how to diagnose adhd in adults (helpful resources)

For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts people to seek an evaluation. They may lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to 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 training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Signs and symptoms

If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, the first step to seek assistance is to locate a medical professional who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is important to be forthcoming with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear or shame criticism, but a thorough evaluation will give the doctor an accurate picture of your life and your problems.

Adults differ from children, which is why the diagnosis of ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. 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 adults and children. The doctor can request others who are in the patient’s life like a spouse or cohabitating partner or siblings, parents, teachers, and coaches to discuss how the behavior of the person has affected them. This could reveal important information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists.

In some cases, a doctor may want to examine other conditions which may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, such as concussion or head trauma. They will also review the person’s personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.

The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live a life of independence.

Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this, but there are probably environmental and genetic 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 due to the existence of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

It’s not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care professional. This can make the process of evaluation even longer. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and upfront about your health issues and past experiences.

During the evaluation your doctor will use the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and family history, and a detailed description your work and home. Your doctor may order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such seizure or thyroid disorder.

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

Your doctor may recommend taking part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. It is important to be aware that these studies may have negative consequences and may not provide the appropriate treatment for you.

Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you are taking, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. Drugs that affect the appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep and blood pressure could all affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH’s Medication Interactions webpage provides more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

Adults with ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational assistance. It’s usually a combination of all three that can help people achieve success at work, school and in other pursuits. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are the first step in treatment. Check out the professional’s qualifications and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you the information you need, it’s best to find another professional.

The process of diagnosing adult diagnosis of adhd ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. It could also include an extensive medical and family history as well as a psychotherapy evaluation. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment or fear of being criticized. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and must cause significant impairment in the individual’s life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.

Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially the case for those who suffer from ADHD who have a history chronic stress or frustration. The frustration can trigger a self fulfilling prophecy that can result in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger.

A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for some adults. They may begin to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn’t their fault they couldn’t establish a career or meet new friends. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities.

Adults who suffer from ADHD must be always ready to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. It’s also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek assistance. Finally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered, and to obtain the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.

Support

A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can get help for the symptoms and issues that afflict him or her at home, at work at school, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medication. Some people also require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems weren’t due to bad parenting or lazyness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in getting the help they need to live a better life.

Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist with experience in this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview could include questions about the person’s family history, and also the person’s own social and emotional background. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the best indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and that it is essential to take the patient’s history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.

Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be used to evaluate the presence and impact of co-existing conditions like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which typically accompany ADHD. The results of these tests may also help in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a particular person.

It is also recommended to ask friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they have been practicing. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries you may have. You can also find experts who are certified on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what they would recommend for you.