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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what leads people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to missing deadlines, struggling in relationships because of impulsive behaviors or have financial issues because they forget bills or 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.

Symptoms

If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD The first step to seek assistance is to find a health care provider who will examine your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is essential to be forthcoming with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of shame or fear of criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give your doctor a more complete picture of your lifestyle and difficulties.

Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from 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. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor could also ask other people in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal information that may not show up on a checklist or other tests.

In some cases the doctor may need to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mental health conditions and physical illnesses or injuries like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.

The signs of adult adhd diagnosis ADHD can range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with the performance of your work or school, strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently.

ADHD can be a problem for everyone, but it's more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this, but there are probably environmental and genetic factors at play. Studies have shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in certain people, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition because of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.

Diagnosis

It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to speak to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can delay the evaluation process. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is crucial to be honest and open about your health issues as well as past history.

During the evaluation the doctor will use 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 in-depth description of your job and family life. Your doctor may also order a physical exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.

A physical exam typically includes 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 help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including addiction or depression.

It is possible that your health care provider might suggest you participate in the clinical trials of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies could be risky and not lead to a treatment that is right for you.

It is also crucial to tell your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as they can interact with some stimulants used to treat adult adhd diagnosis criteria ADHD. Medications that affect sleep, appetite heart rate, appetite and blood pressure could affect the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD may be treated by medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support. Most often, it's the combination of these that helps people find success in school, work and other pursuits. Treatment should begin with the referral of the primary care provider or other health professional. Find out about the specialist's expertise and training in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is not able to provide you the information you need, it's recommended to seek out a different professional.

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other important people. The diagnostic process could also include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as a psychiatric assessment. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of criticism. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be made.

Many adults with untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when those with ADHD have an underlying history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. Frustration can lead to an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance.

For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They may begin to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their own responsibility for not being able to build a career or meet new friends. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can bring a sense 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 a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at home, at work, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is usually treated using medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they also require specialized coaching, which can provide structure and help in everyday life.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems weren't due to poor parenting or laziness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step to getting the help they need to live more fulfilled lives.

It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to suffer from this disorder. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist who has expertise in this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the individual's family history as well as his or her own emotional and social background. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best method to diagnose ADHD.

Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to determine the effects and presence of co-existing conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests may 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 a great idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can also find qualified professionals online or in the phone book. Ask about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they may recommend for you.