How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the frustration of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial issues because they forget to pay their bills or lose track of purchases.

Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing adhd in adults (such a good point).

Symptoms

If you believe that you or your child has ADHD, the first step towards getting assistance is to find an expert in health care who will examine your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examination and a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as substance abuse. It is crucial to be open with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide their problems out of fear of shame or criticism A thorough assessment will provide the doctor with a more complete picture of your life and difficulties.

Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition published by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis which are valid for both children and adults. The doctor may request others in the patient's life, for example, the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to explain how the person's behavior has affected them. This can reveal information that might not show up on checklists or other tests.

In certain instances the doctor may need to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms are affecting their daily routine.

The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of your work or school or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live independently.

ADHD can affect everyone, but it's more common in males and boys than in girls. There is no clear reason for this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a healthcare specialist or mental health specialist. This can make the evaluation process even longer. It is essential to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous medical history for a thorough evaluation.

During the evaluation your doctor will employ the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history along with a detailed description of your work and family life. Your doctor may request a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.

A physical exam consists of blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help to identify chemical or structural issues in the brain which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances.

It is possible that your doctor might suggest you take part in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. Be aware that these studies could carry risks and not lead to the appropriate treatment for you.

Tell your doctor about any other medications you take, as these could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effects of medications on the appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep and blood pressure could all have an effect on how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational assistance. It's typically a combination of all three that helps people achieve success in school, work and in other pursuits. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are the first step towards treatment. Ask the professional about their knowledge 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 diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant people, and teachers. It may also include the complete medical and family history, as well as an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide to avoid embarrassment. A person has to show symptoms in two or more places and cause an impairment that is significant in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.

Untreated ADHD can cause comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when people with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. Discontent can result in self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.

For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They begin to see the situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault that they weren't able to establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults with ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. People with an adhd adult diagnosis uk diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and obtain the names and phone numbers of specialists that specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed as ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and issues that affect them in a variety settings that include at work, home or at school as well as in relationships and many others. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medication. Some individuals also discover they require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their issues aren't caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For certain people, being diagnosed with adhd as an adult diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in getting the help they need to live better lives.

It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn't difficult for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has expertise in this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview may include questions about the person's family history and also their own personal social and emotional history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. However, most experts agree that the most accurate way to determine the presence of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is vital to take a patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.

Depending on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests may be required to evaluate the presence and impact of co-existing disorders, like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders that often are associated with ADHD. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and how to get adhd diagnosis scotland long they've been working. They should be able explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions that you may have. You can also search for experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.