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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial issues because they forget to pay their bills or don't keep track of purchases.

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

Symptoms

If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD, the first step to seek help is to find a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examinations and a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is crucial to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and the way they affect you. Many people with ADHD hide the problem due to shame or fear of being judged. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life.

Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both children and adults. The doctor can inquire about other people who are part of the patient's life, for example, spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches, to describe how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal information that might not be included on a checklist or other tests.

In some cases doctors may decide to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mental health issues and physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. He or she will also review the person's personal and professional life to determine how do you get diagnosed with adhd in adults their symptoms impact their daily routines.

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

Anyone can have ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. It is unclear why this difference exists, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors at play. Certain chemicals and foods have been found to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that certain individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to talk to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care professional. This can prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure you get diagnosed with adhd a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and upfront about your health issues as well as your past medical experiences.

During the exam your doctor may employ the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood information, as well as an extensive description of your work and personal life. Your doctor might order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like seizures or a thyroid disorder.

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

It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. Be aware, however, that these studies may have negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you.

Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you are taking, as they can you get adhd medication without a diagnosis interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Drugs that affect sleep, appetite, heart rate and blood pressure could all have an effect on how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how to discuss other medications with your physician.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. It's often an amalgamation of the three that can help people to succeed at school, work and in other pursuits. Treatment should start with an appointment with the primary care provider or other health professional. Ask the doctor about their expertise and training in working with adults who have 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 process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. It could also include an extensive medical and family history as well as a psychiatric evaluation. It's important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and have a significant impact in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.

Many adults with untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially the case for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.

For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They may begin to see themselves better and realize it wasn't because of them that they were unable to make friends or start a career. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that were not addressed.

Adults suffering from ADHD should be prepared to discuss their issues 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 help. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for the symptoms and issues that plague him or her at the workplace, at home, in relationships, at school and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medications. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.

Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their issues aren't normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step towards receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives.

Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.

Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interview may include questions about the person's family history as well as his or her own emotional and social background. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. But most experts agree that the most accurate indicator of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed that it is essential to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder.

Based on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and co-existing disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that commonly are associated with ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be conducted to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. The results of these tests can also help in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person.

Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Check their credentials, including academic degrees and the length of time they have been in practice. They should also be able explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they may suggest for you.