How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missing deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to impulsive behavior or having financial trouble because they forget to pay their bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who will examine your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child has ADHD. Your assessment will consist of physical examination and a review your medical background. This includes mental health issues and alcohol abuse. It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and the way they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your life.
Adults differ from children, so diagnosing ADHD can be more challenging than diagnosing 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 applicable to adults as well as children. The doctor can inquire about other people who are in the patient's life such as a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers, to describe how the person's behavior has affected them. This could reveal information that might not be found on a checklist or other tests.
In some instances the doctor may decide to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses, like head trauma. They will also review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms are hindering their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of your work or school and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live a life of independence.
Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. It is unclear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can delay the process of evaluation. It is important to talk candidly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous background, to ensure a thorough evaluation.
During the evaluation your doctor will utilize standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and childhood as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor may also order an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan which can reveal any structural or chemical issues within the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help rule other conditions out that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances.
Your doctor may suggest taking part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies may be risky and not result in a solution that is right 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. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational supports. It's typically a combination of the three that can help people to succeed at school, work and in other pursuits. Treatment should begin with a referral from your primary care physician or other health professional. Check out adhd diagnosis uk adults and experience working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or not able to provide this information, you should look for a different professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. It may also include an extensive medical and family history, as well as psychiatric evaluation. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide because of embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true when those with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They may begin to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their responsibility for not being able to build an occupation or make friends. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over lost opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with supervisors and coworkers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group in which people who suffer from the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive assistance. Also, those who have a diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered and to get names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance to address the issues and symptoms that affect them in a variety of settings such as at home, work, school as well as in relationships and many others. Treatments for adult ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people find that they require special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their problems aren't normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards getting the support they need to live more fulfilled lives.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interviewer can inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well the family history of the person. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. However, the majority of experts agree that the most reliable way to determine the presence of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and that it is essential to take the history of a patient into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Based on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and any co-existing issues like mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that typically are associated with ADHD, additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests may be useful in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person.
Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Then check their professional credentials, including academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any questions that you might have. You can also look for qualified professionals on the internet or through the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what type of therapy they may suggest for you.