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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults Many adults seek out an assessment because they are dissatisfied with 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 due to the fact that they forget bills and lose track of purchases. Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Signs and symptoms If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD The first step in getting assistance is to locate a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both a physical exam and a review of your medical history. This will include mental health issues as well as substance abuse. It is crucial to be honest with the doctor about your issues and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD conceal their symptoms because of shame or fear of being judged. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life. Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the person's life -for example, spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This could reveal important details that aren't revealed by tests or checklists. In certain instances the doctor may need to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical illnesses or injuries like concussions or head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms interfere with 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. In severe cases, symptoms can affect schoolwork or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently. Everyone can be affected by ADHD It is more common in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this however it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Research has revealed that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in some individuals, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence specific brain structures that are involved in the processing of stimuli. Diagnosis It is not always simple to diagnose ADHD. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and find it difficult to open up to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can make the process of evaluation longer. It is crucial to speak openly and honestly about your symptoms, as well as your previous experiences to ensure an accurate evaluation. In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will employ standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family and childhood history, as well as an extensive description of your work and personal life. Your doctor may also order an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. A physical exam consists of blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including addiction or depression. It is possible that your doctor might suggest you take part in a clinical trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers such as NIMH. Be aware that these studies may have negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you. It is also important to inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking, as they may interact with some stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. Medications that affect appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep and blood pressure could all affect the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your physician. Treatment For adults diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational supports. It's typically a combination of all three that can help people to succeed at work, school and in other pursuits. Treatment should start with an appointment with a primary care provider or other health professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or not able to provide this information, it's best to seek another professional. The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. The diagnostic process could also include an examination of the family and medical history as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant to avoid embarrassment. Several symptoms must be present in more than one setting and have a significant impact in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be established. Untreated ADHD can result in the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly true when people with ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. Discontent can result in self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and result in feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They can start to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their responsibility for not being able to build a career or meet new friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that were not addressed. Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their concerns with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Additionally, those with the diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to determine the services covered and to obtain the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Support A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that afflict him or her at the workplace, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people also find they need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily life. Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren't normal or because of poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis can be the first step in getting the help they need. It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, however it is not impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD. Diagnosing 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 regarding the patient's family history and also their own personal social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. adhd diagnosis adult IamPsychiatry agree that a thorough assessment is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD. Based on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and the co-existing conditions like anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that typically accompany ADHD additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests could be useful in determining the appropriate dosage of medications for a particular person. It's also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations to professionals who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they've been working. They should also be able explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you have. You can also search for professional who are qualified online or in the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.