How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek an assessment because they are frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial issues due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or lose track of purchases.

Ask your doctor 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 to seek help is to find a health care provider who will examine your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both a physical exam and a review your medical background. This includes mental health issues and substance abuse. It is important to be honest with the doctor about your issues and how they impact you. 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, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing add adhd in adults children with the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's add diagnostic criteria adults and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. The doctor can request others who are part of the patient's life, like spouses or cohabiting partners or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to explain how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal important information that may not be revealed by tests or checklists.

In certain cases, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses, like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the individual's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms are affecting their daily routine.

The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with the performance of your work or school or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live an independent life.

Anyone can suffer from ADHD However, it is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear why are so many adults being diagnosed with adhd (www.medflyfish.com) this is the case however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and open about your symptoms as well as past circumstances.

During the examination, your doctor will employ the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood information along with a detailed description of your job and personal life. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.

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

It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these studies can have risks and may not result in a solution that is suitable for you.

Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as these may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational supports. It's often an amalgamation of all three that helps people succeed in school, work, and other activities. Treatment should begin with an appointment with your primary care physician or other health care professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults suffering from adhd who can diagnose. If a professional refuses to or is unable to give you this information, it is best to find another professional.

The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other significant people. It may also include a complete medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back due to embarrassment. A person must display symptoms in two or more places and cause an impairment that is significant in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.

Many adults with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when those who suffer from ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a poor performance.

For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They may begin to understand themselves and realize it wasn't entirely their responsibility for not being able to build a career or make friends. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret for missed opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults with ADHD should be prepared to discuss their problems openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and get diagnosed with adhd advice. Finally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered and to get diagnosis for adhd names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance to address the issues and symptoms that affect them in a variety of settings, including at home, work at school or in relationships, and many more. Treatments for adult ADHD typically include psychotherapy and medication. Some people also find they require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step in getting the help they need.

Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist with experience in this condition can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as also the family history of the person. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. The majority of experts agree that a thorough interview is the best way to determine if a patient has ADHD.

Depending on the severity and nature of the person's difficulties and any co-existing issues like mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD, additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be administered to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the proper dosage of medications for a particular person.

Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they have been practicing. They should also be able explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you may have. You can also find experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Find out about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they may suggest for you.