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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or having financial trouble because they forget bills or don’t keep track of purchases.

Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Symptoms

If you believe that you or your child has ADHD, the first step towards getting help is to find a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. The assessment will include physical examination as well as a review of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is essential that you open up to your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem because of shame or fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.

Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be 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 appropriate for both adults and 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 person’s behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.

In some instances the doctor may want to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual’s personal and professional life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily routine.

The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing some difficulties in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder work or school performance, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live independently.

ADHD can be a problem for everyone, but it’s more frequent in men and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason for this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in some people, and it is possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn’t always straightforward. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and find it difficult to talk to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can prolong the process of evaluation. It is crucial to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your past background for a thorough evaluation.

During the examination, 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 also ask for your family history and childhood information, as well as a detailed description of your work and home life. Your doctor may also order an exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.

A physical exam involves blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help to identify chemical or structural issues in the brain which may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like addiction to drugs or depression.

It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. You should be aware, however, that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the appropriate treatment for you.

Inform your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH’s Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational support. It’s usually an amalgamation of all three that can help people to succeed at work, school and in other pursuits. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Ask the doctor about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it is best to look for a different one.

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient’s parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. It could also include a complete medical and family history and psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back due to embarrassment. A person must display symptoms in two or more locations and cause significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis is made.

Untreated ADHD can result in the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly relevant for people who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. It can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy that results in lower self-esteem, low performance, and feelings of anger.

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn’t because of them that they couldn’t make friends or establish a career. For certain adults, being diagnosed of adhd in adults diagnostic criteria can come with a sense of grief and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults who suffer from ADHD should be ready to discuss their concerns openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It’s also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek advice. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should verify 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 get help for symptoms and problems that affect them at work, at home at school, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medication. Some people discover that they also require specific coaching, which may provide structure and help in daily life.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their troubles weren’t just typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in receiving the help they require to live better lives.

Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It is more difficult to recognize in children. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer can inquire about the person’s personal and emotional history, as well the family history of the person. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. However, the majority of experts agree that the most accurate indicator of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and that it is essential to take the patient’s history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.

Based on the nature and severity of the individual’s problems and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their credentials, including academic degrees and the length of time they’ve been practicing. They should also be able where to diagnose adhd explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.