How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment because they are dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Symptoms
If you believe that you or your child have ADHD, the first step in getting help is to find a health care provider who will examine your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examinations and a review your medical history. This will include mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is important to be honest with the doctor about your issues and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of being judged. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.
Adults are different from children, and therefore diagnosing ADHD is 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 that are appropriate for both adults and children. The doctor might ask other people in the patient's life, like spouses or cohabiting partners or siblings, parents, teachers, and coaches to discuss how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal information that might not show up on a checklist or other tests.
In certain instances the doctor may need to examine other conditions which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health issues and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms are hindering their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with work or school performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live a life of independence.
ADHD can be an issue for anyone, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. There is no definitive explanation for this difference but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in some individuals, and it is possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition because of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to open up to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care professional. This can make the process of evaluation more time-consuming. diagnosis adhd is crucial to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms and your past experiences to ensure a thorough evaluation.
During the evaluation your doctor may employ standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood records along with a detailed description of your work and family life. Your doctor could also recommend a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam involves blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help to identify chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. Be aware, however, that these studies may have risks and not lead to the best treatment for you.
It is also essential to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure could affect the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational supports. It's usually an amalgamation of the three that can help people to succeed at work, school and in other pursuits. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are usually the first step in treatment. Find out about the specialist's training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to provide this information, it's best to seek another professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically includes 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, as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back due to embarrassment. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and have a significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Many adults with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true when those with ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. Discontent can result in an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and lead to feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a source of relief. They will begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault they couldn't make friends or establish a career. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret for missed opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and get advice. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to see the services covered and to obtain the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can receive help to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety settings that include at home, work at school as well as in relationships and many others. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people also need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems aren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step to receiving the assistance they require.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to have this disorder. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has expertise in this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interviewer may ask about the person's personal and emotional history, as also his or her family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the best indicator of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and that it is essential to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required to assess the presence and impact of co-existing conditions like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders that often occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a person.
It's also an excellent idea to ask friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been working. They should be able to explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would recommend for you.