How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek an assessment because they are frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, 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 health care provider or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Symptoms

Find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is crucial that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear or shame criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give the doctor a more complete picture of your lifestyle and problems.

Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing Adhd psychiatrist in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis which are valid for both children and adults. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask others who are in the patient's lifelike spouses or co-habitating partners siblings, parents or coaches and teachers -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal important information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.

In some cases the doctor may need to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health conditions, and physical illnesses or injuries, such as concussion or head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's personal and professional life to determine whether their symptoms are hindering their daily activities.

The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder school or job performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it difficult to live an independent life.

ADHD can affect everyone, but it's more frequent in men and boys than in girls. There is no clear reason for this however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are that are involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty speaking to a healthcare provider or mental health specialist. This can make the evaluation process more time-consuming. It is essential to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms as well as your previous medical background to ensure an accurate evaluation.

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

A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan which can help identify any structural or chemical issues in the brain that may be causing your 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 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. Be aware, however, that these studies may have risks and not lead to the right treatment for you.

Tell your doctor about any other medications you take, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your physician.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD are treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support. Often, it's a combination of these that can help people achieve success at work, school and other areas. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are the first step to treatment. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults with adhd getting diagnosed. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it is recommended to seek out a different professional.

The diagnostic process of adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. It may also include a complete medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It is important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hide to avoid embarrassment. Several symptoms must be present in more than one setting and must cause significant impairment in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.

Many people with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true when people with ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that causes low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They may begin to see themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault that they were unable to make friends or start a career. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret for missed opportunities that were left unexplored.

Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive guidance. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered and to get names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and issues that affect them in a variety of situations that include at work, home at school, in relationships, and many other. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people may find that they also require specific coaching, which may help them with structure and support in everyday life.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their troubles weren't just normal or because of poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis could be the first step in receiving the assistance they require.

It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn't impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interviewer may ask about the patient's social and emotional history, as well as the family history of the person. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. Most experts agree that an extensive interview is the best method to diagnose ADHD.

Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to assess the effects and presence of co-existing conditions, like anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the proper dosage of medication for an individual.

It's also an excellent idea to ask friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any queries that you may have. You can also find experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what advice they would give you.