How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an evaluation. They may be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to their impulsive behavior or having financial trouble because they forget to pay their bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who will examine your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. The evaluation will consist of a physical examination and a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is crucial that you are honest with your doctor about the signs and how they impact you. Many people suffering from ADHD conceal their symptoms because of shame or fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life.
Adults are different from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than diagnosing 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 applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask others in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partners parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches to comment on the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal crucial details that aren't found in tests or checklists.
In some cases, a doctor may want to examine other conditions which may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses, like head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The signs of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect school or job performance as well as strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.
ADHD can be a problem for any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has revealed that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it is possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition because of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It is not always simple to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and find it difficult to open up to an expert in mental health or health care provider. This can prolong the evaluation process. It is crucial to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms and your past history, to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the examination, your doctor will utilize standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and family history as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, such seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam consists of blood tests and a brain scan. These can help identify structural or chemical problems in the brain which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you must be aware that these trials could be risky and not result in a treatment that is suitable for you.
It is also crucial to tell your doctor any other medications you're taking, as they can interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. Medications that affect sleep, appetite heart rate, sleep and blood pressure could all have an effect on how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide you with more information on how to discuss other medicines with your physician.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's typically an amalgamation of the three that can help people succeed at school, work and other endeavors. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are usually the first step towards treatment. Ask the doctor about their training and experience working with adults who have ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or in a position to provide this information, it's best to find a different one.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. The diagnostic process could also include a medical and family history, as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back because of embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and must cause significant impairment in the individual's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Untreated ADHD can result in co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety. This is especially relevant for people with ADHD who have a history chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that causes low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't because of them that they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret for missed opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can share their experiences and get assistance. Finally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered, and to get names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and issues that affect him or her in a variety of settings, including at home, work or at school as well as in relationships and many more. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medication. Some people also require special coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their problems aren't normal, or due to bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the help they require.
It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
adhd diagnosis uk adults of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has worked with this condition for a long time. The interview may include questions regarding the patient's family history, and also his or her own social and emotional history. Some doctors use computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best method to determine the presence of ADHD.
Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required to assess the presence and impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. adhd diagnosis uk adults can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and how long they've been in practice. They should also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you might have. You can also find professional who are qualified through the internet or on the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.