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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults For many adults, the stress of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what prompts people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or have financial issues due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or forget to track purchases. Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Signs and symptoms Find a doctor to evaluate your symptoms if you think your child or you may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include both a physical exam and a review your medical background. This will include mental health issues and substance abuse. It is essential to be honest with the doctor about your issues and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear or shame criticism, but a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with a more complete picture of your life and your difficulties. Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children with the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition published 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 could also ask others in the life of the patientlike spouses or co-habitating partner parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches to comment on the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This may provide information that might not show up on a checklist or other tests. In certain cases doctors may decide to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health issues and physical injuries or illnesses such as concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's work and personal life to determine if their symptoms are interfering with their daily routine. The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms that cause difficulties in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder the performance of your work or school or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence. Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. There is no clear reason for this, but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that certain foods and chemicals can trigger ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition because of certain brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli. Diagnosis Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always easy. Many people are ashamed of their symptoms and are unable to speak to a mental health professional or health care provider. This can make the process of evaluation even longer. To ensure a thorough assessment it is crucial to be honest and open about your health issues as well as past experiences. During the evaluation the doctor will use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as 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 records and an in-depth description of your job and personal life. Your doctor may also order a physical exam to rule out medical causes of your symptoms, like thyroid problems or seizure disorders. A physical exam involves blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help determine chemical or structural issues in the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like addiction or depression. It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. It is important to 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 take, as these could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can give you more information on the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor. Treatment Adults with ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and educational support. Often, it's the combination of these that helps people achieve success at school, work and other areas. Treatment should start with a referral from a primary care provider or other health professional. Find out about the specialist's training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you this information, it is best to look for a different one. The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others and teachers. The diagnostic process could also include an examination of the family and medical history, as well as a psychiatric assessment. It is important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not be hesitant due to embarrassment. A person must exhibit several symptoms in more than one place and exhibit significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis is made. Untreated ADHD can lead to the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is particularly the case for those who suffer from ADHD who have a history chronic stress or a sense of frustration. The frustration can trigger self-fulfilling prophecy that can result in lower self-esteem, low performance and feelings of frustration. A diagnosis of ADHD could be a source of relief for some adults. They will begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't because of them that they could not make friends or build an occupation. For how to get an adult adhd diagnosis , a diagnosis of ADHD can come with a sense of grief and regret for missed opportunities that went unaddressed. Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group where those suffering from the disorder can share their experiences and get help. Finally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to see the services covered and to obtain the names and numbers of experts who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. Support A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that affect them at the workplace, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using psychotherapy and medication. Some people also find they need specialized coaching to provide structure and help for their daily life. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren't typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step to receiving the help they require. Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough clinical interview by a psychiatrist who has worked with this condition for a long time. The interviewer may ask about the person's social and emotional history, as well as the family history of the person. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD. Depending on the nature of the issues a person faces depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests can be conducted to assess the presence and effects of co-existing disorders, like anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders, which often are associated with ADHD. The results of these tests may be useful in determining the right dosage of medication for a particular person. Asking colleagues and friends to recommend specialists with had experience in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. You should then verify their credentials, including their academic degrees and the number of years they've been practicing. They should be able to explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions you may have. You can also find experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they might suggest for you.