How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek out an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget bills and lose track of purchases.

Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Symptoms

If you believe that you or your child have ADHD, the first step in getting help is to find a health care provider who will assess your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examination and a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is essential to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and the way they affect your life. Many people with ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of being criticized. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.

Adults differ from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD can be more challenging than diagnosing ADHD in children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both children and adults. The doctor can ask other people who are part of the patient's life, for example, the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings, teachers, and coaches to explain how the patient's behavior has affected them. This could reveal important information that isn't revealed by 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, mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms are affecting their daily activities.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder academic or work performance and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live independently.

ADHD can be an issue for anyone, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. There is no clear reason for this, but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of 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 open up to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can prolong the evaluation process. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and open about your symptoms as well as past history.

During the examination, your doctor will employ the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your family history and childhood and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor may request an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.

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

It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. You should be aware that these studies could pose potential risks and may not result in the right treatment for you.

Discuss with your doctor 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 sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational supports. Most often, it's the combination of these that helps people find success in work, school and other areas. Treatment should begin with an appointment with the primary care provider or other health care professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to provide this information, it's best to seek another professional.

The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. The diagnostic process may also include an assessment of family and medical history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person being evaluated for adhd adult diagnosis uk be honest, not holding back because of embarrassment or fear of criticism. A person must display symptoms in two or more places and have a significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.

Untreated ADHD can result in the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when those who suffer from ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. Frustration can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and poor performance.

For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They may begin to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their fault they couldn't establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, where people with the disorder can share their experiences and get help. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and obtain the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety settings such as at work, home, school or in relationships, and many more. Treatments for adult ADHD typically involve medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems aren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in getting the support they need to live better lives.

It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interview may include questions regarding the patient's family history, as well as his or her own social and emotional history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, the majority of experts agree that the best indication of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is vital to take the patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.

Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests may be required to assess the presence and impact of co-existing disorders, such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which typically occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests can gp diagnose adhd be useful in determining the appropriate dosage of medications for a particular person.

Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been working. They should also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you might have. You can also look for professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what advice they would give you.