How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment because they are frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They may be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships because of impulsive behaviors or are having financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Symptoms
If you believe that you or your child suffer from ADHD The first step to seek assistance is to locate an expert in health care who will examine your symptoms. Your evaluation will include physical examination as well as an analysis of your medical history, which includes mental health issues as well as substance use. It is essential that you are honest with your doctor about the signs and the way they affect your life. Many people with ADHD conceal their symptoms due to shame or fear of being criticized. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life.
Adults are different from children, and therefore 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) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor could also ask others in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal important information that isn't discovered by tests or checklists.
In certain cases doctors may decide to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect work or school performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live independently.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD However, it is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. There isn't a clear reason for this, but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to trigger ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to recognize ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to talk to a mental health professional or health care provider. adhd diagnosis uk adults can delay the process of evaluation. It is important to talk openly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your past history for a thorough evaluation.
During the evaluation your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood information, as well as an extensive description of your work and home life. Your doctor might order an examination of your body to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, including seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam involves blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like addiction to drugs or depression.
It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you take part in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies could be risky and not lead to a treatment that is right for you.
It is also important to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking, as they can interact with some stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD may be treated by medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's typically an amalgamation of all three that can help people achieve success in school, work and other endeavors. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Ask about the professional's training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to give you this information, it's best to find another professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. It may also include the complete medical and family history and psychotherapy evaluation. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide due to embarrassment. A person must display symptoms in two or more places and cause an impairment that is significant in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Many people with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is especially true if those with ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of low self-esteem and poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for some adults. They can begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't because of them that they couldn't make friends or establish a career. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over missed opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults with ADHD must always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive advice. People with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety of settings that include at work, home or at school or in relationships, and many other. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems weren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to getting the help they need to live better lives.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to have this disorder. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview could include questions about the person's family history, and also the person's own social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. However, the majority of experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is crucial to take the patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Based 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 assess the presence and effects of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which typically are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests could also be helpful in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a particular person.
It is also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they've been working. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions that you might have. You can also find qualified professionals via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.