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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget to pay bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, the first step in getting assistance is to find a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examination as well as a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is important to be honest with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems because of shame or fear of criticism. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor can ask others who are part of the patient's life, for example, the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches, to describe how the patient's behavior has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be found in tests or checklists.
In certain cases, the doctor will want to examine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical illnesses or injuries, such as concussion or head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work 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 difficulties in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it harder to live independently.
ADHD can be a problem for anyone, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason for this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been shown to cause ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some people are predisposed due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to talk to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can prolong the process of evaluation. 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 employ standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history, and a detailed description your home and work. Your doctor may also order an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam typically includes blood tests and a head scan which can help you identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
Your doctor might suggest that you take part in a clinical study 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 potential risks and may not result in the right treatment for you.
It is also important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking, since they could interact with some stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more information on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support. It's typically a combination of all three that can help people achieve success in school, work and in other pursuits. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are often the first step in treatment. Ask about the professional's training and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, you should look for a different professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others and teachers. The process of diagnosis may include an examination of the family and medical history as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of being criticized. There must be adhd diagnosis adults of symptoms in two or more settings and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Untreated ADHD can result in co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. This is especially true if those with ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. Discontent can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for some adults. They may begin to understand themselves and realize it wasn't entirely their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense grief and regret about missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD should be prepared to discuss their problems openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those with the condition can share their experiences and get advice. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and obtain the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance to address the issues and symptoms that affect them in a variety settings such as at work, home, school, in relationships, and many other. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they require special coaching, which can provide structure and support in daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to have this disorder. 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 interviewer can inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well as the family history of the person. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the most accurate way to determine the presence of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is crucial to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Based on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and co-existing disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD Additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. The results of these tests could also help in determining the right dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also an excellent idea to ask friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they have worked. They must also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or through the phone book. Find out about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they may recommend for you.