How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek an assessment because they are dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, or struggling with relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial issues because they forget to pay their bills or forget to track purchases.

Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Signs and symptoms

If you believe that you or your child have ADHD, the first step in getting help is to find a health care provider who will assess your symptoms. Your evaluation will include an examination of your body and an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is essential to be forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life.

Adults differ from children, so diagnosing ADHD is 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 which are valid for both children and adults. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask others who are in the patient's life- such as spouse or co-habitating partners parents, siblings or coaches and teachers to provide a description of the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal crucial information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.

In some cases the doctor may decide to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussions or head trauma. He or she will also look at the person's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms affect their daily activities.

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

Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more common in men and boys than girls. There isn't a clear explanation for this difference but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Certain foods and Diagnosing ADHD in Adults chemicals have been shown to trigger ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed 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 are unable to talk to a mental health professional or health care provider. This could make the evaluation process longer. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and upfront about your health issues as well as your past medical circumstances.

During the evaluation, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history, as well as an in-depth description of your work and family life. Your doctor may request an examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, such seizure or thyroid disorder.

A physical exam involves blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help to identify chemical or structural issues in the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like addiction to drugs or depression.

It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, you should be aware that these research studies could be risky and not result in a solution that is appropriate for you.

Inform your doctor about any other medications that you take, as these could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.

Treatment

For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include therapy, medication and educational assistance. Most often, it's the combination of these that helps people find success in school, work and other activities. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are the first step towards treatment. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or not able to give this information, it's best to find a different one.

The diagnostic process of adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. It could also include the complete medical and family history as well as a an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant because of embarrassment. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and have significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.

Untreated ADHD can result in co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. This is especially true when those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.

For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They can start to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over missed opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with supervisors and coworkers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can share their experiences and get advice. Those who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed as ADHD can receive help to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety settings such as at home, work at school or in relationships, and many others. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people may find that they also require special coaching, which can provide structure and help in everyday life.

Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their problems aren't normal or because of poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis can be the first step towards getting the help they need.

It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with had experience working with this disorder. The interview may include questions regarding the patient's family history, as well as the person's own social and emotional background. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the best way to determine if a patient has ADHD.

Depending on the severity and nature of the person's difficulties and the co-existing conditions like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.

It is also an excellent idea to ask colleagues and friends for suggestions to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they have worked. They should also be able explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you have. You can also search for experts who are qualified via the internet or the phone book. Find out about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they might recommend for you.