How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek out an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs because of missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to their 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 experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Symptoms

Find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Your assessment will consist of physical examinations and a review your medical history. This will include mental health issues and substance abuse. It is crucial to be forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people with ADHD conceal their symptoms due to shame or fear of being criticized. However an extensive evaluation will 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 criteria for adhd in adults 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 children and adults. The doctor might inquire about other people who are in the patient's life like a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to explain how the behavior of the person has affected them. This can reveal crucial information that may not be revealed by tests or checklists.

In certain cases, the doctor will want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health issues and physical illnesses or injuries like head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms are hindering their daily routine.

The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties 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 independently.

ADHD can affect everyone, but it's more frequent in men and boys than in girls. There isn't a clear explanation for this difference, but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition because of certain brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always easy. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have difficulty opening up to a healthcare provider or mental health specialist. This can delay the process of evaluation. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous experiences, to ensure an accurate evaluation.

During the evaluation your doctor will utilize standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history along with an in-depth description of your job and home life. Your doctor may also order a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.

A physical exam typically includes blood tests 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 can also help determine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like addiction to drugs or depression.

It is possible that your doctor might suggest you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you.

It is also crucial to tell your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, since they could interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. Drugs that affect appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite, and blood pressure can all affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide you with more information about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and education support. Often, it's a combination of these that help people achieve success at school, work and other pursuits. Treatment should begin with the referral of a primary care provider or another health care professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, it's best to look for a different professional.

The diagnostic process of adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. The process of diagnosis may include an examination of the family and medical history as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back due to embarrassment. A person must display symptoms in two or more places and have an impairment that is significant in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.

Untreated ADHD can result in the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. Discontent can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance.

For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault that they were unable to make friends or start a career. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret over missed opportunities that were not addressed.

Adults with ADHD should be prepared to discuss their issues openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek advice. Those with an adhd diagnosis private diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of the professionals who can diagnosis adhd specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance for the symptoms and problems that affect them in a variety of situations such as at home, work, school as well as in relationships and many other. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people may find that they require specialized coaching, which can provide structure and help in daily life.

Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis can be the first step to receiving the assistance they require.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist who has worked with this condition for a long time. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as well as the family history of the person. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. But most experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is crucial to take the patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.

Based on the severity and nature of the individual's issues and co-existing disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the right dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been working. They should also be able to explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you may have. You can also find professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Ask about their counseling approach and what kind of therapy they may recommend for you.