How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek out an assessment due to being annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and forget to track purchases.

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

Symptoms

If you believe that you or your child suffer from ADHD The first step to seek help is to find a health care provider who will assess your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examination and a review of your medical background. This will include mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is essential that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD hide the problem because of shame or fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your life.

Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor might also ask others in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partner siblings, parents or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal important details that aren't found in tests or checklists.

In certain instances the doctor may need to examine other conditions which may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's work and personal life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with the performance of a job or school as well as strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.

Anyone can have ADHD It is more common in men and boys than in girls. There is no definitive explanation for this difference but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to open up to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can prolong the process of evaluation. It is crucial to speak openly and honestly about your symptoms, as well as your previous medical history for an accurate evaluation.

During the evaluation your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your family and childhood history as well as a thorough description of your home and work. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.

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

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, you must be aware that these trials may be risky and not result in a treatment that is right for you.

Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational supports. Often, it's the combination of these that can help people to achieve success in work, school and other areas. Treatment should begin with a referral from the primary care provider or other health care professional. Ask the professional about their training and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or unable to give 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. It could also involve an extensive medical and family history, as well as an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide due to embarrassment. Several symptoms must be present in two or more settings and have a significant impact in the individual's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.

Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when people with ADHD have a history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger an unfulfilled prophecy which can result in lower self-esteem, low performance, and feelings of anger.

A diagnosis adhd adults of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They may begin to see themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault they were unable to make friends or start a career. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense grief and regret about missed opportunities.

Adults with ADHD must be always ready to talk about their problems with their supervisors and colleagues. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and phone numbers of specialists that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for the symptoms and issues that plague him or her at work, at home at school, in relationships and in many other situations. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medication. Some individuals also discover they require special coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their issues aren't caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis could be the first step in getting the help they need.

It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interviewer might inquire about the patient's social and emotional history, as also the family history of the person. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the most reliable way to determine the presence of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is vital 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, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to assess the effects and presence of co-existing conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders that often accompany ADHD. These tests can help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Check their qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they have worked. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions that you might have. You can also find qualified professionals via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.