How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment due to being annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget to pay 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.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child has ADHD. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, which includes mental health issues as well as substance use. It is essential to be forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear or shame criticism, but a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with a more complete picture of your lifestyle and issues.
Adults differ from children, which is why diagnosing ADHD can be more challenging than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. The doctor might ask others in the patient's life, like the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to discuss how the behavior of the person has affected them. This can reveal crucial details that aren't found in tests or checklists.
In certain cases the doctor may decide to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses, like head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine whether their symptoms are hindering their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder academic or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence.
Anyone can have ADHD It is more prevalent in males and boys than 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 found to cause ADHD in a few people. 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 embarrassed by their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to an expert in mental health or health care professional. This can prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and open about your health issues as well as your past medical history.
During the evaluation, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. I Am Psychiatry may 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 examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam involves blood tests and a brain scan. These can help identify structural or chemical problems within the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you take part in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. However, you must be aware that these trials can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is appropriate for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications you take, as these can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure may all affect the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational support. It's often the combination of these that helps people to achieve success in work, school and other activities. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Find out about the professional's education and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to give you the information you need, it's best to look for a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. It could also involve a complete medical and family history as well as a psychotherapy evaluation. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of criticism. A person must display symptoms in more than one place and exhibit significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is particularly relevant for people with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. Discontent can result in self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a great relief. They may begin to see their own behavior and realize that it wasn't because of them that they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with feelings of sadness and regret over missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults with ADHD must be always ready to discuss their concerns with their supervisors and colleagues. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can share their experiences and get advice. Finally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to see what 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 at school, in relationships and in many other settings. Treatments for adult ADHD typically include psychotherapy and medications. Some people find that they also require specialized coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their issues aren't normal or because of poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in receiving the help they require to live a better life.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interviewer might inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as well their family history. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. But most experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is vital to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Based on the severity and nature of the individual's issues and any co-existing issues such as anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and how long they've been working. They must also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you might have. You can also look for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Find out about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they would suggest for you.