How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs because of missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial problems due to the fact that they forget bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who can assess your symptoms if suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Your evaluation will include physical examination as well as an examination of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is important to be open with your doctor about your issues and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD conceal their symptoms out of shame or for fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. The doctor can request other people in the patient's life, for example, the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to explain how the person's behavior has affected them. This can reveal important details that aren't discovered by tests or checklists.
In some cases the doctor may decide to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the individual's personal and professional life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder work or school performance, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live independently.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this difference exists however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to cause ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed due to brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a health care doctor or a mental health professional. This can delay the evaluation process. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous experiences for an accurate assessment.
During the evaluation your doctor will utilize standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor might also request an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam involves blood tests and a brain scan. These can help identify structural or chemical issues within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may suggest you participate in a clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is appropriate for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications that you take, as these could interact with stimulants that are 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 can be treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. Often, it's the combination of these that helps people find success in work, school and other pursuits. Treatment should begin with a referral from a primary care provider or other health professional. Check out the professional's qualifications 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 find another professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. It could also involve the complete medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back because of embarrassment or fear of being judged. Several symptoms must be present in a variety of settings and cause significant impairment in the person's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many adults with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true if people with ADHD have a history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. Frustration can cause 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 some adults. They may begin to see their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault that they could not make friends or build a career. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret for missed opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults with ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. People with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and get the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can get help for the symptoms and issues that afflict him or her at work, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include medication and psychotherapy. Some people also require special coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.
adult adhd diagnosis uk diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their issues aren't caused by bad parenting or lazyness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards getting the help they need to live better lives.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, however it isn't impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interviewer may ask about the patient's social and emotional history, as well as his or her family history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. But most experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is vital to take the patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Depending on the nature and severity of the person's difficulties and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD, additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be administered to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. These tests can aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a person.
It is also a good idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been working. They must also be able to explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for qualified professionals online or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what advice they would give you.