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, struggling in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial issues because they forget bills or don't keep track of purchases.

Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Signs and symptoms

Find a doctor to assess your symptoms if suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and an examination of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is important that you are honest with your doctor about the signs and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD conceal their symptoms because of shame or fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your life.

Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult 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 diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. The doctor can ask other people who are in the patient's life such as the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents, teachers, and coaches to explain how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal information that may not be found on a checklist or other tests.

In some instances the doctor may decide to examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mental health conditions and physical injuries like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms are hindering their daily activities.

The signs of adult ADHD vary 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.

ADHD can be an issue 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. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition because specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

It is not always simple to determine ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a health care doctor or mental health professional. This can prolong the evaluation process. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and open about your symptoms as well as your past medical circumstances.

During the exam, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family history and childhood as well as a thorough description of your home and work. Your doctor might order an examination of your body to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, including seizures or a thyroid disorder.

A physical exam usually includes blood tests and a head scan which can help you identify any structural or chemical issues within the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.

It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these studies can have risks and may not lead to a treatment that is suitable for you.

Tell your doctor about any other medications you take, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details about how to discuss other medicines with your physician.

Treatment

For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational supports. It's typically a combination of all three that helps people achieve success at work, school and other endeavors. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are the first step to treatment. Find out about the professional's education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to provide you this information, it is best to look for a different one.

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. It may also include an extensive medical and family history, as well as an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back due to embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for 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 who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. The frustration can trigger an unfulfilled prophecy which causes low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.

A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They may begin to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish a career or meet new friends. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over lost 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 diagnosis wales adults support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to find out the services covered and to find the names and numbers of experts who can diagnose adhd uk specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at home, at work at school, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they need 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. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in getting the help they need to live more fulfilled lives.

Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It is more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has expertise in this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview might include questions about the individual's family history, as well as his or her own emotional and social history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD.

Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be used to assess the presence and effects of co-existing conditions like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often accompany ADHD. These tests can help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they've been in practice. They must also be able to explain how to get diagnosed with adhd they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Find out about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they might suggest for you.