How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial issues because they forget to pay their bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor to examine your symptoms if you think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is crucial to be forthcoming with the doctor about your issues and how they affect your life. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of fear or shame criticism However, a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with an accurate picture of your life and your issues.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are applicable for both adults and children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor could also ask other people in the life of the patientfor example, spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers to comment on the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal information that might not show up on a checklist or other tests.
In some instances the doctor may want to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulties 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 an independent life.
ADHD can be a problem for everyone, but it's more common in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty speaking to a health care specialist or a mental health professional. This can delay the evaluation process. It is crucial to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms and your previous background, to ensure an accurate evaluation.
During the evaluation the doctor will use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood records along with an extensive description of your job and home life. Your doctor may also order an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam usually includes blood tests and a head scan which can help you identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help determine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may suggest you participate in a clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers such as NIMH. It is important to be aware that these studies could pose potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you.
It is also crucial to tell your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, as they may interact with some stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will give you more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's often the combination of these that help people to achieve success in work, school and other activities. Treatment should begin with the referral of the primary care provider or another health care professional. Ask the professional about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, you should look for a different professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other important people. It could also include a complete medical and family history and an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant because of embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and must cause significant impairment in the individual's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Untreated ADHD can lead to co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety. This is especially relevant for people with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They may begin to see themselves better and realize that it wasn't because of them that they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. For certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret for missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their concerns with their supervisors and colleagues. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek advice. Those who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that afflict him or her at work, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other situations. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include medication and psychotherapy. Some people may find that they also need specific coaching, which may provide structure and help in everyday life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their issues aren't typical or caused by poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis could be the first step to receiving the help they require.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview could include questions about the person's family history and also his or her own social and emotional background. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD.
Depending on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required to assess the presence and impact of co-existing disorders, such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which often are associated with ADHD. These tests can help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and the length of time they've been in practice. They must also be able to explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.