How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek out an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty with relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget bills and don't keep track of purchases.

Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Signs and symptoms

If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD The first step in getting assistance is to find a health care provider who will examine your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both a physical exam as well as a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is essential to be forthcoming with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear or shame criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give your doctor an accurate picture of your life and issues.

Adults differ from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The Diagnostic 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 adults and children. The doctor can request other people who are part of the patient's life, for example, a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal important information that isn't found in tests or checklists.

In certain cases the doctor may decide to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussions or head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms interfere with their daily activities.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulties in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect work or school performance, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live an independent life.

ADHD can be an issue for any person, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. There isn't a clear reason behind this, but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it is possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition because of specific brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and are unable to talk to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This can delay the evaluation process. It is important to talk openly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous medical experiences to ensure an accurate assessment.

During the examination, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria for adhd diagnosis for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family and childhood history, as well as an extensive description of your work and personal life. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.

A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan, which can reveal any chemical or structural issues within the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.

It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you take part in the clinical trials of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers such as NIMH. You should be aware, however, that these studies could pose negative consequences and may not provide the right treatment for you.

Inform your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details about the best way to discuss other medications with your physician.

Treatment

For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational supports. It's usually a combination of all three that can help people to succeed in school, work, and other activities. Treatment should start with a referral from the primary care provider or another health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling not able to provide this information, it's best to find a different one.

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 include a complete medical and family history and psychiatric evaluation. It is important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hide because of embarrassment. Several symptoms must be present in a variety of settings and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD add diagnosis as an adult (Click on Cheaperseeker) to be given.

Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true when people with ADHD have a history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. Discontent can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance.

For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They may begin to see themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault that they could not make friends or build an occupation. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret over missed opportunities that were not addressed.

Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. Finally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered and to find the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can get help for the symptoms and issues that affect them at work, at home at the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adult ADHD typically involve medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.

Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist with experience in this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the person's family history, and also his or her own social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best method to determine if a patient has ADHD.

Depending 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 tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can help determine the right dosage of medication for a person.

It's also an excellent idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to professionals who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions that you may have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or through the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what kind of therapy they might suggest for you.