How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or having financial trouble because they forget to pay their bills or forget to track purchases.

Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Signs and symptoms

Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you think your child or you may have ADHD. The evaluation will consist of a physical examination and a review of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is important to be forthcoming with the doctor about your issues and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear or shame criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give your doctor a more complete picture of your lifestyle and difficulties.

Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying 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 which are valid for both children and adults. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask others in the life of the patientfor example, spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers — to describe the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal important information that isn’t found in tests or checklists.

In some instances the doctor may want to examine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual’s work and personal life to determine if their symptoms are hindering their daily activities.

The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with the performance of your work or school, strain relationships and make it difficult to live an independent life.

Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more common in men and boys than girls. It is not clear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Certain chemicals and foods have been found to cause ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

It is not always simple to diagnose ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can delay the evaluation process. It is important to talk candidly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous medical history for an accurate evaluation.

During the evaluation your doctor will utilize the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history and will also provide a detailed account of your home and work. Your doctor might also request a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.

A physical exam includes blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help to identify chemical or structural issues within the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.

It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you take part in the clinical trials of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you should be aware that these trials may be risky and not result in a solution that is appropriate for you.

Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you take, as they can interact with stimulants 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 additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. It’s usually a combination of all three that can help people succeed in school, work, and other activities. Treatment should begin with an appointment with a primary care provider or other health professional. Find out about the professional’s education and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to give you the information you need, it’s recommended to seek out a different professional.

The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. It may also include an extensive medical and family history and psychotherapy evaluation. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back to avoid embarrassment. Several symptoms must be present in a variety of settings and have a significant impact in the person’s life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.

Untreated ADHD can cause co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety. This is especially true when people with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. It can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy that can result in low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.

A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They may begin to understand themselves and realize it wasn’t their own responsibility for not being able to build an occupation or make friends. For how to get an adhd diagnosis uk , the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of grief and regret about missed opportunities.

Adults suffering from ADHD must always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It’s also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can share their experiences and get advice. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered, and to obtain the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can get help for the symptoms and issues that affect them at work, at home at the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using medication and psychotherapy. Some people find that they require specialized coaching, which can provide structure and help in everyday life.

Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their problems aren’t typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For some, a diagnosis is the first step to getting the help they need to live better lives.

It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn’t impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has expertise in this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview could include questions about the individual’s family history, as well as his or her own social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the best indication of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is crucial to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.

Based on the nature of a person’s difficulties and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests may be required to evaluate the presence and impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.

It is also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees as well as how long they’ve been in practice. They should also be able explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you might have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.