How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what drives people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to missing deadlines, or struggling with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or are having financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who will evaluate your symptoms if you think your child or you may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include physical examination as well as an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues as well as substance use. It is crucial to be open with your doctor about your symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of being criticized. However, a thorough evaluation can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. The doctor can ask others in the patient's life, for example, a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings, teachers, and coaches, to describe how the behavior of the person has affected them. This may reveal information that may not be included on a checklist or other tests.
In some cases the doctor may want to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect work or school performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it difficult to live a life of independence.
ADHD can affect everyone, but it's more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this, but there are probably environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to cause ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty talking to a healthcare doctor or a mental health specialist. This can prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and upfront about your health issues as well as past circumstances.
During the evaluation your doctor will utilize standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood records, as well as an extensive description of your work and home life. Your doctor might order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, including seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan which can help identify any structural or chemical issues in the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help rule other conditions out that can cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these trials may be risky and not result in a solution that is appropriate for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications you take, as these can 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. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details on the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational supports. It's often a combination of these that help people to achieve success in work, school and other activities. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step in treatment. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is not able to provide you this information, it is recommended to seek out a different professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other significant people. The process of diagnosis may include an assessment of family and medical history, as well as a psychiatric assessment. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest, not holding back because of embarrassment or fear of criticism. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Many people with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when people with ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger a self fulfilling prophecy that can result in lower self-esteem, low performance and feelings of frustration.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults suffering from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. Finally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to find out the services covered and to get names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that afflict him or her at the workplace, at home at relationships, at school and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medication. Some people may find that they also require special coaching, which can provide structure and help in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their issues aren't normal, or due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the help they require.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it is not impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interview may include questions regarding the patient's family history and also their own personal social and emotional background. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. But most experts agree that the most reliable way to determine the presence of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. adhd private diagnosis is also believed that it is essential to take the patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's issues and the co-existing conditions like anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD Additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have expertise in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Then check their professional credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they've been practicing. They should also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for qualified professionals online or in the phone book. Ask about their counseling approach and what type of therapy they may suggest for you.