How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an assessment. They may be losing their jobs due to missing deadlines, or struggling with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or having financial trouble due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or lose track of purchases.

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

Symptoms

Find a doctor who can examine your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include physical examination as well as a review of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is important to be forthcoming with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.

Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's add diagnostic criteria adults 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. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask others who are in the patient's life- such as spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This may reveal information that may not be included on checklists or other tests.

In some cases the doctor may need to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses, like head trauma. He or she will also look at the person's work and personal life to determine how their symptoms affect their daily routines.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder academic or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live an independent life.

Anyone can suffer from ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than girls. It is not clear why this difference exists however it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Research has revealed that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in some people, and it is possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence of specific brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

It is not always simple to determine ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty talking to a health care provider or a mental health specialist. This can delay the evaluation process. To ensure a thorough assessment it is crucial to be honest and open about your health issues as well as your past medical history.

During the evaluation the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood information and an extensive description of your job and home life. Your doctor might also request an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders.

A physical exam consists of blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical problems in the brain which could be contributing to adhd get diagnosed symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including depression or substance abuse.

It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you take part in the clinical trials of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, you should be aware that these studies may be risky and not result in a solution that is right for you.

Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect the appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep and blood pressure may all affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.

Treatment

For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational supports. Often, it's a combination of these that helps people to achieve success in work, school and other areas. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are the first step to treatment. Ask the professional about their expertise and training in working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or unable to give this information, you should look for a different professional.

The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. The diagnostic process could also include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back to avoid embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and have a significant impact in the individual's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.

Many people with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is especially the case for those with ADHD who have a history chronic stress or a sense of frustration. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that causes low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.

A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for some adults. They begin to see their own situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can cause regret and sadness over missed opportunities.

Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered, and to find the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek help to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety settings such as at work, home, school or in relationships, and many more. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medications. Some individuals also discover they require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.

Adults diagnosed adhd with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems aren't due to poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis could be the first step to getting the help they need.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized adhd diagnosis And mental health.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interview might include questions about the person's family history, and also his or her own social and emotional background. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. Most experts agree that an extensive interview is the best way to determine the presence of ADHD.

Depending on the nature of the issues a person faces and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological testing may be used to assess the presence and effects of co-existing disorders, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders that often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests may be useful in determining the proper dosage of medications for an individual.

Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and the length of time they've been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for professional who are qualified through the internet or on the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what type of therapy they would suggest for you.