How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
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Find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms if you think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. Your assessment will consist of a physical exam and a review your medical history. This will include mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is important to be honest with the doctor about your symptoms and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of shame or fear of criticism A thorough assessment will provide the doctor with more of a complete picture of your life and problems.
Adults differ from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor might inquire about others who are in the patient's life such as the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to explain how the patient's behavior has affected them. This could reveal information that may not show up on a checklist or other tests.
In some instances the doctor may decide to examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mental health conditions and physical injuries like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms are hindering their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with the performance of your work or school or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence.
ADHD can be an issue for everyone, but it's more frequent in men and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason behind this, but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to trigger ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and find it difficult to open up to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can make the process of evaluation longer. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous experiences to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the examination your doctor may employ the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family and childhood history and will also provide a detailed account of your home and work. Your doctor may order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam usually includes blood tests and a head scan, which can help you identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances.
Your doctor may suggest you participate in a an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is suitable for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications that you take, as these may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect the appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure may all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will give you more information on how to discuss other medicines with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational supports. It's often the combination of these that can help people find success in work, school and other activities. Treatment should start with an appointment with the primary care provider or other health professional. Find out about the specialist's knowledge and experience working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or not able to provide this information, you should find a different one.
The diagnostic process of adult ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. The diagnostic process may also include an examination of the family and medical history and an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. A person must display symptoms in two or more places and cause a significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Many adults with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is especially true when those with ADHD have a history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger an unfulfilled prophecy which results in low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault that they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense sadness and regret over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD should be prepared to discuss their problems openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of the professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that afflict him or her at the workplace, at home at relationships, at school and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people find that they also require specialized coaching, which can provide structure and help in daily life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their issues aren't normal or because of poor parenting or laziness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step in getting the support they need to live better lives.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interviewer may ask about the patient's social and emotional history, as well as the family history of the person. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD.
Based on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and co-existing disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests could be useful in determining the appropriate dosage of medications for a particular person.
Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they have been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions that you may have. You can also find professional who are certified on the internet or in the phone book. Find out about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they might recommend for you.