How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the frustration of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, or struggling with relationships due to impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties because they forget to pay their bills or don't keep track of purchases.

Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Signs and symptoms

Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child has ADHD. Your assessment will consist of physical examination and a review your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as substance abuse. It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about the signs and diagnosing ADHD in adults 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 clearer picture of your daily life.

Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. 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. The doctor might inquire about others who are part of the patient's life, such as a spouse or cohabitating partner or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to discuss how the behavior of the person has affected them. This can reveal information that might not be found on a checklist or other tests.

In some instances the doctor may decide to examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health conditions, as well as physical illnesses or injuries, like head trauma. He or she will also review the person's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms impact their daily activities.

The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulties 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.

Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more common in men and boys than girls. There is no definitive reason for this, but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to cause ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli.

Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always easy. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and may have difficulty talking to a health care specialist or mental health specialist. This can make the process of evaluation even longer. To ensure a thorough assessment it is crucial to be honest and open about your symptoms as well as your past medical circumstances.

During the examination, your doctor will use the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your childhood and family history and will also provide a detailed account of your home and work. Your doctor might also request an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.

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

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, you should be aware that these research studies may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is appropriate for you.

Tell your doctor about any other medications you take, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat adhd diagnosis adults in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details on how to discuss other medicines with your physician.

Treatment

For adults diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational assistance. It's usually an amalgamation of all three that helps people achieve success at work, school and other endeavors. Treatment should start with an appointment with the primary care provider or other health care professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to give you this information, it is best to find another professional.

The diagnostic process of adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. The diagnostic process could also include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not shy away due to embarrassment, or fear of being judged. Several symptoms must be present in two or more settings and cause significant impairment in the individual's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.

Many adults with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. This is particularly the case for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. Discontent can result in an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a poor performance.

For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They may begin to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault they couldn't establish a career or make friends. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over missed opportunities that were left unexplored.

Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive guidance. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to find out the services covered and to find the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can get help for the symptoms and issues that afflict him or her at home, at work at school, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adult ADHD usually include medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their issues aren't caused by bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the assistance they require.

Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interview may include questions regarding the patient's family history and also his or her own emotional and social background. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, most experts agree that the most reliable way to determine the presence of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and that it is essential to take the history of a patient into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.

Depending on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to determine the effects and presence of co-existing conditions like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. You should then verify their credentials, diagnosing ADHD in adults including their academic degrees and the number of years they've been practicing. They should also be able to explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you might have. You can also find experts who are certified online or in the phone book. Ask about their counseling approach and what type of therapy they would recommend for you.