How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD, the first step in getting assistance is to find a health care provider who will examine your symptoms. The assessment will include a physical examination and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is crucial that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD conceal their symptoms because of shame or fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.
Adults are different 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 published by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis which are valid for both adults and children. The doctor can inquire about others in the patient's life, for example, the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the person's behavior has affected them. This can reveal crucial information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.
In some cases doctors may decide to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health issues and physical illnesses or injuries like head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's personal and professional life to determine how their symptoms interfere with their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with work or school performance as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live an independent life.
Anyone can have ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this difference exists however it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to recognize ADHD. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have trouble speaking to a healthcare specialist or a mental health specialist. This can delay the process of evaluation. It is crucial to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms as well as your past history, to ensure an accurate assessment.
In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history along with a detailed description of your work and personal life. Your doctor might also request an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam involves blood tests and a brain scan. adhd diagnosis uk adults can help determine chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor might suggest that you take part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you must be aware that these research studies could be risky and not lead to a treatment that is right for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effects of medications on sleep, appetite, heart rate and blood pressure may affect the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational assistance. It's typically an amalgamation of all three that can help people to succeed at school, work, and other activities. Treatment should begin with the referral of a primary care provider or other health care professional. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide 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 teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. It may also include the complete medical and family history, as well as an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not shy away due to embarrassment, or fear of being judged. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and cause an impairment that is significant in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Untreated ADHD can result in the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true when those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. The frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of low self-esteem and a poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They can start to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can cause sadness and regret over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive help. Finally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered, and to find the names and numbers of specialists 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 at the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some individuals also discover they require specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their problems aren't normal, or due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step to getting the help they need.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to have this disorder. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has expertise in this condition can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview might include questions about the individual's family history and also his or her own emotional and social history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best method to diagnose ADHD.
Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and any co-existing issues such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD Additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person.
It is also a good idea to ask colleagues and friends for suggestions to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been working. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for professional who are certified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what they would suggest for you.