How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment due to being annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues due to the fact that they forget bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD, the first step in getting assistance is to find a health care provider who will assess your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examination as well as an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues as well as substance use. It is essential to be open with your doctor about your issues and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems because of shame or fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will give your doctor a better picture of your life.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both adults and children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor might also ask others in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partner siblings, parents, or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal information that might not be included on a checklist or other tests.
In some instances the doctor may decide to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mental health conditions and physical illnesses or injuries like concussions or head trauma. He or she will also review the person's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms impact their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect schoolwork or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult 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 explanation for this difference but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to cause ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and may have difficulty talking to a health care specialist or a mental health specialist. This could make the evaluation process even longer. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms, as well as your past experiences to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the exam, your doctor may use 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 may also ask for your family and childhood history and an in-depth description of your work and home life. Your doctor may order an examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, including seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan which can help identify any structural or chemical issues in the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
Your doctor may recommend taking part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the appropriate treatment for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications that you take, as these may 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. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and educational supports. It's usually an amalgamation of all three that can help people to succeed in school, work, and other activities. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Ask the professional about their expertise and training in working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to give you this information, it is best to look for a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. It could also involve an extensive medical and family history and an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide because of embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Untreated ADHD can cause comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is especially relevant for people who suffer from ADHD who have a history chronic stress or frustration. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults with ADHD should always be ready to discuss their concerns openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. adult adhd diagnosis uk with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can get help for the symptoms and issues that afflict him or her at work, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their issues aren't normal, or due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis could be the first step to receiving the assistance they require.
Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the person's family history and also the person's own social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the most effective way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be used to assess the effects and presence of co-existing disorders, like anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which often accompany ADHD. The results of these tests could be useful in determining the appropriate dosage of medications for an individual.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and how long they've been working. They should be able to explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions that you might have. You can also look for qualified professionals through the internet or on the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what type of therapy they would recommend for you.