How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what drives people to seek an evaluation. They may lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems due to the fact that they forget bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who can assess your symptoms if think your child or you has ADHD. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is important to be open with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of being criticized. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally valid for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask other people who are in the patient's lifelike spouses or co-habitating partners siblings, parents, or teachers and coaches to comment on the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This may provide information that might not show up on checklists or other tests.
In some instances, the doctor will want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health conditions, as well as physical illnesses or injuries, like concussions or head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms impact their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect schoolwork or work performance and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live a life of independence.
Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more common in men and boys than girls. There is no clear reason for this but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been shown to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that certain individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always easy. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty talking to a health care doctor or a mental health specialist. This could make the evaluation process longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and transparent about your health issues and past circumstances.
During the evaluation your doctor may employ standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you 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 may order an examination of your body to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam includes blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical problems within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances.
It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you take part in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could carry negative consequences and may not provide the appropriate treatment for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you take, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD treatments include behavioral therapy, medication and educational assistance. It's usually a combination of all three that helps people to succeed at school, work and in other pursuits. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step in treatment. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or not able to provide this information, you should seek another professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other important people. It may also include a complete medical and family history as well as a an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant to avoid embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and have a significant impact in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Untreated ADHD can cause comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly the case for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic anxiety or frustration. Frustration can cause an unfulfilled prophecy which can result in low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They may begin to see themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault that they could not make friends or build an occupation. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults with ADHD should always be ready to discuss their concerns openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can share their experiences and get assistance. Finally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered and to get 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, including at work, home or at school or in relationships, and many other. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medications. Some people also need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their issues aren't caused by bad parenting or lazyness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in getting the support they need to live a better life.
Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the person's family history and also their own personal emotional and social history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best way to diagnose ADHD.
Based on ADHD Diagnosis and nature of the individual's issues and any co-existing issues like anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
It's also an excellent idea to ask colleagues and friends for suggestions to specialists 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 process and answer any questions that you may have. You can also find experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Find out about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they would recommend for you.