How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek an assessment because they are dissatisfied with the symptoms of Adhd diagnosis adults. They may be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or adhd diagnosis adults are having financial difficulties because they forget to pay their bills or lose track of purchases.

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

Signs and symptoms

Find a doctor who will assess your symptoms if suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation will consist of physical examination as well as an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is essential that you open up to your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD shy away from their problems because of shame or fear of criticism, but a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with an accurate picture of your life and problems.

Adults are different from children, which is why the diagnosis of ADHD can be more challenging than diagnosing ADHD in children. 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 adults and children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the person's life -for example, spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents or coaches and teachers -- to describe the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal information that may not be included on checklists or other tests.

In some cases the doctor may want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mental health issues and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. They will also look at the person's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms interfere with their daily routines.

The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing some difficulties in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it harder to live independently.

ADHD can affect any person, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors in play. Research has revealed that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition because of specific brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty speaking to a health care specialist or a mental health professional. This can make the process of evaluation even longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and upfront about your symptoms and past circumstances.

During the examination, your doctor will utilize the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your family and childhood history as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor might order an examination of your body to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, including a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.

A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan, which can reveal any structural or chemical issues within the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances.

It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. Be aware that these studies may have potential risks and may not result in the appropriate treatment for you.

It is also crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adult ADHD. The effects of medications on sleep, appetite, heart rate and blood pressure may all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's usually an amalgamation of all three that helps people achieve success in school, work, and other activities. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are usually the first step towards treatment. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, you should seek another professional.

The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant people, and teachers. The diagnostic process could also include a medical and family history as well as a psychiatric assessment. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment, or fear of criticism. Several symptoms must be present in more than one setting and have a significant impact in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be established.

Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. This is especially true when people with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. Discontent can result in an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and lead to feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.

A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for some adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault that they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of grief and regret about missed opportunities.

Adults with ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group, where people with the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered, and to find the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed as ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety of situations such as at home, work, school as well as in relationships and many others. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people find that they require special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in everyday life.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems aren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis could be the first step in getting the help they need.

Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interviewer might inquire about the patient's social and emotional history, as well his or her family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or adhd Diagnosis adults computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is vital to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.

Based on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and co-existing disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that typically are associated with ADHD additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests may be useful in determining the proper dosage of medications for an individual.

It is also a good idea to ask friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have worked. They should also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for professional who are qualified on the internet or in the phonebook. Find out about their counseling approach and what kind of therapy they may suggest for you.