15 Things You Didn't Know About Diagnose ADHD
How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who will evaluate your symptoms if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include physical examination as well as an analysis of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is crucial that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD hide the problem due to shame or fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask other people in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers -- to describe the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal crucial information that isn't found in tests or checklists.
In certain instances doctors may decide to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mental health issues and physical injuries like concussions or head trauma. adult adhd diagnosis IamPsychiatry will also review the individual's work and personal life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulty in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect the performance of your work or school or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. There is no clear reason for this however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and find it difficult to talk to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This can delay the process of evaluation. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms, as well as your past background for an accurate assessment.
During the exam, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family history and childhood and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor might also request a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam consists of blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine structural or chemical issues within the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression.
Your doctor may recommend that you take part in an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these studies could be risky and not result in a solution that is right for you.
It is also essential to inform your doctor any other medications you're taking, since they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. Medications that affect sleep, appetite, heart rate and blood pressure may affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational supports. Often, it's a combination of these that helps people achieve success at work, school and other activities. Treatment should begin with a referral from a primary care provider or other health professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you the information you need, it's best to look for a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. It could also include a complete medical and family history as well as a an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of being judged. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and must cause significant impairment in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Many adults with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true when people with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of low self-esteem and a poor performance.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They may begin to see their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault that they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can share their experiences and get advice. Finally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered and to obtain the names and numbers of specialists 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, including at home, work, school, in relationships, and many more. Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their problems aren't normal, or due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the support they need to live a better life.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to diagnose in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has worked with this condition for a long time. The interviewer might inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as also the family history of the person. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess a patient's. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best way to diagnose ADHD.
Based on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and any co-existing issues such as anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the right dosage of medication for a particular person.
It is also an excellent idea to ask friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they have been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions that you may have. You can also find professional who are certified on the internet or through the phone book. Find out about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they would recommend for you.