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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults.
Signs and symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, the first step in getting assistance is to locate a health care provider who will examine your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both a physical exam as well as a review of your medical history. This will include mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is important to be open with your doctor about your symptoms and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life.
Adults are different 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) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the life of the patientfor example, spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This could reveal important details that aren't revealed by tests or checklists.
In some cases, the doctor will want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will also look at the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms interfere 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. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live a life of independence.
Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. There is no clear reason for this, but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in some people, and it is possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to speak to an expert in mental health or health care professional. This can make the evaluation process longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and upfront about your symptoms as well as your past medical circumstances.
In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your family history and childhood as well as a thorough description of your home and work. Your doctor may request an examination of your body to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan which can help you identify any structural or chemical issues in the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you must be aware that these trials may be risky and not result in a solution that is appropriate for you.
It is also important to inform your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, as they may interact with some stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure could all affect how effective stimulants are. 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 with ADHD are treated with medications, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. It's typically a combination of all three that can help people succeed at school, work and in other pursuits. Treatment should start with a referral from your primary care physician or other health professional. Check out the professional's qualifications 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 best to look for a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. It may also include a complete medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. There must be how to get an adhd diagnosis of symptoms in a variety of settings and must cause significant impairment in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made.
Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true if people with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause an unfulfilled prophecy which can result in low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.
For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a great relief. They begin to see the situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault they couldn't establish an occupation or make friends. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and get advice. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered and to get names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for the symptoms and issues that plague him or her at work, at home, in relationships, at school and in many other situations. Treatments for adult ADHD usually include medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they require specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren't normal or because of lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in receiving the help they require to live a better life.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, however it is not impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
A psychiatrist who has expertise in this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview could include questions regarding the patient's family history, as well as their own personal social and emotional background. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. But most experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is vital to take a patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and the co-existing conditions like anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be conducted to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person.
Asking diagnosis of adhd in adults and colleagues to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees as well as how long they've been in practice. how to get an adhd diagnosis should also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you might have. You can also look for experts who are certified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they may recommend for you.
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