How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives people to seek an evaluation. They could be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or having financial trouble because they forget to pay their bills or forget to track purchases.

Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Signs and symptoms

Find a doctor to assess your symptoms if suspect that you or your child has ADHD. Your evaluation will include both physical examinations and a review your medical history. This includes mental health issues and substance abuse. It is essential to be open with your doctor about your issues and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems because of shame or fear of being judged. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.

Because adulthood is very 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 published by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both children and adults. The doctor might ask other people who are part of the patient's life, such as a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to explain how the patient's behavior has affected them. This could reveal information that may not be included on a checklist or other tests.

In some cases the doctor may need to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses such as concussion or head trauma. They will also examine the individual's personal and work life to determine how their symptoms impact their daily routines.

The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulties in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live a life of independence.

Anyone can have ADHD However, it is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. There isn't a clear explanation for this difference, but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence of specific brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.

diagnosis of adhd in adulthood

It's not always easy to recognize ADHD. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and are unable to talk to an expert in mental health or health care professional. This can make the evaluation process longer. To ensure a thorough assessment it is crucial to be honest and transparent about your health issues and past experiences.

During the examination, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family history and childhood and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor could also recommend a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders.

A physical exam typically involves blood work and a head scan, which can reveal any chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like 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, such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these studies can have risks and may not lead to a treatment that is suitable for you.

It is also essential to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as they may interact with some stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. Medications that affect appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure could all affect the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will give you more information on the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. Most often, it's a combination of these that helps people to achieve success in work, school and other activities. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are usually the first step towards treatment. Ask about the professional's training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or not able to provide this information, you should look for a different professional.

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. The process of diagnosis may include an assessment of family and medical history as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back due to embarrassment. Several symptoms must be present in more than one setting and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.

Untreated ADHD can result in the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true when those with ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. Discontent can result in an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a poor performance.

A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They may begin to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense sadness and regret over missed opportunities.

Adults with ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. 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 advice. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to determine 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 afflict him or her at work, at home at school, in relationships and in many other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they also need special coaching, which can provide structure and support in daily life.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems aren't due to poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in getting the help they need to live more fulfilled lives.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to recognize in children. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview could include questions regarding the patient's family history, and also his or her own emotional and social history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. The majority of experts agree that a thorough interview is the best method to determine if a patient has ADHD.

Depending on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological testing may be used to determine the presence and effects of co-existing disorders, like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which typically accompany ADHD. These tests can also help determine the right dosage of medication for a person.

It is also a good idea to ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they've been practicing. They must also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for qualified professionals through the internet or on the phonebook. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what advice they would give you.