How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment because they are dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could be losing their jobs due to missing deadlines, struggling in relationships because of impulsive behaviors or have financial issues due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you think your child or you may have ADHD. The evaluation will consist of physical examinations and a review your medical history. This includes mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is essential to be honest with the doctor about your issues and how they affect your life. Many people with 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 lifestyle and issues.
Since adulthood is 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 published by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis which are valid for both adults and children. The doctor can ask others who are in the patient's life such as a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to explain how the patient's behavior has affected them. This could reveal information that may not be found on a checklist or other tests.
In certain cases, the doctor will want to examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. He or she will also review the person's personal and work life to determine how their symptoms interfere with their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with the performance of your work or school and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live independently.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. It is not clear why this difference exists, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to cause ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to speak to a mental health professional or health care professional. This can prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure a thorough assessment it is crucial to be honest and open about your health issues as well as your past medical history.
In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will utilize standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood records along with an extensive description of your job and personal life. Your doctor may request an examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, including seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam typically involves blood work and a head scan, which can help you identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances.
Your doctor may suggest that you take part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you should be aware that these trials can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is suitable for you.
It is also essential to inform your doctor any other medications you're taking, since they could interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide you with more information about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational assistance. Most often, it's the combination of these that helps people achieve success at school, work and other areas. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are usually the first step in treatment. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it's best to find another professional.
The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. It could also include a complete medical and family history as well as a psychotherapy evaluation. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of being judged. Several symptoms must be present in two or more settings and must cause significant impairment in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Untreated ADHD can lead to co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when people with ADHD have a history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. Discontent can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault that they could not make friends or build an occupation. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of grief and regret about missed opportunities.
Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and problems that affect them in a variety of settings such as at work, home or at school or in relationships, and many more. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medication. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis find they require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems weren't due to poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis could be the first step to receiving the help they require.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview might include questions about the person's family history, and also the person's own emotional and social background. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. The majority of experts agree that a thorough interview is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD.
Based on the nature of the issues a person faces depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests can be conducted to assess the effects and presence of co-existing conditions, like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often accompany ADHD. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they have worked. They should be able to explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions that you might have. You can also look for qualified professionals online or in the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.