How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads people to seek an evaluation. They could be losing their jobs due to missing deadlines, struggling in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial issues due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, the first step in getting assistance is to locate a medical professional who will evaluate your symptoms. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is important to be forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of shame or fear of criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give the doctor an accurate picture of your life and problems.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis which are valid for both children and adults. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask other people who are in the patient's life- such as spouse or co-habitating partners siblings, parents, or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could provide information that might not be found on a checklist or other tests.
In some instances the doctor may decide to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing some difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it harder to live independently.
ADHD can affect any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason behind this, but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to cause ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not always easy. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble opening up to a healthcare doctor or a mental health specialist. This can make the evaluation process longer. To ensure a thorough assessment, it is important to be honest and upfront about your symptoms as well as past experiences.
During the evaluation your doctor will utilize standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your family history and childhood as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor may also order an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam includes blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help to identify chemical or structural issues in the brain which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances.
It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you take part in a clinical trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these trials could be risky and not lead to a treatment that is suitable for you.
It is also important to inform your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, since they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your doctor.
adhd diagnosis uk adults suffering from ADHD may be treated by medication, behavioral therapy, and education support. It's usually a combination of all three that can help people achieve success at school, work, and other activities. Treatment should start with the referral of your primary care physician or other health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to give you this information, it is best to find another professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. It could also include a complete medical and family history as well as a psychotherapy evaluation. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not shy away because of embarrassment or fear of being criticized. A person has to show symptoms in two or more locations and exhibit an impairment that is significant in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Untreated ADHD can cause the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have a history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. Frustration can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of low self-esteem and a poor performance.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a great relief. They begin to see the situation and realize that it wasn't their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their issues with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive guidance. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and phone numbers of specialists that specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and issues that affect him or her in a variety of situations, including at home, work or at school or in relationships, and many others. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medication. Some people may find that they also require specific coaching, which may help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their issues aren't normal, or due to bad parenting or lazyness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step in getting the help they need to live a better life.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to be affected by this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer can inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as also his or her family history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD.
Based on the nature and severity of the person's difficulties and the co-existing conditions like anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests could also help in determining the proper dosage of medications for a particular person.
It is also a good idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to professionals who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their credentials, including 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 might have. You can also find professional who are qualified through the internet or on the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what kind of therapy they might suggest for you.
