How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs due to missing deadlines, struggling in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or having financial trouble due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you believe that you or your child has ADHD The first step in getting help is to find an expert in health care who will evaluate your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examination and a review your medical history. This includes mental health issues and substance abuse. It is essential to be open with your doctor about your issues and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of being judged. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are applicable for both adults and children. The doctor might inquire about other people who are in the patient's life such as spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to explain how the person's behavior has affected them. This could provide information that might not be found on checklists or other tests.
In some cases, a doctor may want to examine other conditions which could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses, like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine whether their symptoms are hindering their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulties in social and work situations. A severe condition can affect work or school performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live independently.
how to get diagnosed with adhd uk can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. There is no definitive reason for this, but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has 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 due to the existence of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to determine ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to talk to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care professional. This can delay the evaluation process. It is important to talk candidly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous medical background for an accurate evaluation.
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 will ask you about your childhood and family history and will also provide a detailed account of your home and work. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam involves blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help determine chemical or structural issues in the brain which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may recommend that you take part in an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. It is important to be aware that these studies may have potential risks and may not result in the appropriate treatment for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications you take, as these 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 page will provide you with more information about how to discuss other medicines with your physician.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational supports. Most often, it's a combination of these that can help people achieve success at school, work and other areas. Treatment should begin with a referral from your primary care physician or other health care professional. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or not able to give this information, it's best to find a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. It may also include the complete medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It's important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment or fear of being criticized. A person has to show symptoms in two or more places and cause an impairment that is significant in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. Discontent can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and lead to feelings of self-doubt and poor performance.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They begin to see their own situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive guidance. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered and to find the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that affect them at work, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medications. Some people also require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their problems aren't normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step in getting the help they need to live better lives.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to have this disorder. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has expertise in this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the individual's family history and also his or her own emotional and social history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the best way to determine the presence of ADHD.
Depending on the nature of the issues a person faces, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be used to assess the presence and impact of co-existing conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which typically accompany ADHD. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a particular person.
It is also a good idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been in practice. They should be able explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions that you may have. You can also search for experts who are certified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what advice they would give you.