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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults Many adults seek an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behavior or have financial problems because they forget bills and don't keep track of purchases. Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Symptoms Find a doctor to examine your symptoms if you suspect you or your child has ADHD. The evaluation will consist of an examination of your body and a review of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is crucial to be open with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or fear of being judged. However, a thorough evaluation can give your doctor a better picture of your life. Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. 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. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask others who are in the patient's lifefor example, spouse or co-habitating partners parents, siblings or coaches and teachers to comment on the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This could reveal information that might not be found on checklists or other tests. In certain instances doctors may decide to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health issues and physical injuries such as concussions or head trauma. They will also review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms are hindering their daily activities. The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with schoolwork or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live independently. ADHD can affect anyone, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this however it is likely that there are genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain foods and chemicals have been shown to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed due to brain structures that process stimuli. Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD is not always easy. Many sufferers are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble opening up to a healthcare doctor or mental health specialist. This can prolong the evaluation process. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and open about your health issues and past circumstances. During the examination, your doctor may use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor will ask you about your family and childhood history as well as a thorough description of your home and work. Your doctor may also order an exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. A physical exam typically involves blood work and a head scan which can help identify any structural or chemical issues within the brain that may be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression. It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. However, you should be aware that these research studies can have risks and may not result in a treatment that is right for you. Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you take, as these can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect the appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure could affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide you with more information about how to discuss other medications with your doctor. Treatment Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's often the combination of these that can help people find success in work, school and other pursuits. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are often the first step in treatment. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it's best to find another professional. The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other people who are significant to the child. The diagnostic process may also include a medical and family history as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment or fear of being criticized. Multiple symptoms must be evident in two or more settings and must cause significant impairment in the person's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given. Untreated ADHD can result in co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. diagnosis of adhd is particularly relevant for people with ADHD who have a history of chronic stress or frustration. Frustration can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and poor performance. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They may begin to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. However, for certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret over missed opportunities that were not addressed. Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be ready to discuss their concerns openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Also, those who have the diagnosis of ADHD should verify 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 can seek help for the symptoms and issues that affect him or her in a variety settings, including at home, work, school, in relationships, and many more. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people may find that they also require specific coaching, which may provide structure and help in daily life. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their issues aren't typical or caused by poor parenting or laziness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in receiving the help they require to live a better life. It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to have this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has worked with this condition for a long time. The interviewer might inquire about the person's personal and emotional history, as well his or her family history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, the majority of experts agree that the most reliable way to determine the presence of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is vital to take a patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder. Based on the nature of a person's difficulties and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to determine the effects and presence of co-existing conditions such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests may also help in determining the right dosage of medication for a particular person. Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Verify their credentials, such as their academic degrees and the length of time they've been working. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries that you might have. You can also find professional who are qualified through the internet or on the phone book. Find out about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they may suggest for you.