How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment due to being annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs because of missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget to pay bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have training in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, the first step to seek help is to find a medical professional who will assess your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examination and a review of your medical background. This includes mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is crucial that you open up to your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD conceal their symptoms due to shame or fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better 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 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis which are valid for both children and adults. In IamPsychiatry to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask other people who are in the patient's lifefor example, spouse or co-habitating partners parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This may reveal information that may not be included on tests or checklists.
In some instances, the doctor will want to examine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries like concussions or head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms impact their daily routines.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder work or school performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it difficult to live independently.
Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason for this however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has revealed that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence of certain brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to determine ADHD. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have difficulty speaking to a healthcare doctor or mental health specialist. This could make the evaluation process even longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and transparent about your symptoms as well as past circumstances.
During the evaluation the doctor will use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor may request an examination of your body to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam typically includes blood tests and a head scan which can help you identify any structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
Your doctor might suggest you participate in a clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. It is important to be aware 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 may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect sleep, appetite, heart rate and blood pressure may all have an effect on how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. It's often an amalgamation of all three that helps people achieve success at work, school, and other activities. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Find out about the professional's education and experience working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to give you this information, it's recommended to seek out a different professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. It could also involve a complete medical and family history, as well as psychiatric evaluation. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not shy away because of embarrassment or fear of being judged. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and have a significant impact in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Untreated ADHD can result in co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety. This is particularly true for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. Discontent can result in an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They begin to see the situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault they couldn't establish an occupation or make friends. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults with ADHD should be ready to discuss their concerns openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek advice. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of the professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can get help for the symptoms and issues that affect them at work, at home, in relationships, at school and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some individuals also discover they require specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their issues aren't normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis can be the first step to getting the help they need.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with had experience working with this disorder. The interviewer can inquire about the patient's social and emotional history, as well their family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. But most experts agree that the best indicator of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is vital to take the patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on the nature of the issues a person faces, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to assess the presence and impact of co-existing conditions, such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the right dosage of medication for a particular person.
It's also a good idea to ask friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including academic degrees and the length of time they have been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for experts who are qualified via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what advice they would give you.