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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what prompts them to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to their impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget bills and don't keep track of purchases. Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have training in diagnosing ADHD among adults. Signs and symptoms Find a doctor to assess your symptoms if suspect that you or your child is suffering from ADHD. The assessment will include an examination of your body and an analysis of your medical history, including mental health issues and drug use. It is crucial to be honest with the doctor about your symptoms and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem because of shame or fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will give your doctor a better picture of your life. Adults differ from children, and therefore the diagnosis of ADHD is more difficult than identifying ADHD in children. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor might also ask others who are in the patient's lifefor example, spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal information that might not be included on checklists or other tests. In some cases, the doctor will want to examine other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health conditions, and physical illnesses or injuries, like concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's personal and professional life to determine if their symptoms are affecting their daily routine. The symptoms of adult ADHD range from mild to moderate with moderate symptoms leading to difficulty in social and work situations. A severe condition can affect the performance of a job or school and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it difficult to live a life of independence. Anyone can have ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain chemicals and foods have been found to trigger ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed due to brain structures involved in processing stimuli. Diagnosis Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and find it difficult to speak to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care professional. This can make the process of evaluation more time-consuming. It is crucial to speak candidly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous background to ensure an accurate evaluation. During the exam the doctor will use standard behavioral rating scales and ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood records and an extensive description of your job and personal life. Your doctor might also request an exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders. A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan, which can help you identify any structural or chemical issues within the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can aid in determining other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances. Your doctor may recommend that you take part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted at research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these research studies may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is suitable for you. Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as these may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect sleep, appetite heart rate, appetite and blood pressure could all affect how effective stimulants are. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage can provide more details on how to discuss other medications with your health care provider. Treatment For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD Treatment options include therapy, medication and educational support. It's usually a combination of all three that can help people achieve success in school, work and other endeavors. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are often the first step in treatment. Find out about the specialist's knowledge and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or not able to give this information, it's best to find a different one. The diagnostic process of adult ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. The process of diagnosis may include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as an assessment of the psychiatric condition. It is important that the person who is being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant due to embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and must cause significant impairment in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be made. Untreated ADHD can lead to the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true if people with ADHD have a history of chronic tension or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause an unfulfilled prophecy which results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance and feelings of frustration. For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize it wasn't because of them that they couldn't make friends or establish a career. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can bring a sense regret and sadness over missed opportunities. Adults with ADHD must always 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 share their experiences and get help. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered and to get names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults suffering from ADHD. Support diagnosing adhd diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at home, at work, in relationships, at school and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adult ADHD typically involve medication and psychotherapy. Some people may find that they also require specialized coaching, which can provide structure and support in daily life. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their troubles weren't just normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis can be the first step in receiving the assistance they require. Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to identify in children. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist with had experience working with this disorder. The interviewer might inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as also the family history of the person. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, the majority of experts agree that the most accurate indicator of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is crucial to take the history of a patient into consideration when diagnosing the disorder. Depending on the severity and nature of the individual's issues and the co-existing conditions like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that often accompany ADHD, additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be conducted to determine the presence and effect of these conditions. The results of these tests may be useful in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person. Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have expertise in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Then check their professional credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions that you may have. You can also search for professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.