How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts people to seek an evaluation. They may lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget to pay bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who will evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. The assessment will include physical examination as well as a review of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is essential to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and the way they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD hide their problems out of fear or shame criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give your doctor a more complete picture of your lifestyle and problems.
adhd diagnose differ from children, which is why diagnosing ADHD can be more difficult than diagnosing 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. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask others in the person's life -for example, spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to comment on the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be revealed by tests or checklists.
In some cases, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussions or head trauma. They will also examine the individual's personal and work life to determine if the 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. The severe symptoms can hinder academic or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD It is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. It is unclear why this difference exists however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to trigger ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed due to brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a healthcare doctor or mental health professional. This can make the evaluation process longer. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and upfront about your symptoms and past circumstances.
During the evaluation your doctor may employ the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and family history, and a detailed description your home and work. Your doctor may order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam involves blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine structural or chemical issues within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances.
Your doctor may suggest taking part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. Be aware, however, that these studies could pose potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as these could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide you with more information about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. It's often a combination of these that helps people find success in school, work and other activities. Treatment should start with an appointment with a primary care provider or other health professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to provide you the information you need, it's best to look for a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient, parents or other significant people, and teachers. The process of diagnosis may include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as a psychiatric assessment. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back due to embarrassment. Several symptoms must be present in two or more settings and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Untreated ADHD can cause comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true for those who suffer from ADHD who have a history chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can trigger an unfulfilled prophecy which causes low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault that they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret over missed opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with supervisors and coworkers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can share their experiences and get advice. Finally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to determine the services covered and to get names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can receive help to address the issues and symptoms that affect them in a variety of settings that include at home, work at school, in relationships, and many other. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some individuals also discover they require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their issues aren't caused by poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to getting the support they need to live more fulfilled lives.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to be affected by this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist who has worked with this condition for a long time. The interviewer can inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well as their family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the most effective way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the nature and severity of the person's difficulties and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD Additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests may also help in determining the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and the length of time they've been working. They should also be able explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you might have. You can also look for experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they may suggest for you.