How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They may be losing their jobs due to missing deadlines, or struggling with relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial issues due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or don't keep track of purchases.

Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Signs and symptoms

Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you think your child or you has ADHD. Your evaluation will include both physical examinations and a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is important that you open up to your doctor about the signs and the way they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear or shame criticism A thorough assessment will provide the doctor with more of a complete picture of your life and your problems.

Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. 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 may ask others in the patient's life, like the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches, to describe how can i get an adhd diagnosis the person's behavior has affected them. This may provide information that might not show up on a checklist or other tests.

In some instances, the doctor will want to examine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mental health issues and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.

The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder schoolwork or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live an independent life.

Everyone can be affected by ADHD However, it is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain chemicals and foods have been found to cause ADHD in certain individuals. 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 talk to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care professional. This can delay the evaluation process. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and upfront about your symptoms as well as your past medical experiences.

During the evaluation the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood records along with an extensive description of your work and personal life. Your doctor may request an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.

A physical exam includes blood tests and an examination of the brain. These can help identify structural or chemical issues in the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help rule other conditions out that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances.

Your doctor might suggest you participate in a 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 could be risky and not result in a treatment that is appropriate for you.

It is also important to tell your doctor any other medications you're taking, as they can interact with some stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effects of medications on the appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure may all affect how to get diagnosed with adhd adult effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will give you more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational supports. Most often, it's the combination of these that helps people find success in work, school and other activities. Treatment should begin with an appointment with your primary care physician or other health care professional. Ask the professional about their knowledge and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses or is not able to provide you this information, it is best to find another professional.

The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. The diagnostic process may also include a medical and family history and an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant due to embarrassment. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more locations and have significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.

Many people with untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is particularly true for those who suffer from ADHD who have a history of chronic stress or frustration. Discontent can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and lead to feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.

For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They can start to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault they couldn't establish an occupation or make friends. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can come with a sense of grief and regret over missed opportunities that were not addressed.

Adults suffering from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their concerns with their supervisors and colleagues. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered and to obtain the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for the symptoms and issues that affect them at the workplace, at home, in school, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adult ADHD typically involve medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they also require special coaching, which can provide structure and support in everyday life.

Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their troubles weren't just normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step in getting the help they need.

It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. Many adults suffer from 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 could include questions about the individual's family history as well as their own personal emotional and social history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is vital to take the patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.

Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and the co-existing conditions like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.

It is also a good idea to ask friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any questions that you might have. You can also search for experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they would recommend for you.