How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults

Many adults seek out an assessment because they are annoyed by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs because of missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget bills and don't keep track of purchases.

Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their experience and training in diagnosing ADHD in adults.

Signs and symptoms

If you suspect that you or your child suffer from ADHD, the first step to seek assistance is to locate an expert in health care who will evaluate your symptoms. Your evaluation will include both physical examination and a review of your medical history. This will include mental health issues and substance abuse. It is crucial to be honest with the doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing and how they affect you. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or fear of criticism. However an extensive evaluation will provide your doctor with a clearer picture of your life.

Adults are different from children, so the diagnosis of ADHD can be more challenging than diagnosing ADHD in children. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis that are appropriate for both adults and children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor could also ask other people who are in the patient's lifelike spouses 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 reveal important details that aren't revealed by tests or checklists.

In certain instances, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical illnesses or injuries, like head trauma. The doctor will also look at the person's personal and professional life to determine if the symptoms interfere with their daily activities.

The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in social and work situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with work or school performance, strain relationships, and make it harder to live independently.

Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in men and boys than girls. There isn't a clear reason for this but it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to trigger ADHD in certain people. It is also possible that some people are predisposed because of brain structures that process stimuli.

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Finding a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always easy. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and have difficulty talking to a healthcare provider or mental health professional. This can delay the evaluation process. It is important to talk openly and honestly about your symptoms, as well as your previous medical experiences to ensure an accurate assessment.

In the course of your evaluation, your doctor will use the standardized behavioral ratings scales as well as ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will also ask for your family and childhood history and an extensive description of your work and family life. Your doctor might order an examination to rule out medical reasons for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder.

A physical exam includes blood tests and an examination of the brain. 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 may cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse.

It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. You should be aware, however, that these studies could carry negative consequences and may not provide the appropriate treatment for you.

It is also essential to tell your doctor any other medications you're taking, as they may interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adults with ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor.

Treatment

Adults suffering from ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and education support. It's often a combination of the three that can help people to succeed at school, work and other endeavors. Referrals from primary care doctors or other health professionals are often the first step in treatment. Find out about the professional's education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is unable to give you this information, it's recommended to seek out a different professional.

The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves interviews with teachers, parents and other significant people. The diagnostic process could also include an examination of the family and medical history and an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment or fear of being criticized. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and cause significant impairment in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be given.

Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is particularly true for those with ADHD who have a history of chronic stress or frustration. The frustration can cause self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and lead to feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance.

A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain 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 a career. However, for some adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can be accompanied by a sense of grief and regret over missed opportunities that went unaddressed.

Adults with ADHD must always be ready to talk about their problems 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 advice. Additionally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should check their health insurance coverage to find out what services are 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 is able to receive assistance to address the issues and symptoms that affect him or her in a variety of settings such as at work, home, school, in relationships, and many others. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include psychotherapy and medication. Some people may find that they also need specific coaching, which may provide structure and support in everyday life.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD often are relieved to know that their troubles weren't just typical or caused by lazy parenting or a lack of discipline. A diagnosis can be the first step towards receiving the help they require.

It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, however it isn't impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with undiagnosed ADHD.

A psychiatrist with experience in this type of disorder can identify ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interview might include questions regarding the patient's family history, as well as his or her own social and emotional background. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. Most experts agree that a thorough interview is the most effective way to diagnose ADHD.


Based on the nature of the difficulties a person is experiencing, additional psychological or neuropsychological tests may be required to determine the effects and presence of co-existing disorders, like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests may also be helpful in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for a particular person.

It is also recommended to ask colleagues and friends for recommendations to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional credentials, including their academic degrees and the number of years they have been in practice. They should be able to explain their diagnostic process and answer any questions that you may have. You can also look for qualified professionals via the internet or the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would recommend for you.