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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the stress of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to their impulsive behavior or are having financial difficulties because they forget to pay their bills or forget to track purchases.

Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have training in diagnosing ADHD among adults.

Signs and symptoms

Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect you or your child has ADHD. Your evaluation will include an examination of your body and an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is important that you open up to your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide their problems out of shame or fear of criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give your doctor an accurate picture of your lifestyle and difficulties.

Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. The doctor can inquire about other people who are part of the patient's life, such as a spouse or cohabitating partner or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches, to describe how the person's behavior has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.

In certain cases the doctor may want to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms interfere with their daily activities.

The signs of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder academic or work performance and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live a life of independence.

ADHD can be an issue for everyone, but it's more frequent in men and boys than in girls. adhd diagnosing is not clear the reason for this, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to cause ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that certain individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

It is not always simple to determine ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty speaking to a healthcare provider or a mental health professional. This can delay the evaluation process. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and open about your health issues as well as past experiences.

During the examination, your doctor will employ standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and childhood, and a detailed description your work and home. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, such seizures or a thyroid disorder.

A physical exam consists of blood tests and an examination of the brain. These can help identify chemical or structural issues in the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances.

It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is appropriate for you.


It is also important to inform your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, since they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat adult ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details about how to discuss other medicines with your doctor.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD may be treated by treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's usually a combination of all three that can help people achieve success in school, work and other endeavors. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step to treatment. Find out about the professional's education and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you the information you need, it's best to look for a different one.

The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. It could also involve an extensive medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide because of embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and have a significant impact in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.

Untreated ADHD can cause co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. This is particularly true for those who suffer from ADHD who have a history chronic anxiety or frustration. Frustration can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of self-doubt and poor performance.

A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't because of them that they could not make friends or build a career. For certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over missed opportunities that were not addressed.

Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group in which people who suffer from the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek help to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety of situations that include at work, home, school as well as in relationships and many more. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people discover that they also need specific coaching, which may provide structure and help in everyday life.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis can be the first step towards receiving the help they require.

It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to have this disorder. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has expertise in this condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview may include questions about the individual's family history, and also the person's own emotional and social history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the best method to determine if a patient has ADHD.

Depending on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological testing may be used to assess the presence and effects of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders that often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests can be useful in determining the right dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Then check their professional credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they have worked. They must also be able to explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you have. You can also look for qualified professionals through the internet or on the phonebook. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what they would suggest for you.

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