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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 due to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or having financial trouble because they forget to pay their 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 If you suspect that you or your child have ADHD, the first step towards getting assistance is to locate a health care provider who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of a physical exam and a review of your medical background. This includes mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is important that you open up to your doctor about the symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide their problems out of fear of shame or criticism However, a thorough evaluation will provide the doctor with more of a complete picture of your life and difficulties. Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychological Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor might also ask other people in the life of the patient- such as 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, a doctor may want to look into other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries such as concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the individual's work and personal life to determine whether their symptoms are hindering their daily activities. The signs of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing some difficulties in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with the performance of a job or school, strain relationships, and make it harder to live independently. ADHD can be an issue for any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear the reason for this, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has shown that certain chemicals and foods can trigger ADHD in certain individuals, and it is possible that some individuals are predisposed to develop the condition because of certain brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli. Diagnosis Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a health care provider or mental health specialist. This could make the evaluation process more time-consuming. To ensure that you receive a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and transparent about your health issues as well as your past medical history. In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will employ standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask for your family history and childhood information and an in-depth description of your job and home life. Your doctor could also recommend a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, seizures or thyroid issues. A physical exam typically includes blood tests and a head scan, which can help identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be causing your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including addiction or depression. It is possible that your doctor may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers such as NIMH. Be aware that these studies could carry potential risks and may not result in the right treatment for you. Inform your doctor about any other medications you take, as they may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect sleep, appetite and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page will provide you with more information about how to discuss other medicines with your doctor. Treatment Adults with ADHD are treated with medications, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's typically an amalgamation of the three that can help people succeed at work, school, and other activities. Treatment should start with an appointment with your primary care physician or other health professional. Check out the professional's qualifications and experience in working with adults with ADHD. If a professional is unwilling in a position to provide this information, you should find a different one. The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant people, and teachers. It may also include a complete medical and family history and an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It's important that the person being assessed for ADHD be honest and not evading the test because of embarrassment or fear of criticism. A person has to show symptoms in more than one place and have significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be made. Untreated ADHD can cause the development of comorbid disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This is especially true when those who suffer from ADHD have an underlying history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. Frustration can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and result in feelings of self-doubt and poor performance. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They can start to understand their own situation and realize that it wasn't their own fault that they weren't able to establish an occupation or make friends. For some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD may be accompanied by feelings of sadness and regret over lost opportunities that were left unexplored. Adults with ADHD must always be ready to discuss their concerns with supervisors and coworkers. It's also an excellent idea to think about joining an ADHD support group in which people who suffer from the disorder can share their experiences and get assistance. Anyone with an ADHD diagnosis should check their insurance coverage and obtain the names and numbers of the professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. Support A person diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help for symptoms and problems that plague him or her at home, at work at relationships, at school and in a variety of other settings. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medications. Some people also find they require specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their issues aren't normal or because of poor parenting or laziness. For certain people, being diagnosed with ADHD is the first step to receiving the help they require to live better lives. Adults also have the potential to suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to identify in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD. A psychiatrist who has expertise in this condition can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview may include questions about the individual's family history, as well as the person's own social and emotional history. Certain doctors employ computer programs or brain scans to assess a patient's. Most experts agree that an extensive interview is the most effective way to determine the presence of ADHD. Based on the nature of a person's difficulties, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be used to determine the effects and presence of co-existing disorders, such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests could be useful in determining the proper dosage of medication for a particular person. It's also recommended to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Check their credentials, including academic degrees and the number of years they've been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions that you may have. You can also search for experts who are qualified on the internet or through the phone book. Ask adhd diagnose about their approach to therapy and what they would suggest for you.