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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the frustration of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, or struggling with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or having financial trouble because they forget to pay their bills or lose track of purchases.

Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Symptoms

Find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms if you suspect you or your child has ADHD. The assessment will include an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, including mental health issues as well as substance use. It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about the signs and the way they affect your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of being criticized. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.

Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor may ask other people in the patient's life, for example, the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings, teachers, and coaches, to describe how the behavior of the person has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be revealed by tests or checklists.

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

The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with the performance of a job or school as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live a life of independence.

ADHD can affect anyone, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in some people, and it's possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

It is not always simple to diagnose ADHD. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and may have difficulty talking to a health care doctor or a mental health professional. This could make the evaluation process more time-consuming. It is crucial to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your past background for a thorough evaluation.

During the evaluation your doctor will use standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood records and an extensive description of your job and personal life. Your doctor may request an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like seizures or a thyroid disorder.

A physical exam involves blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine structural or chemical issues in the brain which could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances.

Your doctor may suggest you participate in a clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted at research centers, such as NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could pose negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you.

Tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can give you more information about how to discuss other medications with your physician.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD may be treated by medication, behavioral therapy, and educational assistance. Often, it's the combination of these that help people achieve success at school, work and other activities. Treatment should start with an appointment with the primary care provider or other health care professional. Find out about the professional's education and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling in a position to give this information, it's best to look for a different professional.

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant people, and teachers. The diagnostic process may also include an examination of the family and medical history and a psychiatric assessment. It's important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back because of embarrassment or fear of being criticized. A person must display symptoms in two or more locations and have significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.

Untreated ADHD can lead to co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety. This is particularly relevant for people with ADHD who have a history of chronic anxiety or frustration. It can lead to an unfulfilled prophecy which results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.

A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They can start to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish an occupation or make friends. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults with ADHD must be always ready to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive guidance. Those who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of the professionals who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for symptoms and problems that afflict him or her at work, at home at the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems weren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For some, a diagnosis is the first step to getting the support they need to live more fulfilled lives.

It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to have this disorder. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interviewer might inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as well the family history click here of the person. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best way to determine the presence of ADHD.

Based on the nature of the issues a person faces, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required to evaluate the effects and presence of co-existing conditions like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often accompany ADHD. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they've been practicing. They should also be able explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also look for experts who are certified on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.