How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They may be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or having financial trouble because they forget bills or don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include physical examination as well as an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is essential to be forthcoming with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear or shame criticism A thorough assessment will provide the doctor with a more complete picture of your lifestyle and problems.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. 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 might ask other people who are in the patient's life such as the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches, to describe how the behavior of the person has affected them. This could reveal information that may not be found on checklists or other tests.
In certain cases doctors may decide to examine other conditions which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries like concussions or head trauma. They will also look at the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms impact their daily routines.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing some difficulties in social and work situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with schoolwork or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live an independent life.
ADHD can be a problem for anyone, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. There is no clear reason for this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to cause ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that certain individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to speak to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can make the process of evaluation longer. To ensure a thorough assessment it is crucial to be honest and upfront about your symptoms as well as your past medical history.
During the examination the doctor will use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms 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 information, as well as a detailed description of your job and family life. Your doctor could also recommend an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam typically includes blood tests and a head scan which can help identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may suggest you participate in a a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. Be aware, however, that these studies could pose risks and not lead to the appropriate treatment for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications that you take, as these can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Drugs that affect appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure could all affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's often a combination of these that help people find success in school, work and other pursuits. Treatment should begin with a referral from the primary care provider or other health professional. Find out about the professional's education and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it is best to find another professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. It may also include an extensive medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide due to embarrassment. A person must display symptoms in two or more places and cause a significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Untreated ADHD can cause the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can cause an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't because of them that they couldn't make friends or establish a career. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can cause grief and regret about missed opportunities.
Adults with ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with supervisors and coworkers. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk 's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek assistance. Also, those who have a diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered and to find the names and numbers of experts 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 plague him or her at work, at home at school, in relationships and in many other situations. adhd diagnosis uk adults is usually treated using psychotherapy and medications. 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 bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step to receiving the help they require.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, however it isn't difficult for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview could include questions about the individual's family history, as well as the person's own emotional and social history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the best indicator of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and that it is essential to take a patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Based on the nature of the issues a person faces and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological testing may be used to determine the presence and impact of co-existing conditions, like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.
It's also an excellent idea to ask friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they have worked. They should also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you have. You can also find experts who are qualified via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.