How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an evaluation. They may be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, or struggling with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or have financial issues because they forget bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you believe that you or your child suffer from ADHD The first step towards getting assistance is to find a health care provider who will examine your symptoms. Your evaluation will include an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is important to be forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear of shame or criticism A thorough assessment will give the doctor a more complete picture of your life and your difficulties.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more complicated than diagnosing children with 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 request others who are in the patient's life for example, the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents, teachers, and coaches, to describe how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal important information that may not be revealed by tests or checklists.
In some cases the doctor may need to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include 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 if the symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulties in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of your work or school and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live a life of independence.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this however it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to cause ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some people are predisposed due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty opening up to a healthcare doctor or a mental health specialist. This can make the process of evaluation more time-consuming. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms as well as your previous experiences, to ensure an accurate evaluation.
During the evaluation your doctor will employ the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood information, as well as an extensive description of your job and family life. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis may request an examination of your body 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 help you identify any structural or chemical issues in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor might suggest that you take part in an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. However, you should be aware that these research studies can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is suitable for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications that you take, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure may affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can give you more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD may be treated by medications, behavioral therapy and education support. Most often, it's a combination of these that helps people find success in school, work and other areas. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are usually the first step in treatment. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to give you this information, it's best to look for a different one.
The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. It may also include an extensive medical and family history and psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back because of embarrassment. Several symptoms must be present in a variety of settings and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Untreated ADHD can cause comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger an unfulfilled prophecy which can result in low self-esteem, a lack of performance and feelings of frustration.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They may begin to see themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault that they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults with ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. 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 advice. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and obtain the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety of settings, including at home, work, school, in relationships, and many more. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they also require specific coaching, which may provide structure and support in everyday life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their issues aren't caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step to getting the help they need.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview might include questions regarding the patient's family history and also their own personal emotional and social history. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD.
Based on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD Additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be administered to determine the presence and effect 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 a great idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they have been practicing. They should also be able explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you might have. You can also search for professional who are qualified on the internet or in the phonebook. Find out about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they may recommend for you.