How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts people to seek an evaluation. They could 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 don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect you or your child has ADHD. The evaluation will consist of a physical exam and a review your medical history. This will include mental health issues and substance abuse. It is crucial to be open with your doctor about your symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD conceal their symptoms because of shame or fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will give your doctor a better picture of your life.
Adults differ from children, and therefore diagnosing ADHD is more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both children and adults. The doctor can ask others who are in the patient's life such as spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches, to describe how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal information that may not be found on checklists or other tests.
In some instances, the doctor will want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries like concussions or head trauma. The doctor will also examine the individual's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms impact their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect work or school performance as well as strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD It is more common in men and boys than girls. It is not clear why this is the case however, it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to recognize ADHD. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have trouble speaking to a healthcare doctor or a mental health specialist. This could make the evaluation process even longer. It is essential to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms as well as your past background for a thorough evaluation.
During the evaluation your doctor will employ standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood information, as well as a detailed description of your work and personal life. Your doctor might also request an exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan, which can reveal any chemical or structural issues in the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs or depression.
Your doctor might suggest taking part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is appropriate for you.
It is also essential to tell your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as they can interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. Medications that affect the appetite, sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure can affect the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. Most often, it's a combination of these that can help people achieve success at school, work and other activities. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step in treatment. Ask the professional about their expertise and training in working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to provide you the information you need, it's best to find another professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. It may also include the complete medical and family history and psychotherapy evaluation. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not shy away due to embarrassment, or fear of being criticized. There must be a variety of symptoms in a variety of settings and have a significant impact in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many adults with untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance and feelings of frustration.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't because of them that they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek assistance. Finally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to find out the services covered and to find the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at the workplace, at home, in school, in relationships and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people discover that they also need specific coaching, which may help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis can be the first step to getting the help they need.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, however it is not impossible for adults to have this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interview could include questions about the individual's family history, and also his or her own emotional and social history. Some doctors use computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. However, how to get an adult adhd diagnosis agree that the best indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is vital to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on the nature of the issues a person faces depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological testing may be used to determine the presence and impact of co-existing conditions, like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests can also help in determining the proper dosage of medications for an individual.
It's also an excellent idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to professionals who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and how long they have been practicing. They should also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you have. You can also find experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would suggest for you.