How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships because of impulsive behaviors or have financial issues because they forget bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. The assessment will include a physical examination and an examination of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is crucial that you open up to your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of being judged. However, how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.
Adults differ from children, which is why diagnosing ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are applicable for both children and adults. The doctor can inquire about other people who are in the patient's life like spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to explain how the person's behavior has affected them. This can reveal crucial information that isn't found in tests or checklists.
In certain cases, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries like head trauma. The doctor will also examine the individual's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms affect their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulties in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder work or school performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live an independent life.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD However, it is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. There is no clear explanation for this difference however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to recognize ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble speaking to a health care provider or mental health specialist. This could make the evaluation process longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and open about your health issues as well as past circumstances.
During the examination, your doctor will employ the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and childhood, and a detailed description your work and home. Your doctor may also order an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam usually includes blood tests and a head scan which can help you identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help rule other conditions out that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may suggest you participate in a a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. You should be aware that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the appropriate treatment for you.
It is also crucial to inform your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, since they could interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. Medications that affect appetite, sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure can all affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational supports. Often, it's the combination of these that help people find success in work, school and other activities. Treatment should begin with an appointment with your primary care physician or another health care professional. Find out about the specialist's training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is not able to provide you this information, it's best to find another professional.
The diagnostic process of adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. The process of diagnosis may include a medical and family history, as well as a psychiatric assessment. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of being criticized. A person must display symptoms in two or more locations and exhibit significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Untreated ADHD can cause the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that causes lower self-esteem, low performance, and feelings of anger.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't because of them that they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. For certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret for missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues with supervisors and coworkers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek assistance. Additionally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered and to get names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD can receive help to address the issues and symptoms that affect them in a variety settings, including at home, work, school or in relationships, and many more. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically include psychotherapy and medication. Some people also require specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step in getting the help they need.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has expertise in this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview may include questions about the individual's family history and also the person's own emotional and social history. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. However, the majority of experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is crucial to take a patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Based on the nature and severity of the individual's issues and the co-existing conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Then check their professional credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should also be able explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you have. You can also search for experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.