Martina Winneke

How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an assessment. They could be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties because they forget bills or lose track of purchases.

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

Signs and symptoms

Find a doctor who will examine your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child has ADHD. Your evaluation will include both physical examinations as well as a review of your medical background. This will include mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is essential that you are honest with your doctor about the signs and the way they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem due to shame or fear of being judged. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your life.

Adults are different from children, so the add diagnosis in adults of ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing late adhd diagnosis that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. The doctor may inquire about other people in the patient's life, like the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to discuss how the behavior of the person has affected them. This could reveal important information that isn't discovered by tests or checklists.

In certain instances the doctor may need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mental health issues, and physical injuries like concussions or head trauma. They will also examine the individual's personal and professional life to determine how their symptoms interfere with their daily routines.

The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with work or school performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live an independent life.

Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are environmental and genetic 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 more likely to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are that are involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

It's not always easy to recognize ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a healthcare doctor or a mental health professional. This could make the evaluation process even longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and open about your health issues as well as past circumstances.

During the examination, your doctor may use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and childhood as well as a thorough description of your home and work. Your doctor may order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such seizures or a thyroid disorder.

A physical exam includes blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine structural or chemical issues in the brain which may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also help rule other conditions out that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.

Your doctor may suggest you participate in a a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. It is important to be aware that these studies could carry negative consequences and may not provide the appropriate treatment for you.

It is also essential to inform your doctor any other medications you are taking, since they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. Drugs that affect the appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure may all affect the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how does an adult get diagnosed with adhd to discuss other medications with your health care provider.

Treatment

For adults diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. It's often an amalgamation of all three that helps people achieve success at school, work and in other pursuits. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step towards treatment. Find out about the specialist's knowledge and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling in a position to give this information, it's best to find a different one.

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other significant people. It may also include the complete medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant because of embarrassment. A person must display symptoms in more than one place and cause a significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis is made.

Untreated ADHD can cause co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. This is particularly true for those who suffer from ADHD who have a history of chronic anxiety or frustration. Frustration can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and lead to feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.

For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They may begin to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their fault they couldn't establish a career or meet new friends. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over lost opportunities that were not addressed.

Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their concerns with their supervisors and colleagues. 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 help. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for symptoms and problems that affect them at work, at home, in relationships, at school and in many other situations. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medication. Some individuals also discover they require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.

Adults who have been diagnosed adhd with ADHD often are relieved to know that their problems aren't typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For some, a diagnosis is the first step to receiving the help they require to live a better life.

It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to suffer from 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 interview could include questions about the person's family history, as well as their own personal social and emotional history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best method to determine the presence of ADHD.

Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological testing may be used to determine the presence and effects of co-existing conditions, like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders that often accompany ADHD. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a person.

It's also an excellent idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have worked. 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. Ask them about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they would recommend for you.