How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose 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 any training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Symptoms

If you believe that you or your child has ADHD The first step to seek assistance is to locate a medical professional 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 substance abuse. It is essential that you open up to your doctor about the signs and the way they affect you. Many people with ADHD hide the problem due to shame or fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life.

Adults differ from children, which is why the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for treatments diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor can request others who are part of the patient's life, for example, the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the patient's behavior has affected them. This may provide information that might not be included on checklists or other tests.

In some instances, the doctor will want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily activities.

The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to problems in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school as well as strain relationships and make it difficult to live a life of independence.

ADHD can be a problem for anyone, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. There is no clear explanation for this difference however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has revealed that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in certain people, 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 embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to speak to a mental health professional or health care professional. This could make the evaluation process even longer. It is important to talk openly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous experiences for an accurate evaluation.

During the exam your doctor may employ standardized behavioral rating scales and adhd diagnosis for adults symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood information and an in-depth description of your work and home life. Your doctor might also request an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.

A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan which can help identify any chemical or structural issues in the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.

It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you participate in the clinical trials of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. You should be aware, however, that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the right treatment for you.

Inform your doctor about any other medications that you take, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will give you more information about how to discuss other medicines with your doctor.

Treatment

For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational supports. It's often the combination of these that helps people achieve success at work, school and other areas. Treatment should begin with a referral from a primary care provider or other health professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to provide 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 significant people. The diagnostic process may also include an assessment of family and medical history, as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is important that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back because of embarrassment. A person has to show symptoms in more than one place and have significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.

Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is especially relevant for people who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or frustration. Frustration can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and poor performance.

A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They can start to understand themselves and realize it wasn't entirely their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of grief and regret about missed opportunities.

Adults with ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can share their experiences and get advice. Also, those who have the diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to determine the services covered and to find the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for symptoms and problems that plague him or her at home, at work at school, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medication. Some people also require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.

Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their issues aren't normal, or due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For some, a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the help they need to live more fulfilled lives.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has experience with this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interviewer might inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as well as their family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. Most experts agree that an extensive interview is the best method to determine if a patient has ADHD.

Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests may be required to assess the presence and impact of co-existing disorders, like anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders that often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests can also be helpful in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a particular person.

Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. You should then verify their credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should also be able explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would suggest for you.