How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They may be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial issues due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or forget to track purchases.

Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Signs and symptoms

If you believe that you or your child have ADHD The first step to seek assistance is to locate a medical professional who will evaluate your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examination and a review your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is important 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, but a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with a more complete picture of your life and difficulties.

Adults are different from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD can be 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 adults and children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor could also ask other people in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partners siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to comment on the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal important details that aren't discovered by tests or checklists.

In certain cases the doctor may want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health issues and physical illnesses or injuries such as concussions or head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms are affecting their daily routine.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing some difficulty in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live a life of independence.

ADHD can be an issue for anyone, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. There is no definitive explanation for this difference however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in some individuals, and it is possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition because of certain brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with ADHD is not always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and find it difficult to open up to a mental health professional or health care provider. This could make the evaluation process more time-consuming. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms, as well as your past background, to ensure an accurate assessment.

During the examination, your doctor will use the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and family history as well as a thorough description of your home and work. Your doctor may request an examination of your body to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, including a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.

A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan, which can reveal any chemical or structural issues in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including addiction or depression.

Your doctor might suggest that you take part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these studies could be risky and not lead to a treatment that is appropriate for you.

Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you take, as these may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details on how to get diagnosed with adhd to discuss other medications with your health care provider.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support. It's usually a combination of the three that can help people succeed in school, work, and other activities. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are usually the first step towards treatment. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, you should seek another professional.

The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other significant people. The diagnostic process may also include an assessment of family and medical history and a psychiatric assessment. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant to avoid embarrassment. A person has to show symptoms in more than one place and cause an impairment that is significant in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.

Untreated ADHD can lead to comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially the case for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can trigger an unfulfilled prophecy which results in low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.

A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they could not make friends or build an occupation. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those with the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of the professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

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

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems aren't due to lazy parenting or diagnosing ADHD in adults a lack of discipline. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step to receiving the help they require to live better lives.

Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist with experience in this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview might include questions about the person's family history and also the person's own social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. The majority of experts agree that a thorough interview is the best way to determine the presence of ADHD.

Depending on the nature of the issues a person faces depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests can be conducted to evaluate the presence and effects of co-existing disorders, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders that often accompany ADHD. The results of these tests may also help in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have expertise in diagnosing adhd in adults ADHD is a good idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they've been working. They should also be able explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they would recommend for you.