How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an assessment. They could be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to their impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties because they forget bills or don't keep track of purchases.

Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Symptoms

If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD The first step towards getting help is to find a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. The assessment will include a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear of shame or criticism, but a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with a more complete picture of your life and your difficulties.

Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The diagnostic criteria for adult adhd and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis of adhd in adulthood which are valid for both adults and children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask others in the life of the patientfor example, spouse or co-habitating partner, parents, siblings or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could provide information that might not show up on tests or checklists.

In certain cases the doctor may want to examine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical illnesses or injuries, like head trauma. He or she will also look at the person's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms impact their daily routines.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder schoolwork or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live independently.

Anyone can suffer from ADHD It is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason for this however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to cause ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This can delay the evaluation process. It is crucial to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous medical experiences for a thorough evaluation.

During the evaluation, your doctor may use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and diagnosing ADHD in adults family history, and a detailed description your work and home. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such seizures or a thyroid disorder.

A physical exam typically involves blood work and a head scan which can reveal any chemical or structural issues in the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs or depression.

It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these studies could be risky and not result in a treatment that is suitable for you.

Tell your doctor about any other medications you take, as they 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. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's usually an amalgamation of all three that can help people to succeed at work, school and other endeavors. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are often the first step towards treatment. Ask the doctor about their expertise and training in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling in a position to give this information, you should find a different one.

The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. It may also include an extensive medical and family history and psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hide to avoid embarrassment. A person has to show symptoms in more than one place and exhibit a significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.

Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true when people with ADHD have a history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. Frustration can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.

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 were unable to make friends or start an occupation. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities.

Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group, in which people who can diagnose adhd in adults suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek advice. Finally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to see what age diagnose adhd services are covered, and to find the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at home, at work, in relationships, at school and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adult ADHD usually include medication and psychotherapy. Some people find that they also need special coaching, which can provide structure and help in everyday life.

Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their troubles weren't just normal, or due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step towards receiving the assistance they require.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interviewer may ask about the person's personal and diagnosing ADHD in adults emotional history, as also their family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best method to determine the presence of 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 determine the presence and effects of co-existing conditions like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders that often occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a person.

Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. You should then verify their qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any questions that you may have. You can also find professional who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what advice they would give you.