How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an evaluation. They may lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget to pay bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who will evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child has ADHD. Your evaluation will include an examination of your body and an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is essential to be honest with your doctor about the signs and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD conceal their symptoms due to shame or fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your life.
Adults differ from children, which is why the diagnosis of ADHD can be more challenging than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychological 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. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor might also ask other people in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partner, parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could provide information that might not be included on checklists or other tests.
In some cases the doctor may want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as 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 activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulties in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of a job or school and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live a life of independence.
ADHD can be an issue for anyone, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has revealed that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in some people, and it is possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence of certain brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty opening up to a healthcare specialist or mental health specialist. This can delay the evaluation process. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your past experiences, to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the evaluation, your doctor may use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood records along with an in-depth description of your job and home life. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam consists of blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help to identify chemical or structural issues in the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs or depression.
Your doctor may recommend you participate in a a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, you must be aware that these trials may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is suitable for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. Drugs that affect the appetite, sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure can all affect the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD are treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational assistance. Often, it's the combination of these that can help people achieve success at school, work and other pursuits. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are often the first step towards treatment. Find out about the professional's education and experience working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to give you this information, it is best to look for a different one.
The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. It could also involve the complete medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of being criticized. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more locations and have a significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Untreated ADHD can cause comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially relevant for people who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. It can lead to an unfulfilled prophecy which can result in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They may begin to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults with ADHD must be always ready 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. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of the professionals that specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help to address the issues and symptoms that affect them at work, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medications. Some people also require special coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their problems aren't typical or caused by bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the help they require.
Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer might inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well as the family history of the person. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. But most experts agree that the most accurate indicator of ADHD is a thorough 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 a person's difficulties, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to assess the presence and impact of co-existing conditions, like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which often accompany ADHD. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person.
It is also a good idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to professionals who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Examine how to get an adhd diagnosis uk , including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been working. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any queries that you might have. You can also search for qualified professionals through the internet or on the phone book. Find out about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they would suggest for you.