How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the stress of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives people to seek an evaluation. They could be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or having financial trouble due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or don’t keep track of purchases.

Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Symptoms

If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, the first step in getting help is to find an expert in health care who will assess your symptoms. The assessment will include physical examination as well as a review of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is essential to be forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of shame or fear of criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give your doctor an accurate picture of your lifestyle and problems.

Adults differ from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD can be more challenging than identifying ADHD in children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis which are valid for both adults and children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask others in the person’s life — such as spouse or co-habitating partner parents, siblings or coaches and teachers — to describe the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal important information that may not be revealed by tests or checklists.

In certain cases the doctor may want to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, like head trauma. They will also review the person’s personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms affect their daily routines.

The signs of private adult adhd diagnosis ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing some difficulties in social and work situations. A severe condition can affect school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it harder to live a life of independence.

ADHD can be a problem for anyone, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason for this but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in some people, and it is possible that some people 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 isn’t always easy. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty opening up to a healthcare doctor or mental health specialist. This can make the evaluation process longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and transparent about your symptoms as well as past experiences.

During the evaluation your doctor will use standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood information and an extensive description of your job and home life. Your doctor may also order a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues.

A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan, which can reveal any chemical or structural issues in the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including addiction or depression.

It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you take part in the clinical trials of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is right for you.

It is also crucial to inform your health care provider about any other medications you’re taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adult ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH’s Medication Interactions page can provide more details on the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with medications, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. It’s usually an amalgamation of the three that can help people to succeed at work, school and other endeavors. Treatment should begin with the referral of your primary care physician or other health professional. Ask about the professional’s training and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is not able to provide you the information you need, it’s recommended to seek out a different professional.

The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. The diagnostic process may also include an assessment of family and medical history as well as a psychiatric assessment. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of criticism. A person has to show symptoms in two or more places and have significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.

Untreated ADHD can result in the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true when those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger an unfulfilled prophecy which can result in lower self-esteem, low performance and feelings of frustration.

For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a great relief. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn’t because of them that they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults with ADHD must always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. It’s also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. People with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that afflict him or her at work, at home at relationships, at school and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medication. Some people also find they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren’t normal, or due to poor parenting or laziness. For some, diagnosing ADHD in adults a diagnosis is the first step to getting the support they need to live better lives.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.

The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interviewer may ask about the patient’s social and emotional history, as also his or her family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess a patient’s. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the best method to determine the presence of ADHD.

Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests may be required to determine the presence and impact of co-existing conditions, like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests could be useful in determining the proper dosage of medication for an individual.

It is also an excellent idea to ask friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their credentials, including their academic degrees and the number of years they have worked. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you may have. You can also find professional who are qualified through the internet or on the phonebook. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.