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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults Many adults seek out an assessment due to being annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could be losing their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggling in relationships due to impulsive behavior or having financial trouble because they forget bills or don't keep track of purchases. Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Symptoms If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD The first step towards getting assistance is to find a health care provider who will assess your symptoms. Your evaluation will include a physical examination and an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues as well as substance use. It is essential to be honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or 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 diagnosing ADHD can be more challenging than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally valid for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the person's life -like spouses or co-habitating partner, parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches — to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This may provide information that might not be found on tests or checklists. In some cases the doctor may want to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions could include mood disorders, mental health issues and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. He or she will also review the person's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms interfere with their daily activities. The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulties in work and social situations. Severe symptoms may interfere with schoolwork or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence. ADHD can be a problem for any person, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. There is no clear reason behind this, but it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been shown to trigger ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed due to brain structures that process stimuli. Diagnosis It is not always simple to determine ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty speaking to a health care specialist or mental health specialist. This can make the process of evaluation even longer. It is important to talk honestly and openly about your symptoms and your previous medical history, to ensure an accurate assessment. During the evaluation your doctor will employ the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood records along with an extensive description of your job and home life. Your doctor could also recommend a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders. A physical exam consists of blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems in the brain which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression. It is possible that your health care provider may suggest that you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. You should be aware that these studies could pose risks and not lead to the best treatment for you. Discuss with your doctor any other medications that you take, as these can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effects of medications on appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure may all affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can 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 an amalgamation of all three that can help people to succeed in school, work and in other pursuits. Treatment should start with the referral of your primary care physician or other health professional. Ask the professional about their expertise and training in working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to provide you this information, it is recommended to seek out a different professional. The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. The diagnostic process may also include an assessment of family and medical history and an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is crucial that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment, or fear of being criticized. A person has to show symptoms in two or more places and have a significant impairment in their daily lives before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined. Many adults with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true for those with ADHD who have a history of chronic stress or a sense of frustration. Discontent can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a lack of performance. For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They can start to understand the situation and realize that it wasn't their responsibility for not being able to build a career or make friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense sadness and regret over missed opportunities. Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and get advice. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of professionals that specialize in treating adults who have 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. I Am Psychiatry find that they require specialized coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their issues aren't normal, or due to lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the support they need to live a better life. It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, but it isn't impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. In fact, many adults struggle throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD. A psychiatrist who has expertise in this condition can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview might include questions about the individual's family history and also their own personal social and emotional history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, most experts agree that the most reliable indication of ADHD is an exhaustive clinical interview. It is also believed that it is essential to take the patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder. Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required to evaluate the presence and effects of co-existing conditions, like anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders that often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the right dosage of medication for a particular person. It's also a good idea to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional credentials, including academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any queries you may have. You can also look for experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they might recommend for you.