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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults Many adults seek out an assessment due to being dissatisfied with the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missing deadlines, struggling in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial issues due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or lose track of purchases. Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD among adults. Symptoms If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, the first step towards getting help is to find a health care provider who will assess your symptoms. Your assessment will consist of a physical exam and a review of your medical history. This will include mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is essential to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and the way they affect your life. Many people with ADHD hide the problem due to shame or fear of being judged. However, a thorough evaluation can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life. Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying 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 diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. The doctor may request other people in the patient's life, for example, the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to explain how the patient's behavior has affected them. This may reveal information that might not be included on checklists or other tests. In some cases, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses, like concussions or head trauma. They will also look at the person's personal and professional life to determine how their symptoms impact their daily routines. The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulties in work and social situations. A severe condition can affect school or job performance as well as strain relationships and make it harder to live a life of independence. Anyone can have ADHD It is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. There is no clear reason behind this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition because of specific brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli. Diagnosis It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty speaking to a health care specialist or a mental health professional. This can prolong the evaluation process. It is essential to speak openly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous medical background, to ensure a thorough evaluation. During the exam, your doctor may use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history along with a detailed description of your work and personal life. Your doctor may also order a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues. A physical exam involves blood tests and an examination of the brain. These can help identify structural or chemical issues in the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse. Your doctor might suggest that you take part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. You should be aware, however, that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you. It is also important to tell your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, since they could interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. Drugs that affect the appetite, sleep heart rate, sleep and blood pressure may all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor. Treatment For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational support. It's often the combination of these that help people achieve success at work, school and other pursuits. Treatment should start with a referral from a primary care provider or other health care professional. Ask the professional about their training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses 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 others, as well as teachers. It could also involve an extensive medical and family history and an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant due to embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in a variety of settings and must cause significant impairment in the individual's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be made. Untreated ADHD can result in co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. This is especially true for those with ADHD who have a history of chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a source of relief. They may begin to see themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault they were unable to make friends or start a career. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can trigger feelings of grief and regret about missed opportunities. Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues with their supervisors and colleagues. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and get advice. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and get the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD. Support A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can receive help to address the issues and symptoms that affect them in a variety settings, including at home, work or at school as well as in relationships and many other. IamPsychiatry for adult ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they also require specialized coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their issues aren't typical or caused by poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to getting the help they need to live better lives. Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to diagnose in children. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD. A psychiatrist with experience in this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview could include questions about the person's family history, and also the person's own social and emotional background. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, the majority of experts agree that the best indication of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is crucial to take a patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder. Based on the severity and nature of the person's difficulties and co-existing disorders like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD additional psychological and neuropsychological tests may be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests may also help in determining the right dosage of medications for an individual. Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they have been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions that you might have. You can also search for experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what they would recommend for you.