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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults Many adults seek an assessment because they are frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They may lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, struggle with relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget bills and lose track of purchases. Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Signs and symptoms Find a doctor who can examine your symptoms if you think your child or you is suffering from ADHD. Your assessment will consist of physical examinations as well as a review of your medical history. This will include mental health issues as well as addiction to drugs. It is important that you open up to your doctor about the signs and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD are reluctant to admit their problems due to shame or fear of being judged. However, a thorough evaluation can give your doctor a better picture of your daily life. Adults differ from children, and therefore diagnosing ADHD is more difficult than diagnosing ADHD in children. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) offers guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor could also ask others in the person's life -like spouses or co-habitating partner, parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to provide a description of the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal information that may not be included on checklists or other tests. In certain cases, the doctor will want to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These include mood disorders, mental health issues, and physical injuries or illnesses, such as concussion or head trauma. ADHD Diagnosis or she will also examine the individual's personal and professional life to determine how their symptoms interfere with their daily routines. The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder school or job performance, strain relationships, and make it difficult to live an independent life. Anyone can have ADHD It is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. There is no clear reason for this however it could be due to genetic and environmental factors. Certain foods and chemicals have been found to trigger ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that certain people are predisposed because of brain structures involved in processing stimuli. Diagnosis It is not always simple to determine ADHD. People often feel embarrassed about their symptoms and may have difficulty speaking to a health care doctor or a mental health specialist. This could make the evaluation process longer. 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 examination, your doctor will employ standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for a diagnosis. Your doctor will also inquire for your family history and childhood records along with an in-depth description of your job and home life. Your doctor may order an examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, including seizures or a thyroid disorder. A physical exam consists of blood tests and brain scans. These can help identify structural or chemical issues in the brain which may be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help determine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs or depression. Your doctor might suggest you participate in a an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers like NIMH. However, you must be aware that these research studies may be risky and not result in a treatment that is suitable for you. It is also important to tell your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as they may interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. Medications that affect the appetite, sleep heart rate, appetite, and blood pressure can all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can give you more information about how to discuss other medicines with your doctor. Treatment Adults with ADHD can be treated with medications, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's often the combination of these that helps people to achieve success in work, school and other areas. Treatment should start with an appointment with your primary care physician or another health care professional. Ask about the professional's training and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional is unwilling in a position to give this information, it's best to seek another professional. The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD usually includes interviews with parents, teachers and other people who are significant to the child. The diagnostic process could also include a medical and family history, as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is crucial that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not shy away because of embarrassment or fear of being criticized. Several symptoms must be present in two or more settings and cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be established. Many people with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. This is especially true when people with ADHD have an ongoing history of stress or frustration in their lives. The frustration can trigger an unfulfilled prophecy which results in low self-esteem, a lack of performance, and feelings of anger. A diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief for certain adults. They may begin to see their own behavior 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 sadness and regret over missed opportunities. Adults with ADHD should be ready to discuss their concerns openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where those who suffer from the condition can share their experiences and get advice. Also, those who have a 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 seek treatment to address the issues and symptoms that plague him or her at home, at work at the classroom, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. Some people also find they need specialized coaching to provide structure and support for their daily lives. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD often feel relieved to discover that their problems aren't normal or because of bad parenting or lazyness. For many, getting a diagnosis is the first step towards receiving the help they require to live more fulfilled lives. It is easier to diagnose ADHD in children, however it is not impossible for adults to suffer from this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD. The diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a thorough medical examination by a psychiatrist with had experience working with this disorder. The interviewer might inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well the family history of the person. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to determine the health of a patient. However, the majority of experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and that it is essential to take the history of a patient into consideration when diagnosing the disorder. Depending on the nature of the issues a person faces, additional psychological or neuropsychological testing may be used to determine the presence and impact of co-existing conditions such as anxiety, learning disabilities and mood disorders that often are associated with ADHD. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person. It is also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experts in diagnosing ADHD. You should then verify their qualifications, including academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you might have. You can also look for experts who are qualified on the internet or in the phone book. Find out about their counseling approach and what kind of therapy they would suggest for you.