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 missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties because they forget to pay their bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor to assess your symptoms if think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. Your evaluation will include an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is essential that you are honest with your doctor about the signs and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of criticism. However, a thorough evaluation can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life.
Adults differ from children, which is why diagnosing ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor might request others in the patient's life, such as spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the patient's behavior has affected them. IamPsychiatry can reveal crucial information that may not be revealed by tests or checklists.
In some instances the doctor may decide to examine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries like concussions or head trauma. He or she will also look at the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms affect their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live an independent life.
ADHD can be an issue for any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. There isn't a clear reason for this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to trigger ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to recognize ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty opening up to a health care doctor or a mental health professional. This can delay the process of evaluation. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and transparent about your health issues and past history.
During the examination the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood information and a detailed description of your job and home life. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam usually includes blood tests and a head scan, which can reveal any chemical or structural issues in the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances.
It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. You should be aware that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the right treatment for you.
It is also essential to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking, as they may interact with some stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may be treated by medication, behavioral therapy, and educational assistance. It's often a combination of these that help people achieve success at work, school and other pursuits. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are the first step to treatment. Ask the doctor about their expertise and training in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses 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, parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. The diagnostic process could also include an assessment of family and medical history and an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It's important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of criticism. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and exhibit a significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Untreated ADHD can result in the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. It can lead to an unfulfilled prophecy which can result in low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They may begin to see themselves better and realize it wasn't because of them that they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense grief and regret about missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their concerns with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and get advice. People with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of the professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for symptoms and problems that plague him or her at work, at home at the classroom, in relationships and in many other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people find that they require special coaching, which can provide structure and help in everyday life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by poor parenting or laziness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in getting the support they need to live a better life.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this condition can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the person's family history and also their own personal social and emotional history. Some doctors use computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD.
Depending on the severity and nature of the person's difficulties and the co-existing conditions like mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD, additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be administered to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. The results of these tests could be useful in determining the appropriate dosage of medications for an individual.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and how long they've been in practice. They must also be able to explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for professional who are qualified on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what they would suggest for you.