How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs because of missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behavior, or face financial issues due to the fact that they forget bills and don’t keep track of purchases.
Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
Find a doctor who will examine your symptoms if you suspect you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and a review of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is crucial to be honest with the doctor about your symptoms and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of criticism. However, a thorough evaluation can give your doctor a better picture of your life.
Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complicated 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 which are valid for both children and adults. The doctor might request others who are part of the patient’s life, for example, a spouse or cohabitating partner or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the behavior of the person has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be revealed by tests or checklists.
In some cases, the doctor will want to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions can include mental health issues and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussions or head trauma. They will also review the person’s personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily routine.
The symptoms of adult adhd diagnosis scotland ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder schoolwork or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.
ADHD can be a problem for anyone, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. There is no definitive reason for this, but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to cause ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli.
Diagnosis
It’s not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty opening up to a health care specialist or mental health specialist. This could make the evaluation process more time-consuming. To ensure a thorough assessment, it is important to be honest and transparent about your symptoms as well as your past medical experiences.
During the examination the doctor will use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will also ask for your family and childhood history along with an extensive description of your work and family life. Your doctor may also order a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan which can reveal any structural or chemical issues in the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression.
It is possible that your doctor might suggest you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you should be aware that these research studies can have risks and may not lead to a treatment that is suitable for you.
Tell your doctor about any other medications that you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect sleep, appetite heart rate, sleep and blood pressure may all affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH’s Medication Interactions page will provide more details on the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor.
Treatment
For adults diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational support. It’s usually an amalgamation of all three that can help people achieve success in school, work and other endeavors. Treatment should begin with the referral of a primary care provider or other health professional. Ask the doctor about their expertise and training in working with adults with 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 diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. The diagnostic process could also include an examination of the family and medical history and a psychiatric assessment. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back to avoid embarrassment. A person has to show symptoms in two or more places and exhibit an impairment that is significant in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.
Untreated ADHD can lead to comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true when people with ADHD have a history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. Discontent can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance.
For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They can start to understand themselves and realize it wasn’t their own responsibility for not being able to build a career or make friends. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense regret and sadness over missed opportunities.
Adults suffering from ADHD must be always ready to talk about their problems with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group Where To Get Diagnosed With Add (Harpaunt6.Werite.Net) people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of the professionals that specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that affect them at home, at work at relationships, at school and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is usually treated using medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life.
Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems aren’t due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the help they require.
It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it isn’t impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.
A psychiatrist with experience in this condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview could include questions about the individual’s family history, and also their own personal social and emotional background. Some doctors utilize computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the best method to determine if a patient has ADHD.
Depending on the nature and severity of the individual’s issues and the co-existing conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that commonly are associated with ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. The results of these tests may also help in determining the proper dosage of medication for an individual.
Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have expertise in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Then check their professional qualifications, including academic degrees and the number of years they’ve been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions that you might have. You can also search for professional who are qualified on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what they would suggest for you.