How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missing deadlines, struggling in relationships due to impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties because they forget bills or don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor to examine your symptoms if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. The assessment will include physical examination as well as a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is essential to be forthcoming with the doctor about your issues and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear of shame or criticism A thorough assessment will provide the doctor with an accurate picture of your life and your difficulties.
Adults differ from children, and therefore diagnosing ADHD is more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. 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 children and adults. The doctor can request other people in the patient's life, for example, a spouse or cohabitating partner or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to discuss how the person's behavior has affected them. This could reveal information that might not show up on tests or checklists.
In some cases doctors may decide to examine other conditions which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses such as concussion or head trauma. The doctor will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms impact their daily routines.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in social and work situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with the performance of your work or school or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live independently.
Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. It is not clear why this is the case, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to cause ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to determine ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to speak to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This could make the evaluation process even longer. It is crucial to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms and your past experiences, to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the examination, your doctor will utilize standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood records and a detailed description of your work and family life. Your doctor may request a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, including a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam consists of blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical problems within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you participate in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults ADHD. adhd diagnosis adult are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could pose risks and not lead to the appropriate treatment for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Drugs that affect appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure may 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 doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may be treated by treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and education support. It's usually an amalgamation of all three that helps people to succeed in school, work and other endeavors. Treatment should begin with the referral of your primary care physician or other health care professional. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to provide this information, you should seek another professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. The diagnostic process could also include a medical and family history, as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant to avoid embarrassment. A person must display symptoms in two or more places and have an impairment that is significant in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially the case for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or frustration. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that can result in lower self-esteem, low performance, and feelings of anger.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They may begin to see their own behavior and realize that it wasn't because of them that they could not make friends or build a career. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can cause regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to talk about their problems with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those with the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. Those who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of the professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety of settings that include at home, work at school as well as in relationships and many others. Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people also require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their troubles weren't just normal, or due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis could be the first step in getting the help they need.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interview may include questions regarding the patient's family history and also the person's own emotional and social background. Some doctors use computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD.
Based on the severity and nature of the person's difficulties and any co-existing issues like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person.
It is also a good idea to ask friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they have been practicing. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you might have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would suggest for you.