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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults Many adults seek an assessment due to being annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behavior, or face financial issues due to the fact that they forget bills and forget to track purchases. Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Symptoms If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD The first step to seek help is to find a medical professional who will assess your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examination and a review of your medical background. This includes mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is crucial to be forthcoming with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems because of shame or fear of being judged. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult ADHD Diagnosis differ from children, which is why the diagnosis of ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis which are valid for both adults and children. The doctor may ask others in the patient's life, for example, a spouse or cohabitating partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches, to describe how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal important information that may not be revealed by tests or checklists. In certain instances, a doctor may want to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These could include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical injuries or illnesses, like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms are affecting their daily routine. The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms that cause difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of your work or school and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live independently. ADHD can be an issue for everyone, but it's more common in males and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason behind this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been shown to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that process stimuli. Diagnosis It's not always easy to determine ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to speak to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can delay the process of evaluation. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and open about your symptoms as well as your past medical history. In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will employ standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history and an in-depth description of your work and personal life. Your doctor could also recommend an exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. A physical exam consists of blood tests and an examination of the brain. These can help identify structural or chemical problems in the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse. Your doctor may recommend taking part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. Be aware, however, that these studies could carry risks and not lead to the right treatment for you. Discuss with your doctor any other medications you are taking, as they could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effects of medications on sleep, appetite heart rate, sleep and blood pressure may all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more information on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider. Treatment For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD treatments include medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. Often, it's a combination of these that helps people achieve success at school, work and other activities. Treatment should begin with an appointment with your primary care physician or other health care professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or in a position to give this information, it's best to seek another professional. The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other significant people. It could also involve a complete medical and family history, as well as psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of being criticized. Several symptoms must be present in a variety of settings and have a significant impact in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given. Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true when those who suffer from ADHD have a history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. It can lead to an unfulfilled prophecy which can result in low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a relief. They can start to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their responsibility for not being able to build an occupation or make friends. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over lost opportunities that were not addressed. Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. It's also recommended to think about joining an ADHD support group where people with the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. Finally, those with an diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered, and to obtain the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Support A person diagnosed with ADHD can get 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. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medications. Some people find that they also require specialized coaching, which can provide structure and help in everyday life. Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their issues aren't caused by bad parenting or lazyness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step towards receiving the help they require to live a better life. Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interview may include questions regarding the patient's family history and also the person's own emotional and social history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the best way to diagnose ADHD. Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological testing may be used to evaluate the presence and effects of co-existing conditions such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which typically accompany ADHD. These tests can help determine the right dosage of medication for an individual. Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Then check their professional qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they have worked. They should also be able to explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you might have. You can also find experts who are certified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their approach to therapy and what advice they would give you.