How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget bills and don't keep track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who can examine your symptoms if you think your child or you may have ADHD. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, including mental health issues as well as substance use. It is essential to be honest with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect your life. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of fear of shame or criticism A thorough assessment will give your doctor more of a complete picture of your lifestyle and difficulties.
Adults are different from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD is more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosis that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor can request other people who are in the patient's life such as the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers, to describe how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can provide information that might not show up on a checklist or other tests.
In some cases the doctor may need to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms are affecting their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it harder to live a life of independence.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more common in men and boys than in girls. It is unclear 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 certain individuals, and it is possible that some people are predisposed to develop the condition because specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to recognize ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to talk to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can prolong the evaluation process. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and open about your symptoms as well as past history.
During the evaluation the doctor will use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will also inquire for your family and childhood history, as well as an extensive description of your work and home life. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam includes blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like addiction to drugs or depression.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. Be aware, however, that these studies may have negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you.
It is also essential to tell your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as they can interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. Drugs that affect the appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep, and blood pressure can affect the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more information on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
adult adhd diagnosis uk with ADHD may be treated by treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. Often, it's the combination of these that helps people find success in school, work and other activities. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are usually the first step in treatment. Find out about the specialist's knowledge and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to provide you this information, it is best to find another professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. It may also include a complete medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back because of embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. It can lead to a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They can start to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of grief and regret about missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD should be prepared to discuss their issues openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek assistance. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should verify 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 can seek treatment for the symptoms and issues that affect them at work, at home, in relationships, at school and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medication. Some people also find they require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems aren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the help they need to live better lives.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interviewer might inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as well the family history of the person. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. However, most experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an extensive 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 issues a person faces, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to assess the effects and presence of co-existing disorders, like anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders that often occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can also help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they've been working. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what type of therapy they may recommend for you.