How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an evaluation. They may be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships because of impulsive behaviors or are having financial difficulties because they forget bills or forget to track purchases.

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

Symptoms

If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD, the first step towards getting assistance is to find a medical professional who will assess your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examinations and a review of your medical background. This includes mental health issues and alcohol abuse. It is crucial to be open with your doctor about your issues and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD conceal their symptoms because of shame or fear of being judged. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.

Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. 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 could also ask others who are in the patient's life- such as spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to comment on the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal important information that may not be found in tests or checklists.

In certain cases the doctor may decide to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms are hindering their daily routine.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulties in social and work situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with schoolwork or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence.

Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more common in men and boys than girls. It is not clear the reason for this, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors in play. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition because of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty opening up to a health care provider or a mental health specialist. This could make the evaluation process even longer. To ensure a thorough assessment, it is important to be honest and open about your health issues as well as past history.

In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will utilize standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history along with a detailed description of your job and home life. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, such a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.

A physical exam includes blood tests and a brain scan. These can help identify structural or chemical issues within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as addiction to drugs or depression.

It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you take part in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. It is important to be aware that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you.

It is also essential to inform your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as they may interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD may be treated by treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. Most often, it's the combination of these that helps people to achieve success in work, school and other pursuits. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are usually the first step towards treatment. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it is recommended to seek out a different professional.

The diagnostic process of adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. The diagnostic process may also include a medical and family history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant 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.

Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.

A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They can start to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their responsibility for not being able to build a career or meet new friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of adhd in adults of adhd getting diagnosed may be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret over lost opportunities that were not addressed.

Adults with ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where to go for adhd diagnosis people with the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. Those who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into 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 can get help for symptoms and problems that afflict him or her at the workplace, at home at relationships, at school and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they require special coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren't normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step towards receiving the help they require.

It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has expertise in this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interviewer may ask about the person's personal and emotional history, as also his or her family history. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. However, most experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is vital to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.

Based on the severity and nature of the individual's issues and the co-existing conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD, additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can also help determine the right dosage of medication for a person.

Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who can diagnosis adhd have experience diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Then check their professional qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for professional who are qualified online or in the phonebook. Find out about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they may suggest for you.