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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an assessment. They could be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships because of impulsive behaviors or are having financial difficulties because they forget to pay their bills or forget to track purchases. Ask iampsychiatry.com or an expert in mental health about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Signs and symptoms Find a doctor who will evaluate your symptoms if you suspect you or your child has ADHD. Your evaluation will include an examination of your body and an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is important to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people with ADHD conceal their symptoms due to shame or fear of being judged. However, a thorough evaluation can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your daily life. Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying 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 diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partners siblings, parents or teachers and coaches — to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal crucial information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists. In certain cases doctors may decide to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These can include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's work and personal life to determine whether their symptoms are hindering their daily activities. The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of a job or school as well as strain relationships and make it difficult to live an independent life. Everyone can be affected by ADHD However, it is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this is the case however, it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to trigger ADHD in a few 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 diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty speaking to a healthcare specialist or mental health specialist. This can delay the process of evaluation. To ensure a thorough assessment it is crucial to be honest and upfront about your health issues as well as past history. In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will employ the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood records and a detailed description of your work and personal life. Your doctor may also order an examination to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders. A physical exam consists of blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems within the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam may also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse. Your doctor may recommend taking part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. It is important to be aware that these studies may have negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you. Inform your doctor about any other medications that you take, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide you with more information about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor. Treatment For adults diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational support. It's typically an amalgamation of the three that can help people achieve success at work, school and other endeavors. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are the first step in treatment. Find out about the specialist's training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or unable to provide this information, you should find a different one. The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. The diagnostic process could also include an assessment of family and medical history and an assessment of psychiatric issues. It's important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment or fear of being judged. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more places and exhibit significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made. Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly relevant for people who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or a sense of frustration. Frustration can lead to self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a poor performance. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for some adults. They may begin to see their own behavior and realize that it wasn't their fault that they couldn't make friends or establish a career. For certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with a sense of grief and regret for missed opportunities that went unaddressed. Adults with ADHD should be prepared to discuss their issues 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. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Support A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to receive assistance to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety settings such as at home, work, school, in relationships, and many other. Adult ADHD is typically treated with psychotherapy and medication. Some individuals also discover they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life. Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by bad parenting or lazyness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step in receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives. Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD. A psychiatrist with experience in this condition can identify ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview could include questions about the person's family history, as well as the person's own social and emotional background. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to determine the health of a patient. Most experts agree that an extensive interview is the best way to determine if a patient has ADHD. Depending on the nature of the issues a person faces, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required to determine the effects and presence of co-existing conditions, like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders that often are associated with ADHD. These tests can also aid in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual. Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have 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 be able explain their diagnosis process and answer any questions you may have. You can also find experts who are certified through the internet or on the phonebook. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.