How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an assessment. They may lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget to pay bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you believe that you or your child have ADHD, the first step to seek help is to find a medical professional who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examination and a review your medical background. This will include mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is crucial to be forthcoming with the doctor about your issues and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear or shame criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give the doctor more of a complete picture of your lifestyle and problems.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychiatric 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. The doctor might inquire about others who are part of the patient's life, like a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to explain how the person's behavior has affected them. This can reveal information that might not be found on checklists or other tests.
In certain cases the doctor may need to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, such as concussion or head trauma. They will also review the individual's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it difficult to live an independent life.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD It is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. There isn't a clear explanation for this difference, but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Studies have 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 determine ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty opening up to a healthcare doctor or mental health professional. This can make the process of evaluation longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and open about your symptoms as well as your past medical circumstances.
During the exam the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and family history, and a detailed description your home and work. Your doctor may also order an exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan which can help you identify any structural or chemical issues within the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers such as NIMH. You should be aware, however, that these studies may have potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you.
It is also crucial to inform your doctor any other medications you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep and blood pressure could affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. Most often, it's the combination of these that help people achieve success at school, work and other pursuits. Treatment should begin with an appointment with a primary care provider or another health care professional. Find out about the specialist's knowledge and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to give you the information you need, it's recommended to seek out a different professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. The diagnostic process may also include a medical and family history as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. A person has to show symptoms in more than one place and cause significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Many people with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those with ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. Frustration can lead to an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't because of them that they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
adult adhd diagnosis uk suffering from ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can share their experiences and get assistance. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and obtain the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety of settings that include at home, work at school as well as in relationships and many more. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medication. Some people also find they require specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems weren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards getting the support they need to live a better life.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to diagnose in children. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist with had experience working with this disorder. The interview may include questions about the individual's family history and also the person's own emotional and social background. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the best way to determine the presence of ADHD.
Depending on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to assess the presence and effects of co-existing conditions, like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests could also be helpful in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been working. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you might have. You can also search for professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Ask about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they might recommend for you.