you must be aware that these research studies could be risky and not result in a treatment that is appropriate for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications you take, as these could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep and blood pressure may all have an effect on how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may be treated by medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's often a combination of all three that helps people succeed in school, work and other endeavors. Treatment should begin with an appointment with the primary care provider or other health care professional. Ask the professional about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling unable to give this information, you should look for a different professional.
adhd diagnosis in adult ADHD Diagnosis for adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. The diagnostic process may also include a medical and family history, as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is crucial that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back to avoid embarrassment. 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 given.
Untreated ADHD can lead to comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. It can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They can start to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with a sense of grief and regret for missed opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered and to find the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help to address the issues and symptoms that affect them at the workplace, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other situations. Treatments for adult ADHD typically involve medication and psychotherapy. Some people also need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren't normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis could be the first step towards getting the help they need.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it is not impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interviewer might inquire about the patient's social and emotional history, as also his or her family history. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. But most experts agree that the best indicator of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is crucial to take the patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Based on the nature and severity of the individual's issues and any co-existing issues like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD Additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a person.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions that you might have. You can also look for experts who are certified on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask about their counseling approach and what kind of therapy they may suggest for you.