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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads them to seek an assessment. They could lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle with relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay bills and don't keep track of purchases. Ask your health care provider or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Symptoms Find a doctor who can examine your symptoms if you think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. Your assessment will consist of a physical exam as well as a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is crucial that you open up to your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear or shame criticism However, a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with an accurate picture of your lifestyle and issues. Adults differ from children, which is why diagnosing ADHD can be more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor could also ask others in the person's life — such as spouse or co-habitating partners siblings, parents or coaches and teachers to comment on the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal crucial details that aren't discovered by tests or checklists. In some cases, a doctor may want to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical illnesses or injuries, like concussions or head trauma. He or she will also look at the person's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms affect their daily activities. The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulty in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect the performance of your work or school, strain relationships and make it difficult to live a life of independence. ADHD can affect any person, but it is more prevalent in boys and men than in girls. There is no clear reason behind this however it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain chemicals and foods have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that process stimuli. Diagnosis Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure a thorough assessment, it is important to be honest and open about your symptoms as well as past experiences. During the examination the doctor will use standardized behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family and childhood history, as well as a detailed description of your job and family life. Your doctor could also recommend a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like seizures or thyroid issues. A physical exam includes blood tests and an examination of the brain. These tests can help determine chemical or structural issues within the brain that may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also determine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs or depression. It is possible that your health care provider might suggest you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. Be aware that these studies could carry negative consequences and may not provide the right treatment for you. Discuss with your doctor any other medications you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will give you more information on how to discuss other medicines with your doctor. Treatment Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational assistance. It's usually an amalgamation of the three that can help people succeed in school, work and other endeavors. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are often the first step towards treatment. Ask about the professional's training and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or unable to provide this information, you should look for a different professional. The process of diagnosing adult ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other important people. It may also include the complete medical and family history and an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. adhd adult diagnosis is essential that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not hold back because of embarrassment. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and cause significant impairment in the individual's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be made. Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true when those who suffer from ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. Discontent can result in a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and lead to feelings of low self-esteem and poor performance. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't because of them that they were unable to make friends or start a career. For some adults, the diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of grief and regret about missed opportunities. Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with their supervisors, colleagues, and teachers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group, in which people who suffer from the disorder can discuss their experiences and receive assistance. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to determine the services covered and to find the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. Support A person diagnosed as ADHD can seek help to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety settings such as at work, home or at school, in relationships, and many other. Treatments for adult ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they require specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their issues aren't typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. For some, a diagnosis is the first step in receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives. Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to diagnose in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD. A psychiatrist with experience in this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview might include questions regarding the patient's family history, as well as his or her own emotional and social history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to evaluate a patient. However, most experts agree that the most reliable indicator of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and that it is essential to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder. Based on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and co-existing disorders such as anxiety, mood disorders and learning disabilities that often are associated with ADHD, additional tests for neuropsychology and psychological testing could be conducted to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests may also help in determining the right dosage of medications for an individual. It's also recommended to ask colleagues and friends for suggestions to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they've been working. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any queries that you may have. You can also look for qualified professionals via the internet or the phone book. Ask about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they would recommend for you.