How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to their impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD The first step towards getting help is to find an expert in health care who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of a physical exam and a review of your medical background. This will include mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is important that you are honest with your doctor about the signs and the way they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD hide their problems out of shame or fear of criticism, but a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with an accurate picture of your lifestyle and issues.
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 applicable for both adults and children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor might also ask other people in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partner, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers to comment on the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be revealed by tests or checklists.
In certain instances doctors may decide to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mental health issues and physical injuries like head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with schoolwork or work performance and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live independently.
Anyone can have ADHD It is more common in men and boys than girls. It is unclear the reason for this however it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to cause ADHD in a few people. adhd diagnosis uk adults is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty opening up to a healthcare doctor or a mental health specialist. This can make the process of evaluation more time-consuming. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and upfront about your symptoms and past history.
During the evaluation the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and childhood, and a detailed description your home and work. Your doctor might order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan, which can help identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help rule other conditions out that can cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression.
Your doctor may recommend taking part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. It is important to be aware that these studies may have negative consequences and may not provide the right treatment for you.
It is also essential to inform your doctor any other medications you're taking, as they can interact with stimulants that are used to treat adult ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details on the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's typically a combination of all three that can help people succeed at work, school and other endeavors. Treatment should start with an appointment with your primary care physician or another health care professional. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to give you this information, it's recommended to seek out a different professional.
The diagnostic process of adult ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. It could also include the complete medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide to avoid embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and cause significant impairment in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Untreated ADHD can lead to comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true for those who suffer from ADHD who have a history chronic stress or a sense of frustration. The frustration can trigger a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for some adults. They will begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault that they could not make friends or build a career. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret for missed opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and get the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and issues that affect him or her in a variety of situations such as at work, home at school as well as in relationships and many other. Adult ADHD is usually treated using medication and psychotherapy. Some people may find that they also need specific coaching, which may provide structure and support in everyday life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their troubles weren't just normal or because of lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the assistance they require.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives 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 may ask about the patient's social and emotional history, as well as the family history of the person. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. But most experts agree that the most reliable way to determine the presence of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed that it is essential to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Depending on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be used to assess the effects and presence of co-existing conditions, like anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders that often accompany ADHD. The results of these tests could also help in determining the right dosage of medications for a particular person.
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 how long they have been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any queries that you may have. You can also find professional who are certified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what they would recommend for you.