How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment because they are dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They may be losing their jobs due to missing deadlines, struggling in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial issues due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you believe that you or your child have ADHD, the first step to seek assistance is to locate a medical professional who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examination and a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is important to be forthcoming with the doctor about your issues and how they affect your life. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of fear of shame or criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give your doctor an accurate picture of your life and problems.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more complicated than diagnosing children with 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. The doctor can ask others who are in the patient's life like spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to explain how the patient's behavior has affected them. This could reveal important information that isn't discovered by tests or checklists.
In certain cases the doctor may want to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mental health issues and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. The doctor will look over the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect academic or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.
Anyone can have ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this, but there are probably environmental and genetic factors at play. Research has revealed 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 of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to speak to an expert in mental health or health care professional. This can make the evaluation process even longer. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and transparent about your health issues as well as past history.
During the exam, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood information and an in-depth description of your work and family life. 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 involves blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. You should be aware, however, that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the appropriate treatment for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, as these can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Drugs that affect appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure could all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will give you more information about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational support. Most often, it's the combination of these that helps people to achieve success in school, work and other areas. Treatment should begin with a referral from your primary care physician or other health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or not able to provide this information, it's best to 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 process of diagnosis may include an assessment of family and medical history as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide due to embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have a history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that results in lower self-esteem, low performance, and feelings of anger.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a relief. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they couldn't make friends or establish a career. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can cause grief and regret about missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their issues with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Additionally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered, and to find the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can get help for the symptoms and issues that affect them at work, at home at relationships, at school and in many other situations. 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 who have been diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their troubles weren't just normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis could be the first step in receiving the help they require.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. adhd diagnosis uk adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interview could include questions regarding the patient's family history as well as his or her own emotional and social history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best method to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the nature of the issues a person faces and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological testing may be used to assess the presence and impact of co-existing conditions, such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders that often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests can also help in determining the right dosage of medications for a particular person.
It is also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adults should then verify their credentials, including their academic degrees and the number of years they've been practicing. They should also be able to explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you have. You can also find qualified professionals via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would recommend for you.