How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget to pay bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor to assess your symptoms if think your child or you may have ADHD. The evaluation will consist of physical examination as well as an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is important to be honest with your doctor about the signs and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of criticism. However, a thorough evaluation can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life.
Adults differ from children, and therefore 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 to adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask others in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents or coaches and teachers to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal crucial details that aren't discovered by tests or checklists.
In some cases the doctor may want to examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms are hindering their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect the performance of your work or school or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live independently.
ADHD can be a problem for any person, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. There is no definitive reason for this however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always easy. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty speaking to a health care specialist or a mental health professional. This can delay the evaluation process. To ensure a thorough assessment, it is important to be honest and transparent about your health issues as well as past experiences.
During the examination, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood records, as well as an extensive description of your job and home life. Your doctor may also order an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam includes blood tests and an examination of the brain. These can help identify structural or chemical issues in the brain which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor might suggest you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers such as NIMH. You should be aware that these studies may have potential risks and may not result in the appropriate treatment for you.
It is also important to tell your doctor any other medications you are taking, as they may interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide you with more information about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and education support. It's often the combination of these that help people to achieve success in school, work and other areas. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are the first step to treatment. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to provide you the information you need, it's best to look for a different one.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other important people. The diagnostic process could also include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back to avoid embarrassment. A person has to show symptoms in more than one place and cause an impairment that is significant in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made.
Untreated ADHD can lead to the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true when those with ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. It can lead to a self fulfilling prophecy that causes low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a relief. They may begin to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their fault they couldn't establish a career or make friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret over missed opportunities that were not addressed.
Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Additionally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to see what services are covered, and to obtain the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that plague him or her at work, at home at the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.
Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by bad parenting or lazyness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step in getting the support they need to live more fulfilled lives.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist who has experience working with this condition. The interviewer can inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as well as the family history of the person. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. But most experts agree that the most accurate indicator of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is vital to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Based on adults diagnosed with adhd and severity of the person's difficulties and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that commonly accompany ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be conducted to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they've been in practice. They must also be able to explain how their diagnosis process works and answer any questions you might have. You can also look for experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.