How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek out an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs because of missed deadlines, struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and don't keep track of purchases.

Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.

Symptoms

Find a doctor who will assess your symptoms if suspect you or your child has ADHD. Your evaluation will include an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues as well as substance use. It is essential that you open up to your doctor about the signs and how they impact you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of criticism. 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 can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from 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 applicable for both adults and children. The doctor might ask others who are part of the patient's life, like spouses or cohabiting partners or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers, to describe how the behavior of the person has affected them. This can reveal crucial information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.

In certain instances, a doctor may want to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries like head trauma. He or she will also review the person's work and personal life to determine how their symptoms interfere with their daily activities.

The signs of adult adhd diagnosed in adulthood can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with work or school performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it difficult to live independently.

ADHD can be an issue for anyone, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this is the case however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty talking to a health care doctor or a mental health specialist. This can delay the process of evaluation. It is crucial to speak openly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous medical background, to ensure an accurate evaluation.

During the exam, your doctor may use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood records along with an extensive description of your work and personal life. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.

A physical exam typically involves blood work and a head scan which can help you identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also help rule other conditions out that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances.

It is possible that your health care provider might suggest you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these studies may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is appropriate for you.

Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you take, as these can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD may be treated by medications, behavioral therapy and educational support. Most often, it's a combination of these that helps people to achieve success in school, work and other areas. Treatment should begin with an appointment with the primary care provider or other health care professional. Ask the doctor about their training and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, you should look for a different professional.

The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. The diagnostic process may also include a medical and family history as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of being judged. A person must display symptoms in two or more places and have a significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.

Untreated ADHD can result in co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when people with ADHD have a history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. Discontent can result in self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.

For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they were unable to make friends or start a career. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over missed opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their concerns with co-workers and supervisors. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group where to diagnose adhd people with the disorder can share their experiences and get diagnosed with add assistance. People with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of the professionals who 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 them in a variety of situations that include at home, work, school as well as in relationships and many other. Treatments for adult ADHD usually include medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.

Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their issues aren't normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step to receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.

It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.

The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interviewer can inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as well their family history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. Most experts agree that an extensive interview is the best method to diagnose ADHD.

Based on the severity and nature of the individual's issues and co-existing disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that typically are associated with ADHD Additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests could be useful in determining the proper dosage of medications for a particular person.

Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. You should then verify their qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have worked. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions that you may have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would recommend for you.