How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek an assessment due to being annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget bills and forget to track purchases.

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

Symptoms

If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD The first step in getting help is to find a medical professional who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examination as well as an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is essential to be forthcoming with the doctor about your issues and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of criticism. However, a thorough evaluation can give your doctor a better picture of your life.

Adults are different from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD can be more challenging than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. The doctor can ask other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to explain how the patient's behavior has affected them. This may reveal information that might not be found on tests or checklists.

In some cases doctors may decide to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mental health issues, and diagnosing ADHD in adults physical illnesses or injuries like 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 symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of a job or school as well as strain relationships and make it difficult to live an independent life.

ADHD can be an issue for anyone, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. There is no definitive explanation for this difference but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been found to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed due to brain structures 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 a mental health professional or health care provider. This can delay the process of evaluation. It is important to talk openly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous medical history, to ensure an accurate evaluation.

In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and childhood, and a detailed description your work and home. Your doctor might also request an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders.

A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan which can help identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including depression or substance abuse.

It is possible that your doctor might suggest you take part in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a solution that is suitable for you.

It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking, as they can interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. Medications that affect the appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure could affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details on how to discuss other medicines with your doctor.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational assistance. Often, it's the combination of these that can help people find success in work, school and other areas. Treatment should begin with a referral from a primary care provider or another health care professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to provide you this information, it's recommended to seek out a different professional.

The diagnostic process of adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. The diagnostic process may also include an examination of the family and medical history and an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back 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 determined.

Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. This is especially the case for those who suffer from adhd private diagnosis who have a history of chronic stress or a sense of frustration. The frustration can trigger an unfulfilled prophecy which results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.

For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault that they couldn't make friends or establish a career. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can cause regret and sadness over missed opportunities.

Adults who suffer from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their issues with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those with the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Finally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered, and to find the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed as ADHD can receive help to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety of settings that include at home, work, school as well as in relationships and many other. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medication. Some people find that they also require specialized coaching, which can help them with structure and support in everyday life.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their problems aren't normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the support they need to live better lives.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to diagnose in children. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has experience with this condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interviewer may ask about the patient's social and emotional history, as also his or her family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, most experts agree that the most accurate way to determine the presence of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is vital to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.

Based on the nature of the issues a person faces, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required to assess the effects and presence of co-existing disorders, like anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders that often are associated with ADHD. These tests can help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have worked. They should also be able explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what kind of therapy they may suggest for you.