How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the stress of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget bills and don't keep track of purchases.

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

Symptoms

If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD The first step in getting assistance is to locate a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and a review of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is crucial to be open with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems because of shame or fear of criticism. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.

Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. The doctor may request other people who are in the patient's life like a spouse or cohabitating partner or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the patient's behavior has affected them. This may reveal information that might not be included on a checklist or other tests.

In some cases doctors may decide to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. The doctor will also look at the person's personal and professional life to determine how their symptoms interfere with their daily routines.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with academic or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live an independent life.

ADHD can affect any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli.

Diagnosis

It's not always easy to determine ADHD. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have difficulty opening up to a healthcare provider or mental health professional. This can make the evaluation process longer. It is crucial to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms and your previous medical history for an accurate assessment.

During the evaluation 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 also inquire for your family history and childhood information 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, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.

A physical exam includes blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical problems in the brain which may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.

Your doctor might suggest that you take part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted at research centers such as NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could pose negative consequences and may not provide the appropriate treatment for you.

It is also crucial to tell your doctor any other medications you're taking, since they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. Drugs that affect sleep, appetite heart rate, sleep and blood pressure could all have an effect on how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

For adults diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational supports. Often, it's a combination of these that help people find success in work, school and other activities. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are usually the first step to treatment. Ask the professional about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling in a position to give this information, it's best to seek another professional.

The diagnostic process of adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. It could also involve the complete medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It is important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hide due to embarrassment. A person must display symptoms in two or more places and exhibit a significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD Diagnosis Adhd Adults can be determined.

Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true when people with ADHD have a history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. Frustration can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.

For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They may begin to see themselves better and realize it wasn't because of them that they could not make friends or build a career. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret for missed opportunities that were not addressed.

Adults with ADHD should be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. Also, those who have the diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered and to find the names and numbers of specialists who can diagnose adhd in adults specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that affect them at the workplace, at home, in relationships, at school and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medication. Some people also find they require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems weren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step in getting the help they need.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.

The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interviewer might inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well as his or her family history. Some doctors use computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD.

Based on the severity and nature of the person's difficulties and any co-existing issues such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests could also help in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person.

Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Check their credentials, 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 them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.