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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults Many adults seek out an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs due to late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to their impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget to pay bills and lose track of purchases. Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD among adults. Signs and symptoms Find a doctor who will evaluate your symptoms if you think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. The assessment will include a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is crucial to be forthcoming with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD conceal their symptoms out of shame or for fear of criticism. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life. Adults are different from children, so diagnosing ADHD can be more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. 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 children and adults. In addition to examining 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 provide a description of the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This could reveal information that may not be included on a checklist or other tests. In certain instances, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries like concussions or head trauma. They will also examine the individual's personal and work life to determine how their symptoms impact their daily routines. The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulties in work and social 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. ADHD can be an issue for any person, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this difference exists, but there are probably environmental and genetic factors at play. Research has revealed that certain foods and chemicals can cause ADHD in certain people, and it is possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition because of specific brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli. Diagnosis Being diagnosed with ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble opening up to a health care specialist or a mental health professional. This can make the process of evaluation longer. It is crucial to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms and your previous history, to ensure a thorough evaluation. During the exam the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood information, as well as an extensive description of your job and family life. Your doctor may request an examination of your body to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, including a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder. A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan which can help you identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, including depression or substance abuse. It is possible that your doctor might suggest you take part in a clinical trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, including NIMH. You should be aware, however, that these studies could carry negative consequences and may not provide the best treatment for you. It is also essential to inform your health care provider about any other medications you're taking, since they could interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. Drugs that affect appetite, sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure can all affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your physician. Treatment Adults with ADHD can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's typically a combination of the three that can help people succeed in school, work, and other activities. Treatment should begin with an appointment with the primary care provider or other health professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to provide you this information, it is best to find another professional. The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient's parents or other significant others and teachers. adult adhd diagnosis uk could also include an assessment of family and medical history and a psychiatric assessment. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not shy away due to embarrassment, or fear of criticism. A person must display symptoms in more than one place and exhibit a significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made. Untreated ADHD can lead to co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety. This is especially true when those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. It can lead to a self fulfilling prophecy that can result in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for some adults. They may begin to see themselves better and realize that it wasn't their fault that they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities. Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to talk about their problems 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 talk about their experiences and seek advice. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should verify their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of the professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD. Support A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for symptoms and problems that afflict him or her at home, at work, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other situations. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically involve medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they also need specific coaching, which may provide structure and support in daily life. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren't normal, or due to bad parenting or lazyness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to getting the help they need to live better lives. It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD. A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview might include questions about the individual's family history as well as his or her own social and emotional background. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. But most experts agree that the most accurate indication of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed it is crucial to take the history of a patient into consideration when diagnosing the disorder. Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological testing may be used to assess the presence and effects of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders that often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests could also help in determining the right dosage of medication for an individual. Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a great idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they've been in practice. They should also be able to explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you might have. You can also find experts who are qualified via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would suggest for you.