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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs due to missing 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 experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Symptoms Find a doctor to examine your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. Your assessment will consist of a physical exam and a review your medical history. This will include mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is important to be honest with the doctor about your issues and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or fear of being criticized. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life. Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. The doctor can request others who are part of the patient's life, for example, a spouse or cohabitating partner or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to discuss how the behavior of the person has affected them. This can reveal crucial information that isn't found in tests or checklists. In some instances the doctor may want to examine other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the individual's work and personal life to determine whether their symptoms are affecting their daily routine. The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulties in work and social situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect schoolwork or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live an independent life. ADHD can affect anyone, but it is more frequent in men and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this difference exists however it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been shown to cause ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli. Diagnosis It is not always simple to recognize ADHD. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and find it difficult to talk to a mental health professional or health care professional. This can delay the process of evaluation. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and transparent about your symptoms as well as past circumstances. During the exam, your doctor may use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood information along with an in-depth description of your job and personal life. Your doctor may order an examination of your body to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder. A physical exam consists of blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help determine chemical or structural issues in the brain which could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical can also help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse. Your doctor might suggest that you take part in clinical studies of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. You should be aware, however, that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in 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. diagnosis adhd of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider. Treatment For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD treatments include behavioral therapy, medication and educational support. It's often a combination of these that can help people achieve success at school, work and other areas. Treatment should start with a referral from the primary care provider or other health care professional. Find out about the professional's education and experience in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or not able to give this information, you should seek another professional. The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with teachers, parents and other important people. It may also include an extensive medical and family history and psychiatric evaluation. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hide to avoid embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and must cause significant impairment in the individual's life to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given. Untreated ADHD can cause co-occurring disorders like anxiety and depression. This is especially true if those with ADHD have an ongoing history of anxiety or discontent in their lives. Frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy that causes low self-esteem, poor performance and feelings of frustration. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for some adults. They may begin to see themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault they couldn't make friends or establish a career. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD may be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over lost opportunities that were left unexplored. Adults who suffer from ADHD should be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. 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 assistance. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and get the names and numbers of the professionals that specialize in treating adults who have ADHD. Support A person diagnosed with ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and problems that affect them in a variety of situations such as at home, work or at school as well as in relationships and many other. Treatments for adult ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they also require specialized coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step to receiving the assistance they require. It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD. A psychiatrist who has expertise in this type of disorder can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the individual's family history, as well as the person's own social and emotional history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, most experts agree that the best indicator of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and it is crucial to take the patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder. Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be used to evaluate the presence and impact of co-existing disorders, like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders that often accompany ADHD. These tests can also help determine the right dosage of medication for a person. Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they've been working. They should be able explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions that you may have. You can also look for professional who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Find out about their approach to counseling and what type of therapy they may suggest for you.