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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment because they are dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They may be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to impulsive behavior or having financial trouble because they forget to pay their bills or don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation will consist of a physical examination and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is important that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of shame or fear of criticism A thorough assessment will give your doctor more of a complete picture of your life and your issues.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. The doctor can inquire about others who are part of the patient's life, such as the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings, teachers, and coaches to discuss how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal crucial details that aren't found in tests or checklists.
In some instances, the doctor will want to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These can include mood disorders, mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussion or head trauma. They will also examine the individual's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms impact their daily routines.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing some difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with work or school performance, strain relationships, and make it harder to live an independent life.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD, but it is more common in men and boys than girls. There isn't a clear reason behind this, but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty speaking to a healthcare specialist or a mental health specialist. This can make the process of evaluation even longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and upfront about your symptoms as well as your past medical experiences.
In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will employ standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood records and an in-depth description of your job and home life. Your doctor may order an examination of your body to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, including seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan which can help you identify any structural or chemical problems in the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies may be risky and not result in a treatment that is right for you.
It is also essential to tell your doctor any other medications you are taking, since they could interact with some stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can 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 doctor.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may be treated by medications, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's often a combination of all three that can help people succeed in school, work and in other pursuits. Treatment should start with an appointment with a primary care provider or other health professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to 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 teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. It could also involve a complete medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of criticism. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and exhibit significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Untreated ADHD can cause co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety. This is especially the case for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. The frustration can trigger a self fulfilling prophecy that causes lower self-esteem, low performance and feelings of frustration.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They can start to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults suffering from ADHD should be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers 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 who have an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and issues that affect him or her in a variety of settings, including at work, home, school as well as in relationships and many others. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they require special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their problems aren't normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in receiving the help they require to live a better life.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. Many adults live with undiagnosed 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 might inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well as the family history of the person. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the best method to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the nature of a person's difficulties and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests may be required to assess the presence and effects of co-existing conditions like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which typically occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the proper dosage of medications for an individual.
It is also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and how long they've been working. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk should also be able to explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask about their counseling approach and what kind of therapy they may recommend for you.