How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, the first step to seek assistance is to locate an expert in health care who will examine your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of a physical examination and an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. 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 shame or fear of criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give the doctor a more complete picture of your life and your problems.
Because adulthood is very 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 which are valid for both children and adults. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor could also ask others in the life of the patient- such as spouse or co-habitating partners parents, siblings or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be revealed by 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, as well as physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing some difficulties in social and work situations. A severe condition can affect school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it harder to live a life of independence.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than girls. There is no clear explanation for this difference, but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence of specific brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a health care specialist or mental health specialist. This can delay the evaluation process. To ensure a thorough assessment it is essential to be honest and transparent about your symptoms as well as past experiences.
During the examination your doctor may employ standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood information along with an extensive description of your job and home life. Your doctor may order an examination of your body to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, including seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam involves 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 may also help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances.
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 such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies can have risks and may not lead to a treatment that is suitable for you.
Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. how to get diagnosed with adhd ireland provides additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. Most often, it's the combination of these that can help people achieve success at school, work and other pursuits. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step in treatment. Ask the professional about their expertise and training in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling in a position to give this information, you should look for a different professional.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others and teachers. It may also include the complete medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant to avoid embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when those who suffer from ADHD have a history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a poor 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 responsibility for not being able to build a career or make friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over missed opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. Finally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered and to find the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at the workplace, at home at the classroom, in relationships and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is usually treated using medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their problems aren't normal or because of lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For some, a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the support they need to live better lives.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interviewer can inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as also the family history of the person. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the best way to diagnose ADHD.
Based on the severity and nature of the individual's issues and the co-existing conditions like anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD Additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person.
It is also an excellent idea to ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They must also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you might have. You can also look for experts who are certified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what they would suggest for you.