How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads people to seek an evaluation. They may lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget to pay bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, the first step to seek assistance is to locate a medical professional who will examine your symptoms. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is essential to be honest with your doctor about the signs and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear of shame or criticism A thorough assessment will give your doctor an accurate picture of your life and problems.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychiatric 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. The doctor may request others who are in the patient's life like a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to explain how the person's behavior has affected them. This can reveal information that may not be found on checklists or other tests.
In some cases the doctor may want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. The doctor will also look at the person's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms affect their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing some difficulties in social and work situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with schoolwork or work performance and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live an independent life.
Anyone can have ADHD However, it is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this is the case however, it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been shown to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and find it difficult to talk to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can prolong the process of evaluation. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms as well as your previous medical history for an accurate evaluation.
During the examination, your doctor may use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your childhood and family history as well as a thorough description of your home and work. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam consists of blood tests and an examination of the brain. These can help identify structural or chemical issues within the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. adhd diagnosis uk adults may also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances.
Your doctor might suggest you participate in a clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, you should be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is suitable for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications that you take, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can give you more information about how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support. Often, it's the combination of these that help people to achieve success in school, work and other areas. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are usually the first step towards treatment. Find out about the professional's education and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to give you this information, it's recommended to seek out a different professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. It could also involve an extensive medical and family history as well as a psychiatric 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 more than one setting and must cause significant impairment in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Many adults with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when people with ADHD have a history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of low self-esteem and poor performance.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They may begin to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their own responsibility for not being able to build a career or make friends. For some adults, a 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 co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that plague him or her at the workplace, at home at relationships, at school and in many other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medications. 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 issues aren't typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For some, a diagnosis is the first step to getting the help they need to live more fulfilled lives.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview could include questions regarding the patient's family history as well as the person's own emotional and social background. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. However, the majority of experts agree that the most reliable indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and that it is essential to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and any co-existing issues such as mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests may also help in determining the proper dosage of medications for an individual.
Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and how long they have been practicing. They must also be able to explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you might have. You can also find professional who are qualified on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask them about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they might suggest for you.