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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults Many adults seek out an assessment because they are frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs because of missed deadlines, struggle in relationships due to impulsive behavior or have financial problems due to the fact that they forget bills and don't keep track of purchases. Ask your doctor or mental health professional if they have training in diagnosing ADHD among adults. Symptoms Find a doctor to examine your symptoms if you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD. The assessment will include a physical examination and an analysis of your medical history, which includes mental health issues and substance use. It is important that you are honest with your doctor about the symptoms and how they impact you. Many people suffering from ADHD hide the problem due to shame or fear of criticism. 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 complicated than diagnosing children with 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 for adults as well as children. In addition to examining the patient, the doctor may also ask other people in the life of the patient- such as spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or coaches and teachers — to describe the person's behavior and how it has affected them. This can reveal information that might not be found on tests or checklists. In some cases the doctor may decide to examine other conditions that may cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions can include mood disorders, mental health conditions and physical injuries like concussions or head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work life to determine how their symptoms interfere with their daily activities. The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to moderate, with moderate symptoms causing problems in work and social situations. The severe symptoms can hinder schoolwork or work performance, strain relationships and make it difficult to live independently. Everyone can be affected by ADHD However, it is more common in men 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 people, and it is possible that some people are more likely to develop the condition due to the existence of specific brain structures involved in the processing of stimuli. Diagnosis Getting a diagnosis of ADHD isn't always straightforward. Many people are insecure about their symptoms and are unable to talk to an expert in mental health or health care professional. This can prolong the process of evaluation. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation it is essential to be honest and transparent about your health issues as well as your past medical circumstances. During the evaluation, your doctor may use the standardized behavioral rating scales as well as ADHD symptom checklists to determine whether you are able to meet the criteria to be diagnosed of ADHD. Your doctor will inquire about your family and childhood history, and a detailed description your work and home. Your doctor might order an examination to rule out medical causes for your symptoms, like a thyroid disorder or seizure disorder. A physical exam consists of blood tests and a brain scan. These tests can help determine structural or chemical problems in the brain which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as addiction or depression. It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you take part in the clinical trials of new treatments for adults ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you should be aware that these research studies can have risks and may not lead to a treatment that is appropriate for you. Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as these may interact with stimulants used to treat ADHD in adults. The effectiveness of stimulants can be affected by medications that affect appetite, sleep and blood pressure. The NIMH's Medication Interactions page can provide you with more information about how to discuss other medicines with your doctor. Treatment Adults with ADHD may be treated by treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. Often, it's a combination of these that helps people find success in work, school and other pursuits. Treatment should start with the referral of your primary care physician or other health professional. Find out about the specialist's expertise and training in working with adults suffering from ADHD. If how to get an adult adhd diagnosis or is unable to give you this information, it is best to find another professional. The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically includes interviews with the patient, parents or other significant people, and teachers. It may also include an extensive medical and family history, as well as an evaluation of the psychiatric condition. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not evading the test due to embarrassment, or fear of being judged. A person must display symptoms in two or more locations and cause significant impairment in their daily life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined. Many adults with untreated ADHD suffer from comorbid conditions, including anxiety and depression. This is particularly true when people with ADHD have an ongoing history of tension or frustration in their lives. Frustration can cause an unfulfilled prophecy which results in lower self-esteem, low performance and feelings of frustration. For those who are adults, the diagnosis of ADHD can be a great relief. They can start to understand the 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 can cause regret and sadness over missed opportunities. Adults with ADHD should always be prepared to discuss their issues with their supervisors and colleagues. It's also a good idea to consider joining an ADHD support group in which people who suffer from the disorder can share their experiences and get help. Finally, those with a diagnosis of ADHD should verify their health insurance coverage to determine what services are covered and to obtain the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. Support A person who is diagnosed with ADHD is able to seek help to address the issues and symptoms that affect them at the workplace, at home at school, in relationships and in a variety of other settings. Adult ADHD is usually treated using medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they also require specific coaching, which may help them with structure and support in daily 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. A diagnosis can be the first step towards receiving the help they require. It is much easier to identify ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to have this disorder. In fact, many adults have struggled throughout their lives with 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 patient's social and emotional history, as also the family history of the person. Certain doctors employ brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. The majority of experts agree that a thorough assessment is the best way to diagnose ADHD. Depending on the nature and severity of the person's difficulties 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 effect and severity of these conditions. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person. Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with had experience in diagnosing ADHD is 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 procedure and answer any queries you may have. You can also search for qualified professionals on the internet or in the phone book. Ask them about their philosophy of therapy and what they would suggest for you.