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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults For many adults, the frustration of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an evaluation. They could lose their jobs due to missed deadlines, or struggling with relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial issues due to the fact that they forget to pay bills or don't keep track of purchases. Ask I Am Psychiatry or mental health professional if they have experience in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Symptoms If you believe that you or your child has ADHD The first step to seek assistance is to find an expert in health care who will evaluate your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of a physical exam as well as a review of your medical history. This includes mental health issues and addiction to drugs. It is crucial to be forthcoming with the doctor about your symptoms and how they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem out of shame or for fear of being criticized. However an honest assessment can provide your doctor with a more accurate picture of your life. Because adulthood is very different from childhood, identifying ADHD in adults is 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) provides guidelines for diagnosis that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the person's life -for example, spouse or co-habitating partner parents, siblings, or teachers and coaches — to describe the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This may reveal information that may not show up on checklists or other tests. In certain cases the doctor may decide to investigate other conditions that can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mental health issues, and physical injuries such as concussions or head trauma. He or she will review the person's personal and work life to determine if their symptoms are affecting their daily activities. The symptoms of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulty in work and social situations. Severe symptoms can interfere with work or school performance and can cause tension in relationships. They also make it harder to live a life of independence. Anyone can suffer from ADHD, but it is more prevalent in males and boys than girls. It is unclear why this is the case, but there are probably genetic and environmental factors at play. Research has revealed that certain chemicals and foods can cause ADHD in certain people, and it is possible that some individuals are more likely to develop the condition because of specific brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli. Diagnosis It's not always easy to diagnose ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble talking to a health care specialist or mental health specialist. This could make the evaluation process more time-consuming. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and open about your health issues and past circumstances. During the examination, your doctor will use standardized behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you fulfill the criteria of a diagnosis. Your doctor will inquire about your family history and childhood and will also provide a detailed account of your work and home. Your doctor may order an examination of your body to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like seizure or thyroid disorder. A physical exam typically involves blood tests and a head scan which can help you identify any chemical or structural issues within the brain that could be contributing to your ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as depression or substance abuse. Your doctor may suggest that you take part in an investigation into the effectiveness of new treatments for ADHD in adults. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these research studies could be risky and not result in a treatment that is appropriate for you. It is also crucial to tell your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as they may interact with stimulants that are used to treat adult ADHD. The effectiveness of stimulants may be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide more information on how to discuss other medications with your doctor. Treatment For adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD treatments include therapy, medication and educational assistance. It's often a combination of these that can help people find success in work, school and other activities. Referrals from primary care providers or other health professionals are the first step towards treatment. Ask the professional about their expertise and training in working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional is unwilling or unable to provide this information, it's best to seek another professional. The diagnosis process for adults with ADHD typically involves interviews with parents, teachers and other significant people. The diagnostic process may also include an assessment of family and medical history, as well as an assessment of psychiatric issues. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment or fear of being criticized. There must be a variety of symptoms in two or more settings and cause significant impairment in the person's life for an ADHD diagnosis to be made. Many adults suffering from untreated ADHD have comorbid disorders that include depression and anxiety. This is especially true if those who suffer from ADHD have a history of chronic stress or frustration in their lives. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for some adults. They may begin to see themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault that they could not make friends or build an occupation. For some adults, a diagnoses of ADHD can trigger feelings of regret and sadness over missed opportunities. Adults who suffer from ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues with supervisors and coworkers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and get advice. Those with an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and obtain the names and phone numbers of specialists who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. Support A person diagnosed with ADHD can receive help for the symptoms and issues that affect them in a variety of situations such as at work, home at school or in relationships, and many more. Treatments for adults with ADHD usually include medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they also need specialized coaching, which can help them with structure and support in everyday life. Adults who have been 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 better lives. Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It's more difficult to recognize in children. In fact, many adults struggle all their lives with unrecognized ADHD. A psychiatrist who has expertise in this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults through a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the person's family history, and also the person's own social and emotional background. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. But most experts agree that the most accurate indicator of ADHD is an extensive clinical interview and that it is essential to take a patient's history into consideration when diagnosing the disorder. Based on the nature of the issues a person faces depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests can be conducted to determine the presence and impact of co-existing conditions, like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders, which typically accompany ADHD. The results of these tests can also be helpful in determining the appropriate dosage of medication for an individual. It is also recommended to ask your friends and colleagues for suggestions to specialists who are experienced in diagnosing ADHD. Then check their professional credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnostic procedure and answer any questions that you might have. You can also search for qualified professionals on the internet or through the phone book. Ask about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they would recommend for you.