How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial issues because they forget to pay their bills or lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you believe that you or your child have ADHD, the first step towards getting help is to find a medical professional who will examine your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examinations as well as a review of your medical background. This includes mental health issues and substance abuse. It is important to be honest with your doctor about the signs and how they affect your life. adhd uk diagnosis suffering from ADHD hide their problems out of fear or shame criticism However, a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with an accurate picture of your life and difficulties.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. 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 -for example, spouse or co-habitating partners siblings, parents or coaches and teachers -- to describe the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal crucial details that aren't revealed by tests or checklists.
In some cases, a 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, like head trauma. They will also look at the person's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms impact their daily routines.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing some difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of a job or school and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it difficult to live an independent life.
ADHD can be an issue for everyone, but it's more frequent in men and boys than in girls. There is no clear reason for this but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has revealed that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a health care provider or mental health specialist. This can make the evaluation process longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and open about your symptoms and past experiences.
During the evaluation your doctor will employ standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history, and a detailed description your home and work. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan, which can reveal any structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies may be risky and not result in a treatment that is right for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications you take, as these may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and education support. Most often, it's the combination of these that can help people to achieve success in school, work and other pursuits. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are usually the first step towards treatment. Find out about the specialist's knowledge and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or not able to give this information, you should seek another professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. It could also involve a complete medical and family history as well as a an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of being criticized. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and cause significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Untreated ADHD can result in the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when people with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy that causes low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.
A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They can start to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their fault that they weren't able to establish an occupation or make friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense sadness and regret over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek help to address the issues and symptoms that affect them in a variety settings such as at home, work at school as well as in relationships and many more. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically involve medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they also require specialized coaching, which can provide structure and help in everyday life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their problems aren't normal or because of poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step towards getting the support they need to live a better life.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interview may include questions regarding the patient's family history, as well as the person's own social and emotional background. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best way to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Based on the severity and nature of the individual's issues and any co-existing issues like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD Additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also a good idea to ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for experts who are qualified via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would suggest for you.