How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships because of impulsive behaviors or are having financial difficulties because they forget to pay their bills or don't keep track of purchases.

Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Symptoms

Find a doctor who can assess your symptoms if suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation will consist of physical examination as well as an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues as well as substance use. It is essential that you are honest with your doctor about the signs and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem due to shame or fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.

Adults are different from children, so diagnosing ADHD is more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor might ask other people in the patient's life, such as a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches, to describe how the behavior of the person has affected them. This may provide information that might not show up on a checklist or other tests.

In some instances the doctor may decide to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussion or head trauma. They will also review the individual's work and personal life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily activities.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing some difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder academic or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live a life of independence.

Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. There isn't a clear explanation for this difference however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has revealed that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

It is not always simple to diagnose ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a health care doctor or a mental health specialist. This can prolong the evaluation process. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and upfront about your health issues as well as past experiences.

In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will employ standard 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 records and an extensive description of your work and home life. Your doctor may order an examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like seizures or a thyroid disorder.

A physical exam involves blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems in the brain which could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help rule other conditions out that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.

It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you participate in the clinical trials of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you must be aware that these studies could be risky and not result in a solution that is appropriate for you.

Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, as these can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide you with more information about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and educational supports. Most often, it's the combination of these that helps people to achieve success in work, school and other activities. Treatment should start with a referral from a primary care provider or other health professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, you should find a different one.

The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. It may also include an extensive medical and family history as well as a psychotherapy evaluation. It is important that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and Diagnosing adhd in Adults not hold back due to embarrassment. A person has to show symptoms in more than one place and cause significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.

Many adults with untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is particularly true for those who suffer from ADHD who have a history of chronic stress or frustration. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of self-doubt and poor performance.

A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They begin to see their own situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can cause grief and regret about missed opportunities.

Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. Finally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to see the services covered and to obtain the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at home, at work, in school, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adult ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medications. Some people discover that they also need specific coaching, which may help them with structure and support in daily life.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems aren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to diagnose in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.

diagnosing adhd in adults [he said] requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interview could include questions regarding the patient's family history and also his or Diagnosing Adhd In Adults her own social and emotional history. Some doctors use computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. But most experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and that it is essential to take the patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.

Based on the nature and severity of the person's difficulties and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that commonly are associated with ADHD additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a person.

Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they have been practicing. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you might have. You can also search for professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Ask about their counseling approach and what type of therapy they may suggest for you.