How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle with relationships due to 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 training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Signs and symptoms

Find a doctor who will examine your symptoms if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include both physical examinations and a review of your medical background. This includes mental health issues and alcohol abuse. It is essential to be honest with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear of shame or criticism A thorough assessment will give the doctor more of a complete picture of your lifestyle and issues.

Adults are different from children, so diagnosing ADHD is 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 which are valid for both children and adults. The doctor might inquire about other people who are in the patient's life like spouses or cohabiting partners or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers to explain how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal important information that isn't revealed by tests or checklists.

In some instances, the doctor will want to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health issues and physical injuries like head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's work and personal life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in work and social situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live an independent life.

ADHD can be an issue for everyone, but it's more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this difference exists however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition because of specific brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and are unable to speak to a mental health professional or health care professional. This could make the evaluation process longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and upfront about your health issues as well as your past medical experiences.

During the examination, your doctor will utilize the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your family and childhood history, and a detailed description your work and home. Your doctor may order a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.

A physical exam typically includes blood tests and a head scan which can help identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help determine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.

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 at research centers such as NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could pose risks and not lead to the best treatment for you.

It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking, since they could interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

For adults diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include therapy, medication and educational supports. It's often a combination of these that help people find success in work, school and other areas. Treatment should begin with an appointment with a primary care provider or other health care professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to give you the information you need, it's recommended to seek out 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. It could also include the complete medical and family history as well as a psychotherapy evaluation. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant due to embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and must cause significant impairment in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.

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 stress or Diagnosing ADHD in Adults frustration. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.

A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They can start to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their responsibility for not being able to build a career or meet new friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret for missed opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults with ADHD should always be ready to discuss their concerns openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and get advice. Also, those who have the diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to determine the services covered and to find the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for the symptoms and issues that afflict him or her at home, at work at the classroom, in relationships and in many other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medication. Some individuals also discover they require special coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems weren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. For many, getting diagnosed with adhd a diagnosis is the first step to getting the support they need to live more fulfilled lives.

It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interview might include questions about the person's family history as well as their own personal emotional and social history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. The majority of experts agree that a thorough interview is the best way to determine if a patient has ADHD.

Based on the severity and nature of the individual's issues and the co-existing conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD Additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.

It's also recommended to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they have worked. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any questions that you might have. You can also find professional who are qualified online or in the phonebook. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.