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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults For many adults, the annoyance of being afflicted with ADHD symptoms is what leads people to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs because of late deadlines, have difficulty in relationships due to their impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget to pay bills and forget to track purchases. Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have any training in diagnosing ADHD among adults. Symptoms If you believe that you or your child has ADHD The first step to seek help is to find a health care provider who will assess your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examinations as well as a review of your medical history. This will include mental health issues as well as alcohol abuse. It is important that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact your life. Many people suffering from ADHD shy away from their problems because of fear of shame or criticism However, a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with more of a complete picture of your life and your problems. Since adulthood is different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis which are valid for both children and adults. The doctor might request others who are in the patient's life such as the spouse or cohabiting partner or parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to explain how the patient's behavior has affected them. This can reveal important information that isn't discovered by tests or checklists. In some instances, the doctor will want to look into other conditions that could cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, other mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses like head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms are hindering their daily routine. The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in social and work situations. The severe symptoms can hinder school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it harder to live an independent life. Anyone can have ADHD However, it is more common in men and boys than in girls. There is no definitive reason behind this however it could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that certain individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli. Diagnosis Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and find it difficult to talk to an individual who is a mental health professional or health care provider. This can prolong the process of evaluation. It is crucial to speak openly and honestly about your symptoms as well as your previous medical history, to ensure an accurate assessment. During the evaluation your doctor will utilize standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood information, as well as a detailed description of your job and family life. Your doctor may request an examination of your body to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, such seizure or thyroid disorder. A physical exam usually includes blood work and a head scan which can help identify any chemical or structural problems in the brain that may be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as addiction to drugs or depression. Your doctor may suggest that you take part in a clinical study of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. Be aware, however, that these studies may have potential risks and may not result in the appropriate treatment for you. It is also crucial to tell your doctor any other medications you are taking, since they could interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effects of medications on sleep, appetite, heart rate, and blood pressure can all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how to discuss other medications with your physician. Treatment Adults suffering from ADHD are treated with medications, behavioral therapy and education support. It's typically a combination of the three that can help people to succeed at school, work and other endeavors. Treatment should start with a referral from a primary care provider or other health professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience working with adults with ADHD. If a professional refuses 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's parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. The diagnostic process may also include a medical and family history as well as a psychiatric assessment. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of being judged. Multiple symptoms must be evident in more than one setting and have a significant impact in the life of the individual to allow an ADHD diagnosis to be made. Untreated ADHD can result in comorbid disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is especially the case for those who suffer from ADHD who suffer from chronic anxiety or frustration. Frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy that can result in low self-esteem, poor performance, and feelings of anger. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a source of relief. They can start to understand themselves and realize it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish a career or make friends. However, for undiagnosed adhd in adults , a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by an emotional ache and regret over missed opportunities that were left unexplored. Adults suffering from ADHD should always be prepared to talk about their problems with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive advice. Anyone who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults who have ADHD. Support A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that plague him or her at the workplace, at home, in the classroom, in relationships and in many other situations. Adult ADHD is usually treated with psychotherapy and medications. Some people may find that they also need special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in everyday life. Adults diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to learn that their problems aren't normal, or due to bad parenting or lazyness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step towards receiving the help they require to live a better life. Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD. Diagnosing ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with worked with this condition for a long time. The interview might include questions about the individual's family history, as well as the person's own emotional and social history. Some doctors utilize brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. Most experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best way to diagnose ADHD. Depending on the nature and severity of the individual's problems and the co-existing conditions like mood disorders, anxiety and learning disabilities that commonly are associated with ADHD, additional neuropsychological and psychological tests could be administered to determine the severity and presence of these conditions. The results of these tests could also help in determining the proper dosage of medications for a particular person. Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have had experience in diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Check their credentials, including their academic degrees as well as how long they have been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions that you may have. You can also search for qualified professionals through the internet or on the phone book. Find out about their approach to counseling and what kind of therapy they might suggest for you.