How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to their impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties because they forget to pay their bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor 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 has ADHD, the first step to seek assistance is to find an expert in health care who will evaluate your symptoms. Your assessment will consist of physical examination as well as a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as substance abuse. It is essential to be forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both children and adults. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask others in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partner parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches to comment on the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This may reveal information that may not be included on a checklist or other tests.
In some cases the doctor may want to examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mental health conditions and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussions or head trauma. The doctor will also examine the individual's personal and professional 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 some difficulty in work and social situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with school or job performance as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live an independent life.
Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. There isn't a clear reason for this, but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to cause ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed due to brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to recognize ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble speaking to a health care doctor or a mental health professional. This can prolong the evaluation process. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous history for an accurate evaluation.
During the evaluation your doctor will employ standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood information, as well as an extensive description of your job and home life. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam includes blood tests and an examination of the brain. These can help identify structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including addiction or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you take part in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. It is important to be aware that these studies could pose potential risks and may not result in the appropriate treatment for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications that you take, as these may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effects of medications on sleep, appetite heart rate, appetite, and blood pressure can affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide you with more information about how to discuss other medicines with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. Most often, it's the combination of these that helps people find success in school, work and other areas. Treatment should begin with an appointment with the primary care provider 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 or unable to give this information, you should look for a different professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. The diagnostic process may also include an assessment of family and medical history and a psychiatric assessment. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant because of embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in a variety of settings and have a significant impact in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Many adults with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is particularly true for those with ADHD who have a history chronic anxiety or frustration. Frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy that causes lower self-esteem, low performance, and feelings of anger.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense sadness and regret over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD must be always ready to talk about their problems with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for symptoms and problems that affect them at the workplace, at home at relationships, at school and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication. Some people discover that they also require special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their troubles weren't just normal or because of poor parenting or laziness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards receiving the help they require to live better lives.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. IamPsychiatry live with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interviewer might inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as also his or her family history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. But most experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is crucial to take the patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to evaluate the presence and impact of co-existing conditions such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which typically occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests can also help in determining the appropriate dosage of medications for a particular person.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they have been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for qualified professionals via the internet or the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what type of therapy they would suggest for you.