How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment because they are dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to their impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD, the first step to seek assistance is to locate a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. The assessment will include a physical examination and a review of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is essential to be honest with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear or shame criticism However, a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with more of a complete picture of your life and difficulties.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complicated 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 appropriate for both children and adults. The doctor can inquire about other people who are in the patient's life like the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches, to describe how the person's behavior has affected them. This can reveal important details that aren't revealed by tests or checklists.
In certain instances the doctor may need to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical illnesses or injuries like head trauma. The doctor will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms impact their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulties in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with school or job performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live a life of independence.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. There is no definitive reason behind this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been found to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to determine ADHD. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have trouble talking to a health care provider or a mental health professional. This could make the evaluation process longer. It is important to talk candidly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous medical history for an accurate assessment.
During the exam the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and family history as well as a thorough description of your home and work. Your doctor may also order an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan which can reveal any structural or chemical issues in the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may recommend you participate in a an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. However, you should be aware that these research studies could be risky and not lead to a treatment that is right for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure may all affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details about how to discuss other medicines with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's typically a combination of all three that can help people to succeed at work, school, and other activities. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are usually the first step to treatment. Ask about the professional's training and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses or is not able to provide you the information you need, it's best to look for a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. It could also involve a complete medical and family history, as well as an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back because of embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and cause significant impairment in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. adhd diagnosis uk adults is especially true when people with ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger a self fulfilling prophecy that causes low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They begin to see the situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults suffering from ADHD must be always ready to talk about their problems with supervisors and coworkers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, where people with the disorder can share their experiences and get assistance. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and obtain the names and phone numbers of specialists that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can receive help to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety settings, including at home, work, school as well as in relationships and many others. Treatments for adult ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medication. Some people also need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren't normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the help they require.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as well as his or her family history. Some doctors use computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the most effective way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the nature and severity of the individual's issues and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that commonly are associated with ADHD Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also an excellent idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional credentials, including their academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should also be able explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you have. You can also look for experts who are certified online or in the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would suggest for you.