How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget bills and lose track of purchases.

Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Symptoms

If you believe that you or your child has ADHD, the first step towards getting assistance is to locate an expert in health care who will assess your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of a physical exam as well as a review of your medical history. This will include mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is important that you open up to your doctor about the signs and the way they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide their problems out of shame or fear of criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give your doctor a more complete picture of your life and your problems.

Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more complicated 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 applicable for both adults and children. The doctor may inquire about other people in the patient's life, like the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents, teachers, and coaches to discuss how get diagnosed with adhd the patient's behavior has affected them. This may reveal information that might not show up on checklists or other tests.

In some cases, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses, like concussions or head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms affect their daily routines.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder schoolwork or Learn Even more work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live independently.

Everyone can be affected by ADHD, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. It is unclear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to cause ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed due to brain structures that process stimuli.

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a health care provider or a mental health professional. This can delay the process of evaluation. It is crucial to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms and your previous medical history, to ensure a thorough evaluation.

During the examination, your doctor will utilize the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and family history and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor might also request an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.

A physical exam involves blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help determine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.

It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these trials could be risky and not lead to a treatment that is right for you.

Inform your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect sleep, appetite heart rate, sleep and blood pressure could affect the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's often a combination of all three that helps people achieve success in school, work, and other activities. Treatment should start with the referral of a primary care provider or other health professional. Ask the doctor about their expertise and training in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses or is not able to provide you the information you need, it's best to find another professional.

The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. It could also involve an extensive medical and family history and psychiatric evaluation. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant because of embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and have a significant impact in the individual's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be established.

Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true when those with ADHD have a history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger an unfulfilled prophecy which causes low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.

For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they could not make friends or build an occupation. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can cause sadness and regret over missed opportunities.

Adults suffering from ADHD must always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive help. Additionally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to see the services covered and to obtain the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at work, at home at the classroom, in relationships and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medications. Some individuals also discover they require specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to poor parenting or laziness. For some, a private diagnosis of adhd is the first step to receiving the help they require to live better lives.

It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to have this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer can inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as well as the family history of the person. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best way to determine the presence of ADHD.

Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's issues and the co-existing conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the right dosage of medication for an individual.

It is also a good idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to specialists who can diagnose adhd adults are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Check their qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you may have. You can also find experts who are qualified via the internet or the phone book. Ask about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they might suggest for you.