How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment due to being annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who will examine your symptoms if you think your child or you has ADHD. Your evaluation will include both physical examinations and a review your medical background. This will include mental health issues and alcohol abuse. It is crucial that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of shame or fear of criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give the doctor a more complete picture of your life and problems.
Adults differ from children, which is why diagnosing ADHD can be more challenging than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric 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. The doctor can request others who are in the patient's life such as a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to explain how the behavior of the person has affected them. This can reveal important information that isn't revealed by tests or checklists.
In certain instances, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will also look at the person's work and personal life to determine how their symptoms impact their daily routines.
The signs of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with school or job performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it difficult to live an independent life.
ADHD can be a problem for everyone, but it's more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. There is no definitive explanation for this difference but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to talk to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can delay the evaluation process. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms, as well as your past history to ensure a thorough evaluation.
During the evaluation the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed 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 order an examination of your body to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, such seizures or a thyroid disorder.
A physical exam involves blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help to identify chemical or structural issues in the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor might suggest you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies may have negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you.
It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as they can interact with some stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details about how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include therapy, medication and educational assistance. Most often, it's the combination of these that helps people achieve success at school, work and other pursuits. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are often the first step in treatment. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to provide this information, you should find a different one.
The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. It could also include an extensive medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide due to embarrassment. Several symptoms must be present in a variety of settings and must cause significant impairment in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Untreated ADHD can result in co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. This is especially relevant for people with ADHD who have a history chronic anxiety or frustration. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that can result in low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for some adults. They can begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault that they could not make friends or build an occupation. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with supervisors and coworkers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek assistance. People with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at home, at work, in relationships, at school and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they require special coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their issues aren't typical or caused by bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step towards receiving the assistance they require.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn't difficult for adults to be affected by this disorder. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interviewer can inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as well as their family history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the best indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is crucial to take the history of a patient into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
Depending on adult adhd diagnosis uk and nature of the individual's issues and any co-existing issues like anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD, additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests could also help in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a particular person.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they have been practicing. They should also be able to explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you may have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they may recommend for you.