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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who can examine your symptoms if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include both a physical exam and a review of your medical history. This will include mental health issues and substance abuse. It is important to be honest with your doctor about the signs and how they impact you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of shame or fear of criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give your doctor an accurate picture of your life and issues.
Adults are different from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor may request other people who are in the patient's life for example, the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings, teachers, and coaches, to describe how the patient's behavior has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be revealed by tests or checklists.
In some instances the doctor may want to examine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are hindering their daily routine.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect academic or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live a life of independence.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. There isn't a clear reason for this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has revealed that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in certain people, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to recognize ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This could make the evaluation process even longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and upfront about your health issues as well as your past medical history.
During the examination the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood records and an in-depth description of your job and family life. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, including seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan, which can reveal any structural or chemical issues within the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like addiction to drugs or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you participate in the clinical trials of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted click here by research centers like NIMH. You should be aware that these studies may have risks and not lead to the best treatment for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD are treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and education support. It's often a combination of all three that helps people succeed at school, work, and other activities. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Ask the professional about their expertise and training in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, you should seek another professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. It could also involve the complete medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment, or fear of criticism. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and cause significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when those who suffer from ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that can result in low self-esteem, a lack of performance and feelings of frustration.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They can start 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 some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with a sense of grief and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek assistance. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and get the names and phone numbers of specialists that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can get help for symptoms and problems that plague him or her at home, at work, in relationships, at school and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they require specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems aren't due to poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with had experience working with this disorder. The interviewer can inquire about the patient's social and emotional history, as well his or her family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. Most experts agree that an extensive interview is the best method to diagnose ADHD.
Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's issues and any co-existing issues like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can also help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Check their qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they have been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can also find qualified professionals via the internet or the phone book. Ask about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they would suggest for you.