How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs because of late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget to pay bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, the first step to seek assistance is to find an expert in health care who will assess your symptoms. The assessment will include a physical examination and an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is important to be open with your doctor about your symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.
Adults are different from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor may ask other people who are part of the patient's life, like the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal important details that aren't revealed by tests or checklists.
In some cases the doctor may want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses such as concussion or head trauma. They will also examine the individual's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms affect their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulty in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect academic or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.
Anyone can have ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than girls. It is unclear why this is the case however it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition because specific brain structures that are that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble speaking to a healthcare doctor or a mental health professional. This can prolong the process of evaluation. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms, as well as your past experiences to ensure a thorough evaluation.
During the evaluation the doctor will use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and childhood as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor might order an examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, such seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam involves blood tests and brain scans. how to get an adult adhd diagnosis can help determine structural or chemical issues in the brain which could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could carry negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you.
It is also important to tell your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, as they may interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure may all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide you with more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
check this site out suffering from ADHD are treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational assistance. It's typically an amalgamation of the three that can help people succeed in school, work and other endeavors. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step towards treatment. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to give you the information you need, 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 others, as well as teachers. The diagnostic process could also include an assessment of family and medical history and an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back to avoid embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and have a significant impact in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true for those with ADHD who have a history of chronic anxiety or frustration. Discontent can result in self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of low self-esteem and a poor performance.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They can begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault they were unable to make friends or start a career. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can cause sadness and regret over missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek advice. Finally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered, and to obtain the names and 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 home, at work at the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medications. Some individuals also discover they require specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their issues aren't typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to getting the support they need to live better lives.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the person's family history and also the person's own emotional and social background. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. Most experts agree that an extensive interview is the best method to diagnose ADHD.
Based on the nature of the issues a person faces depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological testing may be used to determine the presence and impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests could also be helpful in determining the proper dosage of medications for an individual.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. You should then verify their credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they've been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any questions that you may have. You can also find professional who are certified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what advice they would give you.