How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek out an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties because they forget bills or don't keep 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 to evaluate your symptoms if you suspect you or your child has ADHD. The evaluation will consist of physical examination and a review of your medical history. This will include mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is important to be forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD hide their problems out of fear or shame criticism A thorough assessment will give the doctor a more complete picture of your life and issues.

Adults are different from children, and therefore 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 by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are applicable for both adults and children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor might also ask other people who are in the patient's life- such as spouse or co-habitating partner, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal information that may not be included on tests or checklists.

In some instances, the doctor will want to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will also review the person's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms affect their daily routines.

The signs of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with work or school performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live an independent life.

ADHD can be a problem for anyone, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. It is not clear why this is the case however it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in some people, and it is possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

It is not always simple to diagnose ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to open up to an expert in mental health or health care professional. This can delay the evaluation process. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms and your past background, to ensure an accurate assessment.

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

A physical exam involves blood tests and a brain scan. These can help identify structural or chemical problems in the brain which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as addiction to drugs or depression.

Your doctor may suggest that you take part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, you must be aware that these research studies can have risks and may not lead to a treatment that is right for you.

It is also essential to inform your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, since they could interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. The effects of medications on the appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure may 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 doctor.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. Often, it's a combination of these that can help people find success in school, work and other areas. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Ask about the professional's training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it's best to find another professional.

The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others and teachers. It could also involve an extensive medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not shy away due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. Multiple symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and cause significant impairment in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be established.

Many people with untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true if people with ADHD have a history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. It can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy that causes low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.

For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They can start to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their own responsibility for not being able to build a career or meet new friends. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with feelings of sadness and regret for missed opportunities that were left unexplored.

Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. Additionally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to see the services covered and to find the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with adhd private diagnosis.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance for the symptoms and issues that affect him or her in a variety of situations, including at home, Diagnosing ADHD in Adults work or at school or in relationships, and many more. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people may find that they also require specialized coaching, which can help them with structure and support in everyday life.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step to receiving the help they require.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist who has worked with this condition for a long time. The interview could include questions about the person's family history, as well as their own personal social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. However, most experts agree that the most reliable way to determine the presence of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is crucial to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.

Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to evaluate the effects and presence of co-existing conditions, such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders that often occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Then check their professional credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they have worked. They should also be able explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they might recommend for you.