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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults Many adults seek an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs because of late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and lose track of purchases. Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their education and experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Signs and symptoms If you suspect that you or your child has ADHD, the first step towards getting assistance is to locate a health care provider who will examine your symptoms. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and drug use. It is important to be open with your doctor about your issues and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD hide their problems out of fear of shame or criticism A thorough assessment will give the doctor an accurate picture of your life and difficulties. Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are applicable for both adults and children. The doctor can inquire about others who are in the patient's life like spouses or cohabiting partners or parents, siblings, teachers, and coaches, to describe how the behavior of the person has affected them. This could reveal important information that isn't discovered by tests or checklists. In some instances, the doctor will want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These could include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, like concussions or head trauma. He or she will also review the person's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms affect their daily routines. The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulty in social and work situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it harder to live a life of independence. Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than in girls. It is not clear why this is the case, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors in play. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of 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 have trouble talking to a health care doctor or a mental health professional. This can make the evaluation process longer. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and transparent about your health issues as well as your past medical circumstances. During the exam, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor could also recommend a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. A physical exam includes blood tests and brain scans. These can help identify structural or chemical problems in the brain which could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also aid in determining other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like depression or substance abuse. Your doctor may recommend that you take part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. It is important to be aware that these studies could carry risks and not lead to the appropriate treatment for you. It is also crucial to tell your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adults with ADHD. The effects of medications on sleep, appetite heart rate, sleep and blood pressure may affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will give you more information about how to discuss other medicines with your doctor. Treatment For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include medication, behavioral therapy and educational assistance. It's often a combination of all three that can help people to succeed at school, work and other endeavors. Treatment should start with an appointment with a primary care provider or another health care professional. Find out about the professional's education and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling unable to give this information, you should seek another professional. The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others and teachers. It could also involve an extensive medical and family history, as well as psychiatric evaluation. It is essential that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back to avoid embarrassment. A person has to show symptoms in more than one place and cause significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis is made. Untreated ADHD can lead to comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is particularly relevant for people with ADHD who have a history chronic stress or a sense of frustration. It can lead to an unfulfilled prophecy which can result in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger. For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They can begin to understand their own behavior and realize that it wasn't because of them that they could not make friends or build a career. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can cause regret and sadness over missed opportunities. Adults suffering from ADHD must always be ready to discuss their issues with their supervisors and colleagues. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, where those suffering from the disorder can share their experiences and get help. Those who have an ADHD diagnosis should verify 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 is able to receive assistance to address the issues and symptoms that affect them in a variety of settings, including at home, work, school or in relationships, and many more. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medication. Some people also find 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 normal or because of poor parenting or laziness. A diagnosis could be the first step towards getting the help they need. It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't difficult for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with experience working with this condition. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as also his or her family history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. However, most experts agree that the best indicator of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed that it is essential to take the history of a patient into consideration when diagnosing the disorder. Depending on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests may be required to determine the presence and effects of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders that often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests could be useful in determining the proper dosage of medication for an individual. Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. You should then verify their credentials, including academic degrees and the length of time they have been in practice. getting diagnosed with adhd as an adult should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any queries you may have. You can also find professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Ask about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they might suggest for you.