How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts people to seek an evaluation. They could be losing their jobs due to missing deadlines, or struggling with relationships due to their impulsive behavior or having financial trouble due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD, the first step towards getting assistance is to find an expert in health care who will examine your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examination and a review your medical history. This includes mental health issues and alcohol abuse. It is essential that you open up to your doctor about the signs and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear of shame or criticism A thorough assessment will give the doctor an accurate picture of your lifestyle and difficulties.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask other people who are in the patient's lifelike spouses or co-habitating partner parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This may reveal information that might not be included on checklists or other tests.
In some cases the doctor may want to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mental health conditions and physical illnesses or injuries such as concussions or head trauma. He or she will also review the person's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms affect their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with the performance of your work or school and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live a life of independence.
ADHD can be a problem for any person, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. It is unclear why this difference exists however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty opening up to a health care specialist or mental health specialist. This can prolong the process of evaluation. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms, as well as your previous medical experiences to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the examination, your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood information and an extensive description of your job and family life. Your doctor might order an examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam includes blood tests and brain scans. These can help identify structural or chemical issues within the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also help rule other conditions out that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances.
It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you participate in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. You should be aware that these studies could pose potential risks and may not result in the right treatment for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications that you take, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational assistance. It's often an amalgamation of the three that can help people succeed in school, work and other endeavors. you can check here should start with the referral of your primary care physician or other health professional. Find out about the specialist's expertise and training in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, it's best to find a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other significant people. The diagnostic process may also include an assessment of family and medical history and an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back because of embarrassment or fear of criticism. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and have a significant impact in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Untreated ADHD can result in co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. This is especially true if people with ADHD have a history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They can start to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense sadness and regret over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to find out the services covered and to get names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can get help to address the issues and symptoms that affect them at the workplace, at home, in relationships, at school and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people may find that they also need special coaching, which can provide structure and support in everyday life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, however it isn't difficult for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this condition can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview may include questions regarding the patient's family history, and also their own personal emotional and social history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, most experts agree that the best indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is vital to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and co-existing disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests could be useful in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.
It's also a good idea to ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and how long they've been in practice. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you may have. You can also look 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.