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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD The first step in getting assistance is to find an expert in health care who will examine your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is important to be honest with your doctor about the signs and the way they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of being judged. However, a thorough evaluation can give your doctor a better picture of your life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor could also ask other people who are in the patient's life- such as spouse or co-habitating partners siblings, parents, or teachers and coaches -- to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be revealed by tests or checklists.
In certain cases, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect schoolwork or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live an independent life.
ADHD can be an issue for any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason behind this however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it's possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence of certain brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to recognize ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble speaking to a healthcare specialist or mental health professional. This can prolong the evaluation process. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms as well as your previous medical experiences for an accurate assessment.
During the examination the doctor will use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family history and childhood, and a detailed description your home and work. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam usually includes blood tests and a head scan, which can help identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also aid in determining other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
Your doctor get more info may recommend that you take part in an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies could be risky and not lead to a treatment that is right for you.
It is also essential to inform your doctor any other medications you're taking, as they may interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effects of medications on sleep, appetite heart rate, sleep, and blood pressure can all affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include therapy, medication and educational assistance. Often, it's a combination of these that help people achieve success at work, school and other activities. Treatment should begin with the referral of a primary care provider or another health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to give you this information, it's best to look for a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. It may also include the complete medical and family history, as well as an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not shy away due to embarrassment, or fear of criticism. There must be a variety of symptoms in a variety of settings and must cause significant impairment in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is especially relevant for people with ADHD who have a history chronic stress or frustration. The frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and lead to feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault that they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over missed opportunities that were left unexplored.
Adults suffering from ADHD must be always ready to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of the professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for symptoms and problems that plague him or her at home, at work at school, in relationships and in many other settings. Treatments for adult ADHD typically include psychotherapy and medications. Some people may find that they also need special coaching, which can provide structure and help in daily life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren't normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step in getting the help they need to live more fulfilled lives.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has expertise in this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interviewer may ask about the patient's social and emotional history, as well as his or her family history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the best way to determine the presence of ADHD.
Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and co-existing disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that typically are associated with ADHD additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a person.
It's also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they have been practicing. They should also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you have. You can also look for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phonebook. Find out about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they might recommend for you.