How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or having financial trouble because they forget bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, the first step in getting help is to find a medical professional who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of a physical exam as well as a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues and substance abuse. It is essential to be open with your doctor about your symptoms and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD conceal their symptoms due to shame or fear of criticism. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. The doctor may inquire about other people in the patient's life, for example, a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the person's behavior has affected them. This can reveal information that might not show up on a checklist or other tests.
In some cases, the doctor will want to examine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. The doctor will also examine the individual's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms impact their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder schoolwork or work performance and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live an independent life.
Anyone can have ADHD However, it is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. It is unclear why this is the case, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has revealed that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition because specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care professional. This can make the process of evaluation more time-consuming. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and transparent about your symptoms as well as your past medical circumstances.
In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will employ the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor may also order an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam involves blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression.
It is possible that your health care provider might suggest you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these studies may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is appropriate for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect the appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep and blood pressure may affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details about the best way to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. Most often, it's a combination of these that help people find success in school, work and other areas. Treatment should begin with an appointment with your primary care physician or other health professional. Ask the professional about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or not able to give this information, it's best to find a different one.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. It could also include a complete medical and family history as well as a an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide because of embarrassment. A person must display symptoms in two or more locations and have a significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Untreated ADHD can lead to comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially relevant for people who suffer from ADHD who have a history of chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for some adults. They may begin to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault they couldn't establish an occupation or make friends. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret over missed opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults suffering from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their concerns with co-workers and supervisors. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive assistance. People with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of the professionals who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can get help for the symptoms and issues that afflict him or her at home, at work at the classroom, in relationships and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medications. iampsychiatry.uk discover that they require specific coaching, which may provide structure and help in everyday life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems aren't due to poor parenting or laziness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step in getting the help they need to live a better life.
Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has expertise in this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview might include questions about the person's family history and also the person's own social and emotional history. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. However, most experts agree that the best indicator of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is crucial to take a patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required to determine the presence and effects of co-existing conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which typically occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they have been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you might have. You can also search for professional who are certified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they would suggest for you.