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 be losing their jobs due to missing deadlines, struggling in relationships due to impulsive behavior or having financial trouble due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or forget to track purchases.

Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Symptoms

If you believe that you or your child has ADHD The first step towards getting help is to find an expert in health care who will evaluate your symptoms. The assessment will include a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, which includes mental health issues as well as substance use. It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD conceal their symptoms because of shame or fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.

Adults are different from children, which is why the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both children and adults. The doctor may request others who are part of the patient's life, for example, a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings, teachers, and coaches to explain how the behavior of the person has affected them. This may provide information that might not be included on checklists or other tests.

In some cases, a doctor may want to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses, like head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's personal and professional life to determine how their symptoms impact their daily activities.

The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect the performance of your work or school or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence.

ADHD can be an issue for any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. There isn't a clear reason behind this but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has revealed that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis of 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 make the evaluation process even longer. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms as well as your past experiences for a thorough evaluation.

During the evaluation, undiagnosed your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood records and an extensive description of your work and home life. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.

A physical exam includes blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine structural or chemical issues within the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.

It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers, such as NIMH. It is important to be aware that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the appropriate treatment for Undiagnosed you.

Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as these can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Drugs that affect appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure could affect the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and education support. It's typically an amalgamation of all three that helps people succeed in school, work and in other pursuits. Treatment should start with the referral of a primary care provider or another health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or not able to give this information, it's best to seek another professional.

The diagnostic process for adult diagnosis of adhd ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. It could also involve the complete medical and family history and an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back because of embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be established.

Untreated ADHD can lead to the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is especially the case for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or frustration. Frustration can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.

For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They may begin to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault they couldn't establish an occupation or make friends. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults suffering from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their concerns with their supervisors and colleagues. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can share their experiences and get assistance. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed as ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and issues that affect them in a variety settings such as at home, work at school as well as in relationships and many others. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medications. Some people find that they also need specialized coaching, which can provide structure and help in daily life.

Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their issues aren't normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step in getting the help they need.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to recognize in children. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has expertise in this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview might include questions regarding the patient's family history, as well as their own personal emotional and social background. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, the majority of experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is crucial to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.

Based on the nature of the issues a person faces, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to determine the presence and impact of co-existing disorders, like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often accompany ADHD. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the right dosage of medications for an individual.

Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they have been practicing. They should also be able explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you have. You can also look for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Ask about their counseling approach and what type of therapy they might suggest for you.