How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek an assessment because they are frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships because of impulsive behaviors or having financial trouble because they forget bills or lose track of purchases.

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

Signs and symptoms

Find a doctor to assess your symptoms if suspect that you or your child has ADHD. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues as well as substance use. It is crucial to be forthcoming with the doctor about your issues and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of shame or fear of criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give your doctor an accurate picture of your life and difficulties.

Adults are different from children, and therefore the diagnosis of private adhd diagnosis is more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor could also ask other people who are in the patient's lifelike spouses or Diagnosing ADHD in Adults co-habitating partners siblings, parents or coaches and teachers to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could provide information that might not show up on a checklist or other tests.

In certain cases, the doctor will want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses, like head trauma. He or she will also review the person's personal and professional life to determine how their symptoms interfere with their daily activities.

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

ADHD can affect anyone, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason for this but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence of specific brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to talk to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can delay the process of evaluation. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and upfront about your symptoms and past experiences.

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 a diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood information and an in-depth description of your work and personal life. Your doctor might order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.

A physical exam includes blood tests and brain scans. These can help identify chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances.

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

It is also crucial to inform your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, since they could interact with some stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's usually a combination of all three that can help people achieve success at school, work and in other pursuits. Treatment should start with an appointment with a primary care provider or another health care professional. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it is best to find another professional.

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. The diagnostic process may also include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide to avoid embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and must cause significant impairment in the person's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.

Many adults with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true when those who suffer from ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance and feelings of frustration.

For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a source of relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault that they could not make friends or build an occupation. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret over missed opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of the professionals who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for the symptoms and issues that plague him or her at home, at work, in school, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medication. Some people discover that they require special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their troubles weren't just normal or because of lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step to receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.

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 interviewer might inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as also the family history of the person. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the best method to diagnose ADHD.

Based on the nature and severity of the person's difficulties and any co-existing issues like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests can also be helpful in determining the proper dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Check their credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should also be able explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you have. You can also find experts who are qualified via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.