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 because of late deadlines, have difficulty with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Symptoms
If you believe that you or your child has ADHD, the first step in getting assistance is to find a medical professional who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examination and a review of your medical background. This will include mental health issues as well as substance abuse. It is important that you are honest with your doctor about the signs and the way they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of shame or fear of criticism However, a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with more of a complete picture of your lifestyle and problems.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, 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 others in the person's life -like spouses or co-habitating partners siblings, parents or coaches and teachers to provide a description of the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This could provide information that might not be included on tests or checklists.
In some instances the doctor may decide to examine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mental health issues and physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms are affecting their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect work or school performance as well as strain relationships and make it difficult to live a life of independence.
ADHD can affect anyone, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in some people, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have trouble opening up to a healthcare doctor or a mental health specialist. This can delay the evaluation process. To ensure a thorough assessment, it is important to be honest and open about your health issues as well as your past medical circumstances.
In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will utilize standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask for your family and childhood history along with an in-depth description of your work and personal life. Your doctor may order an examination of your body to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan, which can reveal any structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like addiction to drugs or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you participate in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, you must be aware that these trials may be risky and not result in a solution that is right for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational supports. It's often an amalgamation of all three that helps people achieve success in school, work, and other activities. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Find out about the professional's education and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses or is not able to provide you this information, it's best to find another professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. The process of diagnosis may include a medical and family history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It's important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of being judged. A person has to show symptoms in two or more locations and exhibit a significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Untreated ADHD can cause the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. Discontent can result in an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and result in feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a source of relief. I Am Psychiatry begin to see themselves and realize it wasn't their responsibility for not being able to build an occupation or make friends. For certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret for missed opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults with ADHD should be ready to discuss their concerns openly with co-workers, supervisors 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 advice. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can get help to address the issues and symptoms that affect them at work, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other situations. Treatments for adult ADHD typically involve medication and psychotherapy. Some people also require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their issues aren't caused by poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis can be the first step towards getting the help they need.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview could include questions about the person's family history and also their own personal emotional and social background. Some doctors use computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. However, most experts agree that the most accurate way to determine the presence of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and that it is essential to take the patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be used to evaluate the presence and effects of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which often accompany ADHD. The results of these tests could also be helpful in determining the right dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. You should then verify their qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries you may have. You can also find qualified professionals online or in the phonebook. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.