Diagnose ADHD: The Secret Life Of Diagnose ADHD

How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek out an assessment due to being frustrated 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 having financial trouble because they forget bills or forget to track purchases.

Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Signs and symptoms

Find a doctor who can examine your symptoms if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. The evaluation will consist of a physical exam and a review your medical history. This will include mental health issues as well as substance abuse. It is essential to be honest with your doctor about the signs and how they affect you. Many people with 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 is more difficult 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 valid for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask others in the person's life -- such as spouse or co-habitating partners siblings, parents or coaches and teachers to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal important details that aren't revealed by tests or checklists.

In some cases, the doctor will want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, such as concussion or head trauma. He or she will also review the person's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms interfere with their daily activities.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing some difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder work or school performance as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live independently.

ADHD can affect any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this difference exists, but there are probably environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to cause ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures involved in processing stimuli.

Diagnosis

Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty talking to a health care specialist or a mental health specialist. This can make the process of evaluation longer. To ensure a thorough assessment it is crucial to be honest and open about your symptoms as well as your past medical experiences.

During the exam your doctor may employ standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood information and an extensive description of your job and personal life. Your doctor may order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, including a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder.

A physical exam consists of blood tests and an examination of the brain. These can help identify structural or chemical problems within the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs or depression.

It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. It is important to be aware, however, that these studies could carry risks and not lead to the best treatment for you.

It is also important to inform your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adult ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your physician.

Treatment

For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational supports. It's typically a combination of the three that can help people succeed in school, work, and other activities. Treatment should begin with the referral of a primary care provider or other health professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to provide this information, you should find a different one.

The diagnostic process of adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. It could also include an extensive medical and family history and psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hide due to embarrassment. There must be  diagnosed with adult adhd  of symptoms in a variety of settings and have a significant impact in the person's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given.

Untreated ADHD can cause comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true for those with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or frustration. The frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and lead to feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance.

A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for some adults. They can start to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their fault they couldn't establish an occupation or make friends. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret for missed opportunities that were not addressed.

Adults who suffer from ADHD should be prepared to discuss their issues openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those with the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. Additionally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered, and to find the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD.

Support

A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that affect them at work, at home at relationships, at school and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people may find that they also need special coaching, which can provide structure and support in everyday life.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know their problems aren't due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step to getting the help they need.

Adults may also be affected by ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults have struggled all their lives with unrecognized ADHD.

A psychiatrist with experience in this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer might inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as also his or her family history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. However, the majority of experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and that it is essential to take a patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.

Based on the nature and severity of the person's difficulties and any co-existing issues like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that typically are associated with ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests can also be helpful in determining the proper dosage of medication for an individual.

Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they've been practicing. They should also be able to explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you have. You can also look for qualified professionals via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would suggest for you.