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 to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or having financial trouble because they forget to pay their bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms if you suspect you or your child has ADHD. Your evaluation 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 impact your life. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of shame or fear of criticism However, a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with more of a complete picture of your lifestyle and issues.
Adults are different from children, and therefore diagnosing ADHD can be more challenging 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 adults and children. The doctor may ask others who are in the patient's life such as spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers, to describe how the patient's behavior has affected them. This may reveal information that might not be included on a checklist or other tests.
In certain cases the doctor may need to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussion or head trauma. They will also review the individual's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms are hindering their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it harder to live independently.
ADHD can be an issue for everyone, but it's more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this difference exists however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Studies have shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to talk to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This can delay the evaluation process. It is essential to speak openly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous background to ensure an accurate assessment.
In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will utilize the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood information and an extensive description of your work and family life. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan, which can help identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule other conditions out that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may recommend you participate in a a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you.
It is also important to tell your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD can be treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and education support. It's often an amalgamation of all three that helps people to succeed at school, work and other endeavors. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are often the first step towards treatment. Ask about the professional's training and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it's best to look for a different one.
The diagnostic process of adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. It could also include a complete medical and family history as well as a an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of being judged. Multiple symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Untreated ADHD can lead to co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. This is especially the case for those with ADHD who have a history chronic stress or a sense of frustration. The frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and lead to feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret for missed opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive assistance. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of the professionals 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 him or her in a variety settings, including at home, work, school as well as in relationships and many more. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medications. Some people may find that they also require special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems weren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in getting the support they need to live a better life.
Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. In adhd uk diagnosis , many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview may include questions about the individual's family history, and also his or her own emotional and social history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, most experts agree that the most accurate indicator of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is vital to take the history of a patient into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on the nature of the issues a person faces depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological testing may be used to assess the presence and impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also a good idea to ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and the length of time they've been working. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you might have. You can also search for experts who are certified on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would recommend for you.