How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment because they are dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor to assess your symptoms if think your child or you has ADHD. The evaluation will consist of physical examinations as well as a review of your medical background. This includes mental health issues and substance abuse. It is crucial to be open with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems because of shame or fear of being criticized. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.
Adults differ from children, which is why the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. The doctor can inquire about others who are in the patient's life for example, spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches, to describe how the person's behavior has affected them. This can provide information that might not be found on a checklist or other tests.
In certain cases the doctor may need to examine other conditions which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries like head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms are affecting their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with school or job performance as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live an independent life.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD However, it is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition because specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have difficulty speaking to a healthcare doctor or mental health specialist. This can prolong the evaluation process. To ensure a thorough assessment it is crucial to be honest and open about your symptoms as well as your past medical history.
During the evaluation your doctor will use the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history and an in-depth description of your work and family life. Your doctor may order an examination of your body to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, such a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam typically includes blood tests and a head scan, which can help you identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances.
It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. I Am Psychiatry are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these research studies may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is suitable for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications that you take, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. Drugs that affect appetite, sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure can all have an effect on how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide you with more information about how to discuss other medicines with your physician.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational assistance. It's often a combination of these that help people achieve success at school, work and other areas. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are often the first step towards treatment. Find out about the specialist's knowledge and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, you should look for a different professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant people, and teachers. It could also include a complete medical and family history as well as a psychotherapy evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and have a significant impact in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Many adults with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause an unfulfilled prophecy which causes low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They will begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault that they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their concerns with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those with the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Finally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to see the services covered and to get names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for symptoms and problems that plague him or her at the workplace, at home, in school, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medications. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their troubles weren't just normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in receiving the help they require 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.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interview may include questions about the individual's family history, as well as the person's own social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. Most experts agree that an extensive interview is the best way to diagnose ADHD.
Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and any co-existing issues like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that typically are associated with ADHD additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been in practice. They must also be able to explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you have. You can also search for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what they would recommend for you.