How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an assessment. They may lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor to examine your symptoms if you think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. Your assessment will consist of physical examination and a review your medical history. This includes mental health issues and alcohol abuse. It is essential to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem because of shame or fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your life.
Adults differ from children, and therefore diagnosing ADHD can be more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor might also ask other people in the life of the patientfor example, spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers -- to describe the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal important information that isn't discovered by tests or checklists.
In certain cases, a doctor may want to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses, like concussions or head trauma. The doctor will also examine the individual's work and personal life to determine how their symptoms affect their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing some difficulty in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with the performance of your work or school and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live a life of independence.
Anyone can have ADHD It is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this is the case, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to cause ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed due to brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to recognize ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble opening up to a healthcare specialist or mental health professional. This can prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and upfront about your health issues and past history.
During the evaluation your doctor will use standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and childhood as well as a thorough description of your home and work. Your doctor might also request an exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam usually includes blood tests and a head scan, which can reveal any chemical or structural problems in the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as addiction to drugs or depression.
Your doctor may recommend you participate in a clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you must be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a solution that is suitable for you.
It is also essential to tell your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, since they could interact with some stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure could all affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
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For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational support. It's usually a combination of the three that can help people achieve success at work, school and other endeavors. Treatment should start with the referral of the primary care provider or other health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it's best to look for a different one.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. It may also include an extensive medical and family history and psychotherapy evaluation. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide due to embarrassment. learn more has to show symptoms in two or more places and exhibit a significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Untreated ADHD can cause co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety. This is especially the case for those with ADHD who have a history of chronic anxiety or frustration. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't because of them that they could not make friends or build a career. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret for missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. 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 advice. People with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD is able to receive assistance to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety of settings that include at home, work, school, in relationships, and many more. learn more is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication. Some people also need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their issues aren't caused by poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis can be the first step to receiving the help they require.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, however it isn't difficult for adults to suffer from this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview might include questions about the individual's family history and also his or her own social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best method to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the nature of the issues a person faces depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests can be conducted to evaluate the presence and effects of co-existing disorders, like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which typically occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the proper dosage of medications for an individual.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been working. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for professional who are qualified online or in the phonebook. Find out about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they would suggest for you.