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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an evaluation. They could be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, or struggling with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or have financial issues due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or forget to track purchases. Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Symptoms Find a doctor who will assess your symptoms if suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD. Your assessment will consist of a physical exam and a review your medical background. This includes mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is essential that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people with ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of criticism. However, a thorough evaluation can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life. Adults are different from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD is more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. The doctor can inquire about other people who are part of the patient's life, such as a spouse or cohabitating partner or siblings, parents teachers, coaches, and other teachers to discuss how the patient's behavior has affected them. This could provide information that might not show up on tests or checklists. In certain cases, the doctor will want to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussions or head trauma. The doctor will look over the individual's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms are hindering their daily activities. The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder school or job performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live an independent life. Everyone can be affected by ADHD It is more prevalent in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this difference exists, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors at play. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven 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 recognize ADHD. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to talk to an expert in mental health or health care professional. This could make the evaluation process more time-consuming. It is crucial to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms, as well as your past history for an accurate assessment. During the evaluation your doctor will employ standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your childhood and family history as well as a thorough description of your home and work. Your doctor may also order a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. A physical exam typically involves blood work and a head scan, which can help you identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression. Your doctor may suggest taking part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you should be aware that these trials could be risky and not lead to a treatment that is right for you. It is also essential to inform your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide you with more information about how to discuss other medicines with your physician. Treatment For adults diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational supports. It's often a combination of the three that can help people to succeed in school, work, and other activities. Treatment should begin with the referral of your primary care physician or other health care professional. Find out about the professional's education and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If the professional is unwilling or unable to give this information, you should seek another professional. The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. It could also involve an extensive medical and family history as well as a an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of being criticized. A person must exhibit several symptoms in two or more locations and exhibit a significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made. Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions that include depression and anxiety. This is particularly relevant for people with ADHD who suffer from chronic stress or frustration. It can lead to an unfulfilled prophecy which results in low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a relief. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't because of them that they couldn't make friends or establish a career. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can cause sadness and regret over missed opportunities. Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to find out what services are covered, and to obtain the names and numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. Support A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that plague him or her at the workplace, at home at school, in relationships and in many other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medication. Some people find that they also need special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems aren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives. It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, however it isn't impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interview might include questions about the person's family history, and also the person's own social and emotional background. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. But most experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is crucial to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder. Based on the nature of a person's difficulties, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be used to assess the presence and effects of co-existing disorders, such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which often accompany ADHD. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for an individual. It is also an excellent idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to professionals who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should be able to explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any questions that you may have. You can also look for experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask them about their method of therapy and what advice they would give you.