How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle with relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child has ADHD. The assessment will include a physical examination and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is essential to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of being criticized. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.
Adults differ from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both children and adults. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor could also ask others in the person’s life — such as spouse or co-habitating partner parents, siblings or coaches and teachers — to describe the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal information that may not be found on tests or checklists.
In certain cases the doctor may decide to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries like head trauma. They will also review the individual’s personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms are affecting their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to problems in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect work or school performance as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live independently.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this difference exists however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Finding a diagnosis of 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 provider. This can delay the process of evaluation. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and transparent about your symptoms as well as your past medical history.
During the evaluation your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask for your family and childhood history along with an in-depth description of your job and personal life. Your doctor may request an examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam includes blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine structural or chemical issues in the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help rule other conditions out that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor may recommend that you take part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, you should be aware that these studies may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is suitable for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you take, as they 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 can provide you with more information about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational assistance. It’s often a combination of the three that can help people to succeed in school, work and other endeavors. Treatment should start with the referral of a primary care provider or another health care professional. Find out about the professional’s education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, it’s best to find a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult adhd diagnosis Criteria ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient’s parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. It could also include an extensive medical and family history as well as a an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant because of embarrassment. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and have an impairment that is significant in their life before an ADHD add diagnosis as an adult can be determined.
Many people with untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those who suffer from ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. Discontent can result in self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They will begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn’t their fault 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 missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive guidance. Finally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to determine the services covered and to obtain the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance for the symptoms and issues that affect them in a variety of settings that include at work, home or at school as well as in relationships and many more. Adult adhd adults diagnosis is usually treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people also find they require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their issues aren’t normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step to getting the help they need to live better lives.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interviewer may ask about the patient’s social and emotional history, as also their family history. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. However, most experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is vital to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Based on the severity and nature of the individual’s issues and any co-existing issues such as anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD Additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. The results of these tests can also be helpful in determining the right dosage of medications for a particular person.
It’s also a good idea to ask friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they’ve been in practice. They should also be able to explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you have. You can also look for qualified professionals online or in the phonebook. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would suggest for you.