How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an assessment. They may lose their jobs because of late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial problems due to the fact that they forget bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who can assess your symptoms if think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. The assessment will include an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is essential to be honest with the doctor about your issues and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear or shame criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give the doctor a more complete picture of your life and your problems.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be 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 that are appropriate for both children and adults. The doctor can inquire about others in the patient's life, like a spouse or cohabitating partner or siblings, parents, teachers, and coaches to explain how the behavior of the person has affected them. This can reveal crucial details that aren't discovered by tests or checklists.
In some cases the doctor may need to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mental health conditions and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect schoolwork or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live an independent life.
Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this difference exists, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
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Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to open up to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This can make the process of evaluation longer. It is important to talk openly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your past experiences, to ensure an accurate evaluation.
During the evaluation the doctor will use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood information and an in-depth description of your work and family life. Your doctor may also order a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam usually includes blood tests 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 can also help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you take part in a clinical trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could carry risks and not lead to the appropriate treatment for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as these may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure can all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may be treated by treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's often a combination of these that help people find success in work, school and other pursuits. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to provide you this information, it is best to find another professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. It could also include 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 evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. A person must display symptoms in two or more locations and have significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Many people with untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when those who suffer from ADHD have a history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. Discontent can result in self-fulfilling prophecy of failure 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 can start to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish an occupation or make friends. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD is able to receive assistance to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety of situations, including at home, work at school as well as in relationships and many more. Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people may find that they also require special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their issues aren't normal or because of poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the help they require.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn't difficult for adults to be affected by this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interviewer may ask about the person's personal and emotional history, as also his or her family history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the best method to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests may be required to assess the effects and presence of co-existing conditions such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person.
It's also recommended to ask friends and colleagues for recommendations to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you might have. You can also search for professional who are qualified online or in the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.