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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults For many adults, the frustration of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs because of late deadlines, have difficulty with relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget bills and forget to track purchases. Ask your health care provider or an expert in mental health about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Signs and symptoms Find a doctor who can assess your symptoms if suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Your assessment will consist of physical examination as well as a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is important to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem because of shame or fear of being judged. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life. Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor could also ask others in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches to comment on the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This could reveal information that might not show up on a checklist or other tests. In some instances the doctor may want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries like head trauma. The doctor will also examine the individual's personal and professional life to determine how their symptoms affect their daily activities. The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing some difficulty in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live independently. ADHD can affect anyone, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. It is unclear why this is the case, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain chemicals and foods have been found to cause ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli. Diagnosis It is not always simple to recognize ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and are unable to open up to a mental health professional or health care provider. This could make the evaluation process more time-consuming. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms and your previous background to ensure an accurate assessment. During the examination your doctor may employ standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history and will also provide a detailed account of your home and work. Your doctor may request an examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, such seizures or a thyroid disorder. A physical exam typically involves blood work and a head scan, which can help identify any chemical or structural issues in the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also aid in determining other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances. Your doctor might suggest that you take part in an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as 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. Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite and blood pressure could all affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider. Treatment For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational supports. Most often, it's a combination of these that helps people achieve success at work, school and other pursuits. Treatment should start with the referral of your primary care physician or other health professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or is unable to give you this information, it is best to look for a different one. The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. The diagnostic process may also include an assessment of family and medical history and an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back due to embarrassment. adult diagnosis adhd iampsychiatry.uk must be evident in two or more settings and have a significant impact in the individual's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be established. Untreated ADHD can lead to comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true if those who suffer from ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. Frustration can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for certain adults. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault that they were unable to make friends or start an occupation. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret over missed opportunities that were left unexplored. Adults who suffer from ADHD should be ready to discuss their concerns openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group in which people who suffer from the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive advice. Finally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to determine the services covered and to get names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. Support A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that afflict him or her at the workplace, at home at the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people also require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives. Adults diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their issues aren't normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the support they need to live a better life. Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD. A psychiatrist who has expertise in this condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interviewer might inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as well the family history of the person. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. The majority of experts agree that an extensive interview is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD. Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and the co-existing conditions like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD Additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be administered to determine the effect and severity of these conditions. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a particular person. Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with expertise in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they have been practicing. They should also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you may have. You can also search for experts who are certified on the internet or in the phonebook. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would suggest for you.