How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs because of late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial problems due to the fact that they forget bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you believe that you or your child suffer from ADHD, the first step to seek help is to find a medical professional who will assess your symptoms. The assessment will include an examination of your body and an analysis of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is essential that you open up to your doctor about the signs and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD conceal their symptoms because of shame or fear of being criticized. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your life.
Adults differ from children, and therefore diagnosing ADHD is more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are applicable for both children and adults. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor could also ask others who are in the patient's life- such as spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal crucial information that isn't found in tests or checklists.
In certain instances, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulties in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect the performance of your work or school, strain relationships and make it difficult to live a life of independence.
ADHD can be an issue for anyone, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this however it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been shown to cause ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to recognize ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to open up to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This can make the evaluation process 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 evaluation your doctor will use 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 may order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, including seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam includes blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems in the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you take part in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies could be risky and not result in a solution that is appropriate for you.
It is also essential to tell your doctor any other medications you're taking, as they may interact with some stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. Medications that affect the appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite, and blood pressure can all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational assistance. It's usually an amalgamation of all three that helps people to succeed in school, work and other endeavors. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step towards treatment. Find out about the professional's education and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling in a position to provide this information, it's best to find a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. It could also involve a complete medical and family history, as well as psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back due to embarrassment. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more locations and cause significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They may begin to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their own responsibility for not being able to build a career or meet new friends. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret for missed opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults with ADHD must always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive help. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of the professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and problems that affect them in a variety of situations that include at work, home, school, in relationships, and many others. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medications. Some people also find they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their issues aren't normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis can be the first step towards receiving the help they require.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it is not impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interview could include questions about the individual's family history, as well as their own personal social and emotional history. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. But most experts agree that the most accurate indicator of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and that it is essential to take the patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological testing may be used to assess the presence and impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which typically are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person.
It's also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to specialists who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their credentials, including their academic degrees and the number of years they've been practicing. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions that you may have. You can also look for experts who are certified online or in the phonebook. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.