How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the frustration of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues due to the fact that they forget bills and forget to track purchases.

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

Symptoms

Find a doctor who will evaluate your symptoms if you suspect you or your child has ADHD. Your evaluation will include both physical examination as well as a review of your medical background. This will include mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is important to be open with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or fear of being criticized. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.

Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask others in the life of the patientfor example, spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents, or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal information that might not show up on tests or checklists.

In some instances the doctor may decide to examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mental health issues and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are hindering their daily routine.

The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder academic or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live a life of independence.

ADHD can be a problem for anyone, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. There is no definitive explanation for this difference but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to cause ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

It's not always easy to recognize ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble talking to a healthcare specialist or a mental health professional. This can adhd be diagnosed in adults prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure a thorough assessment it is essential to be honest and upfront about your symptoms as well as your past medical experiences.

During the evaluation your doctor may employ standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood information, as well as an extensive description of your work and personal life. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.

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

It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you take part in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you.

Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as they may 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. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more information on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD may be treated by treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and education support. It's often the combination of these that helps people achieve success at school, work and other activities. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Ask the doctor about their knowledge and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it's best to look for a different one.

The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant people, and teachers. The process of diagnosis may include an examination of the family and medical history and a psychiatric assessment. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back because of embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.

Many people with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is especially true for those who suffer from ADHD who have a history chronic stress or frustration. Discontent can result in an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and result in feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance.

A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for some adults. They may begin to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their responsibility for not being able to build an occupation or make friends. For certain adults adhd diagnosis, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret for missed opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to talk about their problems with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Finally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered, and to obtain the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety of situations such as at work, home at school or in relationships, and many other. adult adhd diagnosis ADHD is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For some, a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the support they need to live better lives.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.

The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interview could include questions about the person's family history, and also the person's own emotional and social background. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the most effective way to determine if a patient has ADHD.

Based on the nature and severity of the person's difficulties and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can help determine the right dosage of medication for a person.

It is also a good idea to ask friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional credentials, including academic degrees and the length of time they have worked. They should be able explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for qualified professionals online or in the phonebook. Ask them about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they would suggest for you.