15 Things You've Never Known About Diagnose ADHD
Wiki Article
How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults
Many adults seek out an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget to pay bills and lose track of purchases.
Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults.
Symptoms
If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD The first step to seek assistance is to locate a medical professional who will evaluate your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examination and a review of your medical background. This includes mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is important that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems out of shame or for fear of being judged. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your daily life.
Adults are different from children, which is why the diagnosis of ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor might also ask others who are in the patient's life- such as spouse or co-habitating partners parents, siblings or coaches and teachers -- to describe the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal information that might not show up on checklists or other tests.
In some instances the doctor may want to look into other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries such as concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine whether their symptoms are interfering with their daily activities.
The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing some difficulty in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder academic or work performance and can cause tension in relationships, making it difficult to live independently.
ADHD can be an issue for everyone, but it's more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. It is not clear why this difference exists, but there are probably environmental and genetic factors at play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in some people, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition because of certain brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli.
Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always easy. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty opening up to a health care specialist or mental health specialist. This can make the process of evaluation longer. To ensure a thorough assessment, it is important to be honest and open about your health issues as well as your past medical history.
During the exam the doctor will use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood records, as well as an extensive description of your work and family life. Your doctor might also request an examination to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, such as seizures or thyroid issues.
A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan which can reveal any chemical or structural problems in the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression.
Your doctor may recommend you participate in a clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you should be aware that these research studies can have risks and may not result in a solution that is appropriate for you.
Tell 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 can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide more details on how to discuss other medicines with your doctor.
Treatment
For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include therapy, medication and educational support. Most often, it's a combination of these that helps people achieve success at work, school and other pursuits. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are usually the first step towards treatment. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to provide you the information you need, it's best to find another professional.
The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other important people. The diagnostic process may also get more info include an assessment of family and medical history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back to avoid embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be established.
Untreated ADHD can lead to co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. This is particularly true for those with ADHD who have a history chronic anxiety or frustration. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that can result in lower self-esteem, low performance and feelings of frustration.
For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They may begin to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault they couldn't establish an occupation or make friends. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over lost opportunities that went unaddressed.
Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with co-workers and supervisors. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek help. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and request the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD.
Support
A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can receive help to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety of situations that include at home, work, school as well as in relationships and many other. Adult ADHD is usually treated using medication and psychotherapy. Some individuals also discover they require special coaching to provide structure and help for their daily lives.
Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their issues aren't caused by bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis can be the first step in getting the help they need.
Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD.
Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has worked with this condition for a long time. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as also their family history. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, most experts agree that the most accurate indicator of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is crucial to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder.
Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to assess the presence and impact of co-existing conditions, like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often are associated with ADHD. These tests can help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person.
It is also an excellent idea to ask colleagues and friends for suggestions to specialists who are skilled in diagnosing ADHD. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and how long they have been practicing. They should also be able explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you might have. You can also find qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what type of therapy they might suggest for you.