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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 may lose their jobs because of missed deadlines, struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation will consist of physical examinations and a review your medical history. This includes mental health issues and substance abuse. It is essential that you open up to your doctor about the symptoms and the way they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear of shame or criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give the doctor an accurate picture of your life and difficulties.
Adults differ from children, which is why diagnosing ADHD can be more challenging 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. The doctor can request other people who are part of the patient's life, such as spouses or cohabiting partners or siblings, parents, teachers, and coaches to discuss how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can provide information that might not show up on checklists or other tests.
In some cases, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. They will also examine the individual's personal and professional life to determine how their symptoms interfere with their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder schoolwork or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live an independent life.
ADHD can affect any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this is the case however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has revealed that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it is possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition because specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to recognize ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to open up to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care professional. This can prolong the evaluation process. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and transparent about your health issues as well as past experiences.
During the exam, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and childhood and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor could also recommend an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam typically involves blood work and a head scan which can help identify any structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help determine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
Your doctor may suggest taking part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you should be aware that these studies can have risks and may not lead to a treatment that is appropriate for you.
It is also important to tell your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, as they can interact with some stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. The effects of medications on the appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure could all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD can be treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's often a combination of the three that can help people succeed at work, school, and other activities. Treatment should start with a referral from your primary care physician or another health care professional. Find out about the professional's education and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to give you the information you need, it's recommended to seek out a different professional.
The diagnostic process of adult ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other significant people. It could also involve an extensive medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back because of embarrassment. A person must display symptoms in two or more places and exhibit a significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined.
Untreated ADHD can cause comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if people with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause an unfulfilled prophecy which causes low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They may begin to see themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault that they were unable to make friends or start a career. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group, where people with the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and request 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 afflict him or her at the workplace, at home at school, in relationships and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some individuals also discover they require special coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their issues aren't caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has expertise in this type of disorder can identify ADHD in get more info adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview might include questions regarding the patient's family history, and also their own personal social and emotional history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the best method to determine the presence of ADHD.
Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required to evaluate the presence and effects of co-existing conditions, like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the right dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also an excellent idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they've been working. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any queries that you may have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they may recommend for you.