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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues due to the fact that they forget bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional 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 help is to find a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both a physical exam and a review your medical background. This will include mental health issues as well as substance abuse. It is crucial to be open with your doctor about your issues and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem because of shame or fear of being criticized. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.
Adults differ from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. 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 interviewing the patient, the doctor might also ask others in the life of the patient- such as spouse or co-habitating partner, parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.
In some cases, the doctor will want to examine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mental health conditions and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's work and personal life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing some difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live an independent life.
Everyone can be affected by ADHD However, it is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason for this however it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty opening up to a healthcare specialist or a mental health professional. This could make the evaluation process longer. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms, as well as your previous experiences for an accurate evaluation.
During the evaluation the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your childhood and family history and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor could also recommend a physical 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 work and a head scan which can help you identify any structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also aid in determining other conditions 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 at research centers, such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these trials may be risky and not result in a treatment that is suitable for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and educational supports. Most often, it's a combination of these that can help people to achieve success in school, work and other areas. Treatment should start with a referral from your primary care physician or another health care professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling in a position to provide this information, it's best to find a different one.
The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. The diagnostic process may also include an assessment of family and medical history as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back to avoid embarrassment. A person has to show symptoms in two or more places and have a significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Untreated ADHD can lead to comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true if those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. It can lead to a self fulfilling prophecy that results in lower self-esteem, low performance, and feelings of anger.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a great relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault that they could not make friends or build a career. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret over missed opportunities that were not addressed.
adhd diagnosis uk adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. People with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for the symptoms and issues that plague him or her at home, at work at school, in relationships and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using medication and psychotherapy. Some people may find that they require specific coaching, which may provide structure and help in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems aren't due to poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to getting the support they need to live a better life.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interviewer may ask about the patient's social and emotional history, as also the family history of the person. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the most effective way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the nature of a person's difficulties and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological testing may be used to determine the effects and presence of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which typically occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have expertise in 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 to explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions you may have. You can also find experts who are certified through the internet or on the phone book. Find out about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they would suggest for you.
