5 Lessons You Can Learn From Diagnose ADHD
How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They may be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or having financial trouble due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Your assessment will consist of physical examinations and a review of your medical history. This will include mental health issues and substance abuse. It is essential to be open with your doctor about your issues and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear of shame or criticism, but a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with an accurate picture of your lifestyle and issues.
Adults differ from children, so diagnosing ADHD can be more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. 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. The doctor can request others in the patient's life, such as spouses or cohabiting partners or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to discuss how the person's behavior has affected them. This could provide information that might not be found on checklists or other tests.
In some cases the doctor may decide to examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries such as concussions or head trauma. The doctor will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms affect their daily routines.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulties in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with the performance of your work or school, strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.
ADHD can affect any person, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this difference exists, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to diagnose ADHD. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can delay the process of evaluation. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and upfront about your health issues and past experiences.
During the evaluation, your doctor may use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood records, as well as an extensive description of your work and family life. Your doctor may request an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan which can reveal any chemical or structural issues in the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as addiction to drugs or depression.
Your doctor might suggest you participate in a clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could pose negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, as these can 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 page can give you more information about how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may be treated by medication, behavioral therapy, and education support. Most often, it's a combination of these that help people to achieve success in work, school and other pursuits. Treatment should start with a referral from your primary care physician or another health care professional. Find out about the professional's education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to give you this information, it's best to look for a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. The diagnostic process could also include a medical and family history as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant to avoid embarrassment. Several symptoms must be present in a variety of settings and have a significant impact in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Untreated ADHD can result in the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for some adults. They begin to see the situation and realize that it wasn't their responsibility for not being able to build a career or meet new friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their concerns with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining adhd diagnoses support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to see the services covered and to find the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help to address the issues and symptoms that afflict him or her at home, at work at the classroom, in relationships and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their issues aren't caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step towards getting the help they need.
Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to diagnose in children. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist who has worked with this condition for a long time. The interview might include questions about the person's family history as well as his or her own social and emotional background. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. However, the majority of experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is crucial to take a patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Based on the nature of a person's difficulties and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to assess the presence and impact of co-existing disorders, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders that often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests could also help in determining the right dosage of medications for an individual.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they've been in practice. They must also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also find professional who are certified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would suggest for you.