How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs because of late deadlines, have difficulty with relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems due to the fact that they forget bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor to assess your symptoms if suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include both a physical exam as well as a review of your medical history. This will include mental health issues and alcohol abuse. Iam Psychiatry is essential that you open up to your doctor about the signs and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems because of shame or fear of being judged. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your life.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more complicated 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 valid for adults as well as children. The doctor may ask others who are in the patient's life for example, a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings, teachers, and coaches, to describe how the person's behavior has affected them. This could reveal information that may not show up on checklists or other tests.
In certain instances doctors may decide to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulties in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with academic or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than in girls. There is no definitive explanation for this difference however it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been found to trigger ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to talk to a mental health professional or health care professional. This can make the evaluation process longer. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and open about your health issues and past experiences.
During the evaluation your doctor will employ standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood information and an in-depth description of your job and family life. Your doctor may order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, including a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan, which can help you identify any chemical or structural issues in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may recommend that you take part in an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. Be aware that these studies could pose potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect the appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep and blood pressure could 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 doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. Often, it's a combination of these that help people find success in school, work and other pursuits. Treatment should start with an appointment with the primary care provider or another health care professional. Find out about the specialist's knowledge and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to provide you the information you need, it's recommended to seek out a different professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. It could also involve a complete medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It's important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not shy away because of embarrassment or fear of being judged. Several symptoms must be present in two or more settings and must cause significant impairment in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. This is especially true when those with ADHD have a history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause an unfulfilled prophecy which can result in low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they could not make friends or build a career. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults with ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those with the condition can share their experiences and get advice. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and get the names and phone numbers of specialists that specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD is able to receive assistance for the symptoms and issues that affect him or her in a variety of settings that include at work, home at school, in relationships, and many others. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people find that they also need special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems aren't due to poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis could be the first step to receiving the assistance they require.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interviewer can inquire about the patient's social and emotional history, as well his or her family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, most experts agree that the most reliable way to determine the presence of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is crucial to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Based on the nature and severity of the person's difficulties and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.
It's also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have worked. They should be able explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions that you may have. You can also look for professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Find out about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they might recommend for you.