10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Diagnose ADHD
How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs because of missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms if you think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is important to be forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of being judged. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor may request others who are part of the patient's life, such as a spouse or cohabitating partner or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers to explain how the person's behavior has affected them. This can provide information that might not be found on a checklist or other tests.
In some cases the doctor may want to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries like concussions or head trauma. IamPsychiatry will look over the individual's work and personal life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily routine.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing some difficulty in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder schoolwork or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live a life of independence.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than girls. There is no clear explanation for this difference but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition because of certain brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to talk to a mental health professional or health care professional. This can make the process of evaluation more time-consuming. It is important to talk openly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your past background to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the examination your doctor may employ the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your childhood and family history and will also provide a detailed account of your home and work. Your doctor could also recommend an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam involves blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help determine structural or chemical issues in the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, you should be aware that these research studies may be risky and not result in a treatment that is right for you.
It is also important to tell your doctor any other medications you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can give you more information about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's usually an amalgamation of the three that can help people achieve success at work, school and in other pursuits. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are the first step towards treatment. Find out about the specialist's training and experience working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or unable to give this information, it's best to find a different one.
The diagnostic process of adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. The diagnostic process could also include an assessment of family and medical history as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide because of embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in a variety of settings and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Untreated ADHD can lead to comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly true for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they were unable to make friends or start a career. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to find out the services covered and to obtain the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance for the symptoms and problems that affect them in a variety of settings such as at home, work, school, in relationships, and many others. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their problems aren't normal or because of lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step to getting the help they need.
Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as also his or her family history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess a patient's. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the severity and nature of the person's difficulties and any co-existing issues like anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that commonly are associated with ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. The results of these tests could be useful in determining 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 great idea. Then check their professional credentials, including their academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries you may have. You can also look for experts who are certified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.