How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to impulsive behavior or having financial trouble because they forget to pay their 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
Find a doctor who will assess your symptoms if suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation will consist of a physical exam and a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues and substance abuse. It is crucial that you open up to your doctor about the symptoms and the way they affect your life. adhd uk diagnosis with ADHD hide their problems out of fear of shame or criticism A thorough assessment will provide the doctor with a more complete picture of your life and your difficulties.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is 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 applicable for both adults and children. The doctor can ask others who are part of the patient's life, like a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers, to describe how the patient's behavior has affected them. This could reveal information that may not show up on checklists or other tests.
In certain cases doctors may decide to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries such as concussions or head trauma. They will also review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms are hindering their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms that cause difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder academic or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live a life of independence.
Anyone can have ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than girls. There is no clear explanation for this difference however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been found to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to talk to an expert in mental health or health care professional. This could make the evaluation process longer. It is important to talk openly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous medical history for an accurate assessment.
During the 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 may also ask for your family history and childhood records and an extensive description of your work and home life. Your doctor could also recommend an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam involves blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help determine chemical or structural issues in the brain which may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your health care provider might suggest you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you must be aware that these trials can have risks and may not lead to a treatment that is right for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications that you take, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD can be treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. It's often a combination of these that helps people find success in work, school and other activities. Treatment should begin with a referral from the primary care provider or another health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, you should look for a different professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient, parents or other significant people, and teachers. The process of diagnosis may include a medical and family history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not shy away because of embarrassment or fear of being criticized. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more locations and exhibit an impairment that is significant in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Untreated ADHD can lead to comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is especially relevant for people who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or frustration. Discontent can result in an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They may begin to see their own behavior and realize that it wasn't because of them that they couldn't make friends or establish a career. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. People who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can get help to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at home, at work, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people find that they also require specialized coaching, which can provide structure and help in daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems aren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis could be the first step towards receiving the assistance they require.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the person's family history and also their own personal emotional and social history. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best method to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the nature of the issues a person faces, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required to assess the presence and effects of co-existing conditions, like anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which typically occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests can also be helpful in determining the right dosage of medications for a particular person.
It is also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Check their qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have worked. They should also be able to explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you have. You can also look for professional who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would suggest for you.