How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek out an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of adhd diagnosis adults. They may lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget bills and lose track of purchases.

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

Symptoms

If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD The first step towards getting help is to find a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is crucial that you are honest with your doctor about the signs and the way they affect your life. Many people with ADHD conceal their symptoms because of shame or fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your life.

Adults are different from children, which is why 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) provides guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor could also ask others in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents, or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This may reveal information that may not show up on a checklist or other tests.

In some cases, diagnosing ADHD in adults a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mental health issues and physical illnesses or injuries such as concussions or head trauma. They will also review the individual's personal and professional life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily routine.

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

Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason behind this however it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition because specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

It is not always simple to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble talking to a healthcare specialist or mental health professional. This can make the process of evaluation longer. To ensure a thorough assessment, it is important to be honest and transparent about your symptoms and past history.

During the evaluation, your doctor may use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your childhood and family history and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor may order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such seizures or a thyroid disorder.

A physical exam includes blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including depression or substance abuse.

It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers, such as NIMH. Be aware, however, that these studies could carry risks and not lead to the appropriate treatment for you.

It is also important to inform your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, since they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. Drugs that affect the appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure could all affect the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can give you more information about how to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. Most often, it's a combination of these that helps people to achieve success in work, school and other areas. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are usually the first step in treatment. Ask the professional about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling unable to provide this information, you should seek another professional.

The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. The diagnostic process may also include an examination of the family and medical history and a psychiatric assessment. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not shy away due to embarrassment, or fear of criticism. A person must display symptoms in more than one place and cause an impairment that is significant in their life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.

Many people with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause an unfulfilled prophecy which causes lower self-esteem, low performance and feelings of frustration.

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for some adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault that they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with a sense of grief and regret over missed opportunities that were not addressed.

Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and obtain the names and phone numbers of specialists that specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance for the symptoms and issues that affect them in a variety settings that include at work, home, school or in relationships, and many others. Treatments for adults with adhd diagnosis adults usually include psychotherapy and medications. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step to receiving the help they require to live better lives.

Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interviewer can inquire about the patient's social and emotional history, as well their family history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the most effective way to determine if a patient has ADHD.

Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and the co-existing conditions such as mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD, additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the right dosage of medication for an individual.

It's also recommended to ask colleagues and friends for suggestions to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should also be able explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you have. You can also find experts who are certified online or in the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what advice they would give you.