How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an evaluation. They may lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems due to the fact that they forget bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who can assess your symptoms if think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. The assessment will include physical examination as well as a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is important to be honest with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or fear of criticism. However, a thorough evaluation can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life.
Adults are different from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD can be more challenging than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. The doctor might inquire about others in the patient's life, like the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to explain how the behavior of the person has affected them. This may reveal information that might not be included on a checklist or other tests.
In certain cases, a doctor may want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mental health issues and physical injuries such as concussions or head trauma. They will also examine the individual's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms interfere with their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live an independent life.
ADHD can be an issue for any person, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. There is no clear reason for this, but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. 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 that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble speaking to a health care specialist or a mental health professional. This could make the evaluation process more time-consuming. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and open about your health issues as well as your past medical experiences.
In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will use standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood records along with a detailed description of your work and family life. Your doctor may also order a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as 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 could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs or depression.
Your doctor might suggest you participate in a clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you should be aware that these research studies can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is appropriate for you.
It is also crucial to tell your doctor any other medications you're taking, since they could interact with some stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD treatments include behavioral therapy, medication and educational supports. It's often an amalgamation of all three that helps people achieve success at school, work and in other pursuits. Treatment should begin with an appointment with your primary care physician or another health care professional. Find out about the specialist's training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling not able to provide this information, you should look for a different professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other significant people. The process of diagnosis may include an examination of the family and medical history as well as a psychiatric assessment. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not shy away due to embarrassment, or fear of being judged. A person must display symptoms in two or more locations and have an impairment that is significant in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true when people with ADHD have a history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. The frustration can trigger a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They can begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can trigger feelings of sadness and regret over missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their concerns with co-workers and supervisors. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek assistance. Additionally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to find out the services covered and to get names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for the symptoms and issues that affect them at home, at work at the classroom, in relationships and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medication. adhd diagnosis uk adults discover that they also require special coaching, which can provide structure and support in everyday life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their problems aren't normal, or due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For some, a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the support they need to live better lives.
Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to diagnose in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interview might include questions about the individual's family history, as well as his or her own social and emotional background. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD.
Depending 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 determine the presence and effects of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests could also help in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with had experience in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Then check their professional credentials, including their academic degrees and the number of years they've been practicing. They must also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you have. You can also look for professional who are qualified through the internet or on the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what advice they would give you.