How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the frustration of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an evaluation. They could be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships due to impulsive behavior or having financial trouble due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or forget to track purchases.
Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Signs and symptoms
Find a doctor who can examine your symptoms if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. The assessment will include physical examination as well as an examination of your medical history, which includes mental health issues as well as substance use. www.iampsychiatry.uk is important to be forthcoming with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of fear or shame criticism However, a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with an accurate picture of your life and your issues.
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) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask other people in the life of the patient- 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 could provide information that might not show up on tests or checklists.
In some cases the doctor may want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms are hindering their daily activities.
The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulties in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live independently.
ADHD can be a problem for any person, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this is the case, but there are probably environmental and genetic factors at play. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition because specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble opening up to a healthcare specialist or a mental health specialist. This can delay the process of evaluation. It is crucial to speak openly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous medical history to ensure an accurate assessment.
During the examination, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and family history as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor may order a physical examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.
A physical exam includes blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical issues in the brain which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as addiction to drugs or depression.
Your doctor may suggest that you take part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted at research centers, such as NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these studies could be risky and not result in a solution that is suitable for you.
It is also crucial to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, since they could interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. Medications that affect appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep, and blood pressure can all affect the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational support. Most often, it's a combination of these that helps people find success in work, school and other areas. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are the first step in treatment. Find out about the specialist's training and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it's best to look for a different one.
The diagnostic process of adult ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other important people. It may also include an extensive medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest, not holding back because of embarrassment or fear of criticism. Several symptoms must be present in more than one setting and have a significant impact in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.
Untreated ADHD can cause the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true for those with ADHD who have a history of chronic anxiety or frustration. Discontent can result in self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.
A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for some adults. They begin to see their own situation and realize that it wasn't entirely their fault they couldn't establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can cause regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can share their experiences and get help. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of the professionals that specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for the symptoms and issues that afflict him or her at work, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically include psychotherapy and medication. Some people also find they need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems aren't due to poor parenting or laziness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step in getting the help they need to live more fulfilled lives.
Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.
The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interview could include questions about the individual's family history, and also the person's own emotional and social history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the best way to diagnose ADHD.
Based on the severity and nature of the individual's problems and any co-existing issues such as mood disorders, anxiety, and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD, additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests could also be helpful in determining the appropriate dosage of medications for an individual.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they've been working. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you might have. You can also find experts who are certified online or in the phone book. Ask about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they would recommend for you.