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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek out an assessment due to being annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or are having financial difficulties due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or lose track of purchases.

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

Symptoms

Find a doctor who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. The assessment will include a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is crucial to be honest with the doctor about your symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD conceal their symptoms out of shame or for fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your life.

Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask others who are in the patient's life- such as spouse or co-habitating partners parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches -- to describe the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This may reveal information that might not show up on a checklist or other tests.

In certain instances the doctor may need to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mental health issues, and physical injuries such as concussions or head trauma. The doctor will look over the person's personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily activities.

The signs of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect the performance of your work or school or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live an independent life.

Anyone can suffer from ADHD It is more common in men and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason for this however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. 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 ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can delay the process of evaluation. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and upfront about your health issues as well as past experiences.

During the evaluation, your doctor may use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family and childhood history, and a detailed description your home and work. Your doctor may also order an examination to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues.

A physical exam usually includes blood tests and a head scan, which can help identify any structural or chemical issues in the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like addiction to drugs or depression.

It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you should be aware that these studies could be risky and not result in a treatment that is suitable for you.

Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Drugs that affect the appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure may all have an effect on how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support. It's usually a combination of all three that helps people to succeed in school, work, and other activities. Treatment should begin with the referral of a primary care provider or other health professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling in a position to give this information, it's best to seek another professional.

The diagnostic process of adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. It could also include a complete medical and family history, as well as psychotherapy evaluation. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back because of embarrassment or fear of being criticized. A person must display symptoms in two or more places and cause a significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis is made.

Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those who suffer from ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. Discontent can result in an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a poor performance.

For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a relief. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. For certain adults, being diagnosed Adhd of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over missed opportunities that were left unexplored.

Adults with ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and get adhd diagnosis advice. Additionally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered, and to get names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety of situations that include at work, home at school, in relationships, and many more. Treatments for adults with adhd adult diagnosis typically involve medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.

Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their troubles weren't just normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the help they require.

Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has experience with this condition can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as well as his or her family history. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to evaluate a patient. Most experts agree that an extensive interview is the best way 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 determine the effects and presence of co-existing disorders, such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which typically accompany ADHD. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person.

It is also recommended to ask friends and colleagues for recommendations to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they've been in practice. They should also be able explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you might have. You can also look for experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would suggest for you.