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, struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and forget to track purchases.

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

Signs and symptoms

If you believe that you or your child has ADHD, the first step in getting help is to find a medical professional who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is crucial to be open with your doctor about your symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem because of shame or fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your life.

Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult 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 that are appropriate for both children and adults. The doctor can inquire about others who are in the patient's life like the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches, to describe how the behavior of the person has affected them. This could reveal information that may not show up on checklists or other tests.

In certain cases the doctor may want to examine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses, like concussions or head trauma. He or she will also look at the person's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms impact their daily activities.

The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect schoolwork or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence.

Anyone can suffer from ADHD It is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. It is unclear why this difference exists however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to cause ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty opening up to a health care provider or a mental health specialist. This can delay the process of evaluation. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and upfront about your symptoms and past experiences.

During the evaluation your doctor may employ standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family and childhood history, as well as a detailed description of your work and personal life. Your doctor may also order an exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders.

A physical exam includes blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems in the brain which could be contributing to adhd diagnosis adults symptoms. A physical can also help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like 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, such as NIMH. You should be aware, however, that these studies could carry negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you.

It is also essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. Medications that affect the appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure may affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details about the best way to discuss other medications with your physician.

Treatment

For adults diagnosed with ADHD treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. Often, it's a combination of these that help people to achieve success in school, work and other activities. Treatment should begin with an appointment with your primary care physician or other health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to provide this information, it's best to look for a different professional.

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other important people. It could also include a complete medical and family history, as well as psychiatric evaluation. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant due to embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and have a significant impact in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.

Untreated ADHD can cause comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true when people with ADHD have a history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. The frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.

A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault that they could not make friends or build a career. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret over lost opportunities that were not addressed.

Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Also, those who have the diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered and to obtain the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for symptoms and problems that plague him or her at home, at work at relationships, at school and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people also need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems weren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step to getting the help they need.

It is much easier to identify private adhd diagnosis in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to be affected by this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.

The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interview might include questions about the person's family history, as well as his or her own emotional and social background. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the most reliable indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is crucial to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.

Depending on the nature and severity of the person's difficulties and any co-existing issues like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD, additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the effect and adhd diagnosis Adults severity of these conditions. These tests can aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.

It is also recommended to ask colleagues and friends for suggestions to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they have worked. They should be able explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they may recommend for you.