Why Diagnose ADHD Is A Must At Least Once In Your Lifetime
How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an assessment. They could 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 forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor to assess your symptoms if think your child or you may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is important to be open with your doctor about your symptoms and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of shame or fear of criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give your doctor a more complete picture of your life and your difficulties.
Adults differ from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both children and adults. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor might also ask other people who are in the patient's lifefor example, spouse or co-habitating partner parents, siblings or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could provide information that might not be found on checklists or other tests.
In some cases the doctor may need to examine other conditions which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical illnesses or injuries, like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms are affecting their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with schoolwork or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence.
ADHD can be an issue for everyone, but it's more common in males and boys than in girls. There isn't a clear reason for this but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has revealed that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in some people, and it is possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition because specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble opening up to a health care provider or a mental health specialist. This can make the evaluation process longer. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous medical experiences for an accurate evaluation.
During the exam your doctor may employ the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood records, as well as a detailed description of your job and home life. Your doctor might also request an exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan which can help identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
Your doctor may suggest that you take part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. You should be aware that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you take, as these can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. 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 are treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support. Often, it's a combination of these that helps people find success in work, school and other pursuits. Treatment should start with a referral from a primary care provider or another health care professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses or is not able to provide you this information, it is recommended to seek out a different professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. The diagnostic process may also include an examination of the family and medical history and an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back due to embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and have a significant impact in the person's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly the case for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic anxiety or frustration. Discontent can result in self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for some adults. They can start to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their own responsibility for not being able to build an occupation or make friends. For certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret for missed opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and get advice. diagnosing adhd with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of the professionals who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and issues that affect them in a variety of situations, including at home, work or at school, in relationships, and many others. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people may find that they require specific coaching, which may provide structure and help in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, however it is not impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as well the family history of the person. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. The majority of experts agree that a thorough interview is the best method to diagnose ADHD.
Depending on the severity and nature of the person's difficulties and the co-existing conditions like mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can also help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. You should then verify their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they have been in practice. They should be able explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions that you might have. You can also search for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they might recommend for you.