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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment due to being annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget to pay bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor to examine your symptoms if you think your child or you has ADHD. Your assessment will consist of a physical exam and a review your medical history. This will include mental health issues and substance abuse. It is important to be honest with your doctor about the signs and the way they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your life.
Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor may ask others who are in the patient's life such as spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the person's behavior has affected them. This can reveal information that might not be included on checklists or other tests.
In certain cases doctors may decide to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mental health issues and physical illnesses or injuries like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms are affecting their daily routine.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live an independent life.
ADHD can be an issue for any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this is the case however it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to open up to an expert in mental health or health care professional. This can delay the evaluation process. To ensure a thorough assessment it is essential to be honest and transparent about your health issues and past history.
During the evaluation, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history and will also provide a detailed account of your home and work. Your doctor may order an examination of your body to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, including a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan, which can help identify any structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression.
Your doctor may recommend 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 may be risky and not result in a treatment that is right for you.
It is also get more info essential to inform your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adult ADHD. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure could all have an effect on how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with medications, behavioral therapy and educational support. Often, it's the combination of these that helps people achieve success at school, work and other areas. Treatment should start with the referral of the primary care provider or other health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to provide this information, you should seek another professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. The diagnostic process may also include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not shy away due to embarrassment, or fear of criticism. There must be a variety of symptoms in a variety of settings and have a significant impact in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true if people with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. It can lead to an unfulfilled prophecy which results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They may begin to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their own responsibility for not being able to build an occupation or make friends. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. People with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed as ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety of situations, including at work, home or at school, in relationships, and many others. Treatments for adult ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medication. Some people also require specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to getting the help they need to live more fulfilled lives.
It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interview may include questions about the person's family history, and also the person's own emotional and social background. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. But most experts agree that the best indicator of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and that it is essential to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.
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 evaluate the presence and impact of co-existing conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which typically accompany ADHD. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees as well as how long they've been working. They must also be able to explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions 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 therapy and what advice they would give you.