How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek an assessment due to being annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They may be losing their jobs due to missing 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.
Signs and symptoms
If you believe that you or your child suffer from ADHD The first step to seek help is to find an expert in health care who will examine your symptoms. Your assessment will consist of physical examination and a review of your medical history. This will include mental health issues and substance abuse. It is crucial that you open up to your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.
adult adhd diagnosis uk are different from children, which is why diagnosing ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. 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 to adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask others who are in the patient's life- such as spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents or coaches and teachers to comment on the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal important information that isn't discovered by tests or checklists.
In some cases doctors may decide to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mental health conditions and physical illnesses or injuries like concussions or head trauma. The doctor will look over 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 difficulty in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect the performance of your work or school, strain relationships and make it difficult to live an independent life.
Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this is the case however it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in certain people, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition because of specific brain structures that are 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 open up to an expert in mental health or health care professional. This can prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and transparent about your health issues as well as your past medical history.
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 inquire about your childhood and family history as well as a thorough description of your work and home. Your doctor may order an examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.
A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan which can help you identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule other conditions out that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse.
It is possible that your health care provider might suggest you take part in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers such as NIMH. It is important to be aware that these studies could pose negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you.
Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you take, as these could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will give you more information on the best way to discuss other medications with your physician.
Treatment
Adults with ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. Most often, it's a combination of these that helps people achieve success at work, school and other activities. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are usually the first step in treatment. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling unable to provide this information, it's best to find a different one.
The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. The diagnostic process could also include an assessment of family and medical history and a psychiatric assessment. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back to avoid embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and have a significant impact in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Untreated ADHD can cause the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those with ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. It can lead to a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger.
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 some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can cause sadness and regret over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD should always be ready to discuss their concerns openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to determine the services covered and to find the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person diagnosed with ADHD can get help to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at home, at work at relationships, at school and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using medication and psychotherapy. Some people find that they also require specific coaching, which may provide structure and support in everyday life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by poor parenting or laziness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in getting the support they need to live a better life.
Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to diagnose in children. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interview could include questions about the individual's family history and also their own personal social and emotional background. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and that it is essential to take a patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Based on the nature and severity of the individual's issues and any co-existing issues like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
It is also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Check their qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should also be able explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you might have. You can also search for qualified professionals online or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what advice they would give you.