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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults Many adults seek out an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty with relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget to pay bills and lose track of purchases. Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults. getting diagnosed with adhd Find a doctor who can assess your symptoms if suspect you or your child may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include both physical examinations as well as a review of your medical background. This will include mental health issues and substance abuse. It is crucial that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of shame or fear of criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give your doctor a more complete picture of your life and your issues. Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be 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 applicable for both adults and children. The doctor might request other people who are in the patient's life such as the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to discuss how the behavior of the person has affected them. This could reveal important details that aren't found in tests or checklists. In some instances the doctor may decide to examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. The doctor will also review the person's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms impact their daily routines. The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect work or school performance as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live independently. ADHD can be a problem for any person, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this difference exists however, it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been shown to cause ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that certain individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli. Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD is not always easy. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty speaking to a health care specialist or a mental health professional. This can prolong the evaluation process. It is important to talk openly and honestly about your symptoms and your previous medical history for an accurate assessment. 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 of a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your family and childhood history, and a detailed description your work and home. Your doctor might order a physical examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, such a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder. A physical exam typically includes blood work and a head scan, which can help you identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule other conditions out that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse. It is possible that your health care provider might suggest you take part in a clinical trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. However, it is important to be aware that these research studies may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is appropriate for you. Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as these can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Drugs that affect the appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure may all affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide you with more information on how to discuss other medicines with your physician. Treatment Adults with ADHD are treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. It's often a combination of the three that can help people achieve success at work, school and in other pursuits. Treatment should start with an appointment with a primary care provider or another health care professional. Ask the doctor about their knowledge and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling not able to give this information, it's best to look for a different professional. The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. The diagnostic process could also include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back due to embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and have a significant impact in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given. Untreated ADHD can result in the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly relevant for people with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or frustration. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that can result in lower self-esteem, low performance, and feelings of anger. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They can begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't because of them that they could not make friends or build a career. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities. Adults with ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems with co-workers and supervisors. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek assistance. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to see the services covered and to get names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. Support A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for symptoms and problems that affect them at home, at work, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people also require special coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their issues aren't normal, or due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the assistance they require. It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough and thorough interview by a psychiatrist who has had experience working with this disorder. The interview could include questions about the person's family history, and also their own personal emotional and social background. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the best way to determine if a patient has ADHD. Based on the nature of a person's difficulties and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to evaluate the presence and impact of co-existing conditions like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which typically occur in conjunction with ADHD. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person. Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Then check their professional credentials, including their academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions that you may have. You can also look for experts who are certified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would suggest for you.