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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults Many adults seek out an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs because of delayed deadlines, or struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior, or face financial issues because they forget to pay 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 who can evaluate your symptoms if you suspect you or your child has ADHD. Your assessment will consist of physical examinations and a review your medical background. This will include mental health issues and substance abuse. It is crucial that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect you. Many people with ADHD are reluctant to talk about their issues because of fear of shame or criticism A thorough assessment will give the doctor an accurate picture of your life and problems. Adults are different from children, and therefore diagnosing ADHD can be 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 diagnosing ADHD that are generally valid for adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the life of the patientfor example, spouse or co-habitating partner siblings, parents, or teachers and coaches — to describe the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This could provide information that might not show up on checklists or other tests. In some cases the doctor may want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These can include mood disorders, mental health conditions, as well as physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. The doctor will look over the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms are interfering with their daily activities. The symptoms of adult ADHD vary from mild to moderate and moderate symptoms causing problems 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 independently. Anyone can have ADHD It is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. It is unclear the reason for this, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has revealed that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in some individuals, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition because specific brain structures that are that are involved in processing stimuli. Diagnosis Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty speaking to a health care doctor or mental health professional. This can make the process of evaluation more time-consuming. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and open about your symptoms as well as your past medical history. In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will utilize standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will ask you about your family history and childhood and will also provide a detailed account of your home and work. Your doctor may also order an exam to determine if there is a medical cause for your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders. A physical exam involves blood tests and a brain scan. These can help identify chemical or structural issues in the brain that could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as depression or addiction to substances. It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you must be aware that these trials could be risky and not result in a solution that is appropriate for you. Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as they can interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. Drugs that affect sleep, appetite, heart rate, and blood pressure can affect how effective stimulants are. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will give you more information about the best way to discuss other medications with your doctor. Treatment For adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and educational assistance. Most often, it's a combination of these that can help people achieve success at work, school and other activities. Referrals from primary healthcare providers or other health professionals are the first step in treatment. Find out about the specialist's expertise and training in working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to provide you the information you need, it's recommended to seek out a different professional. The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient's parents or other significant people, and teachers. The diagnostic process may also include an examination of the family and medical history and a psychiatric assessment. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hold back because of embarrassment. Multiple symptoms must be evident in a variety of settings and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be given. Untreated ADHD can cause the development of comorbid disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is especially true when those with ADHD have a history of chronic anxiety or discontent in their lives. Frustration can cause a self fulfilling prophecy that results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be a relief. They can begin to understand themselves better and realize that it wasn't because of them that they couldn't make friends or establish an occupation. For some adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can trigger feelings of grief and regret about missed opportunities. Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues with their supervisors and colleagues. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group in which people who suffer from the disorder can talk about their experiences and seek advice. Also, those who have the diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to find out the services covered and to find the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. Support A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can get help to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at work, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other settings. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk for adult ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medication. Some people may find that they require specific coaching, which may provide structure and help in everyday life. Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their troubles weren't just normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step in getting the help they need to live a better life. Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. Many adults live with undiagnosed ADHD. A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview might include questions regarding the patient's family history, as well as their own personal social and emotional background. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, the majority of experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is vital to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder. Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing and the severity of their issues, additional psycho- or neuropsychological tests can be conducted to determine the presence and impact of co-existing conditions like anxiety, learning disabilities, and mood disorders, which typically accompany ADHD. The results of these tests could also help in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person. Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees and how long they have been practicing. They should also be able explain the process of diagnosis and answer any questions you might have. You can also look for qualified professionals online or in the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what advice they would give you.