How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek out an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missing deadlines, or struggling with relationships due to impulsive behavior or having financial trouble because they forget bills or don't keep track of purchases.

Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Symptoms

Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is crucial to be honest with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems because of shame or fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.

Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor could also ask others in the life of the patientfor example, spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal important information that isn't discovered by tests or checklists.

In certain cases the doctor may decide to examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, adult ADHD diagnosis and physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's work and personal life to determine how their symptoms impact their daily activities.

The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of your work or school and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live an independent life.

ADHD can affect any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in some individuals, and it is possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition because of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and find it difficult to open up to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This could make the evaluation process even longer. To ensure a thorough assessment, it is important to be honest and transparent about your symptoms as well as your past medical circumstances.

During the evaluation the doctor will use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family history and childhood as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor may also order an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.

A physical exam involves blood tests and an examination of the brain. These can help identify chemical or structural issues in the brain which could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as addiction to drugs or depression.

It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers such as NIMH. However, you should be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is right for you.

It is also important to tell your doctor any other medications you're taking, since they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat adult Adhd diagnosis ADHD. The effects of medications on the appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure may all 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 doctor.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD may be treated by medication, behavioral therapy, and education support. It's often an amalgamation of the three that can help people achieve success in school, work and other endeavors. Treatment should begin with a referral from a primary care provider or other health care professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or unable to give this information, you should look for a different professional.

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. It may also include the complete medical and family history and an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. A person must display symptoms in more than one place and cause an impairment that is significant in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.

Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true when those with ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. Discontent can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance.

A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They can start to understand themselves and realize it wasn't entirely their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense regret and sadness over missed opportunities.

Adults with ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those with the condition can share their experiences and get advice. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of the professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from adhd adult diagnosis.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help to address the issues and symptoms that afflict him or her at the workplace, at home, in relationships, at school and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically include psychotherapy and medication. Some individuals also discover they require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their issues aren't normal or because of lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the assistance they require.

It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to have this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist with experience in this condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. 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 assess patients. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the best method to determine if a patient has ADHD.

Based on the severity and nature of the individual's problems 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 administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can also help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they have been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any questions that you might have. You can also search for experts who are certified online or in the phonebook. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what they would suggest for you.