How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle with relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD The first step in getting help is to find a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is essential to be honest with your doctor about the signs and how they affect your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear of shame or criticism, but a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with more of a complete picture of your lifestyle and difficulties.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychiatric 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. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask other people 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 can reveal important information that isn't discovered by tests or checklists.
In certain cases, a doctor may want to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the individual's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms are affecting their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with the performance of your work or school or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence.
ADHD can affect anyone, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and find it difficult to open up to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can make the process of evaluation even longer. It is essential to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms and your past history, to ensure an accurate evaluation.
During the evaluation your doctor may employ the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family and childhood history, and a detailed description your work and home. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical causes 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 problems in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, you should be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is appropriate for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can 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
For adults diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational support. Most often, it's a combination of these that help people achieve success at work, school and other areas. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are usually the first step to treatment. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is not able to provide you the information you need, it's best to find another professional.
The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. The process of diagnosis may include a medical and family history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide due to embarrassment. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and cause a significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Many adults with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those with ADHD have a history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. The frustration can cause an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and result in feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They will begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault they couldn't make friends or establish a career. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense sadness and regret over missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can share their experiences and get assistance. Finally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered, and to get names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and problems that affect them in a variety of settings that include at work, home, school, in relationships, and many others. Treatments for adult ADHD typically include psychotherapy and medication. Some people discover that they also need special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems weren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis could be the first step towards receiving the help they require.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interviewer might inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well as his or her family history. ADHD Diagnosis utilize brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. However, most experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is crucial to take the patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Depending on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological testing may be used to evaluate the presence and impact of co-existing conditions, like anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders that often accompany ADHD. These tests can also help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their credentials, including academic degrees and the length of time they have been in practice. They must also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you might have. You can also search for experts who are certified through the internet or on the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what they would recommend for you.