How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who can examine your symptoms if you suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Your assessment will consist of a physical exam as well as a review of your medical background. This will include mental health issues and addiction to drugs. I Am Psychiatry is crucial to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying 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 appropriate for both adults and children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor could also ask other people in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partners parents, siblings or coaches and teachers to comment on the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This may reveal information that may not be found on tests or checklists.
In some cases the doctor may want to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical illnesses or injuries, like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms interfere with their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulties in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect the performance of your work or school, strain relationships and make it difficult to live an independent life.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this difference exists however, it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD is not always easy. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have difficulty speaking to a healthcare provider or mental health professional. This can make the evaluation process even longer. It is essential to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms, as well as your previous experiences for an accurate assessment.
During the examination your doctor may employ standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history, and a detailed description your home and work. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders.
A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan, which can help you identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help determine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like addiction to drugs or depression.
Your doctor might suggest you participate in a a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, you must be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is right for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications you are taking, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect sleep, appetite heart rate, appetite and blood pressure may all affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide you with more information about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. It's often a combination of all three that can help people achieve success at school, work and other endeavors. Treatment should start with a referral from a primary care provider or other health professional. Ask the doctor about their knowledge and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it's best to look for a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. The process of diagnosis may include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as a psychiatric assessment. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of criticism. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more locations and exhibit an impairment that is significant in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Untreated ADHD can cause comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of low self-esteem and poor performance.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They begin to see the situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can cause regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their concerns with co-workers and supervisors. 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. Also, those who have the diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to find out the services covered and to get names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that affect them at the workplace, at home at the classroom, in relationships and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medication. Some people discover that they also require special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems aren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step in getting the support they need to live a better life.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has expertise in this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as also the family history of the person. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, the majority of experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed that it is essential to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Based on the nature of a person's difficulties, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to determine the presence and effects of co-existing conditions, like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often accompany ADHD. These tests can also help determine the right dosage of medication for a person.
Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with had experience in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees as well as how long they have been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any questions that you might have. You can also look for professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.