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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults For many adults, the annoyance of living with ADHD symptoms is what drives them to seek an evaluation. They could be losing their jobs due in part to missed deadlines, having trouble with relationships because of impulsive behaviors or have financial issues because they forget bills or forget to track purchases. Ask your doctor or an expert in mental health about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Signs and symptoms If you believe that you or your child suffer from ADHD, the first step in getting help is to find a health care provider who will assess your symptoms. The evaluation will consist of physical examination as well as an examination of your medical history, including mental health issues and substance use. It is essential that you open up to your doctor about the signs and the way they affect your life. Many people suffering from ADHD hide their problems out of fear of shame or criticism However, a thorough evaluation will give your doctor more of a complete picture of your life and your problems. Since adulthood is different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults can be more complicated than diagnosing children with the disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth Edition, by the American Psychiatric Association provides guidelines for diagnosis which are valid for both children and adults. In addition to interviewing the patient, the doctor may also ask others in the life of the patient- such as spouse or co-habitating partners, parents, siblings or teachers and coaches to comment on the behavior of the patient and how it has affected them. This can reveal important information that may not be discovered by tests or checklists. In certain instances, a doctor may want to investigate other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as ADHD. These conditions include mental health conditions and physical illnesses or injuries such as concussions or head trauma. He or she will also examine the individual's work and personal life to determine if the symptoms impact their daily routines. The symptoms of adult ADHD can vary from mild to severe with moderate symptoms causing difficulties in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect academic or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live a life of independence. ADHD can be a problem for everyone, but it's more common in males and boys than in girls. It is not clear the reason for this however, it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to cause ADHD in certain individuals. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that are involved in processing stimuli. Diagnosis Finding a diagnosis of ADHD is not always easy. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and may have difficulty talking to a health care doctor or mental health specialist. This could make the evaluation process more time-consuming. To ensure you get a thorough evaluation, it is important to be honest and open about your symptoms and past history. During the examination, your doctor will employ standard behavioral ratings scales and ADHD symptoms checklists to determine if you meet the criteria for diagnosis. Your doctor may also ask for your family history and childhood records along with an in-depth description of your job and personal life. Your doctor could also recommend a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid problems or seizure disorders. A physical exam involves blood tests and brain scans. These tests can help to identify structural or chemical problems within the brain that could be causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can help identify other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like depression or addiction to substances. It is possible that your health care provider will recommend that you take part in an investigational trial of new treatments for adult ADHD. These trials are conducted at research centers like NIMH. Be aware, however, that these studies could pose potential risks and may not result in the best treatment for you. Discuss with your doctor any other medications you take, as these could interact with stimulants that are used to treat ADHD in adults. Medications that affect appetite, sleep, heart rate and blood pressure could all affect the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides additional information on how you can discuss other medications with your health care provider. Treatment Adults with ADHD can be treated with treatment with medication, behavioral therapy and educational support. It's often an amalgamation of all three that helps people succeed at work, school and other endeavors. Treatment should begin with an appointment with the primary care provider or other health professional. Find out about the specialist's expertise and training in working with adults who have ADHD. If a professional refuses or is unable to provide you this information, it's best to look for a different one. The process of diagnosing adult ADHD typically involves 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's important that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest, not holding back due to embarrassment, or fear of criticism. There must be a variety of symptoms in more than one setting and must cause significant impairment in the life of the individual for an ADHD diagnosis to be given. Many adults with untreated ADHD develop comorbid disorders, including anxiety and depression. This is especially true for those with ADHD who have a history of chronic stress or frustration. The frustration can cause a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement and lead to feelings of low self-esteem and a lack of performance. For certain adults, being diagnosed of ADHD can be a relief. They may begin to see themselves better and realize it wasn't their fault they couldn't make friends or establish a career. However, for certain adults, a diagnosis of ADHD can come with feelings of sadness and regret over missed opportunities that were not addressed. Adults suffering from ADHD must always be prepared to discuss their issues openly with supervisors, coworkers and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people who suffer from the condition can discuss their experiences and receive advice. how to diagnose adhd who have an ADHD diagnosis should look into their insurance coverage and request the names and phone numbers of specialists that specialize in treating adults with ADHD. Support A person who is diagnosed with ADHD can seek treatment for symptoms and problems that affect them at work, at home at relationships, at school and in many other situations. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically include medication and psychotherapy. Some people discover that they also require specialized coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life. Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to learn that their problems weren't due to poor parenting or laziness. For some, a diagnosis is the first step towards getting the support they need to live more fulfilled lives. It is simpler to diagnose ADHD in children, but it is not impossible for adults to be affected by this disorder. Many adults suffer from undiagnosed ADHD. A psychiatrist who has experience with this kind of condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a diagnostic interview. The interviewer might inquire about the person's social and emotional history, as well as the family history of the person. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to assess patients. However, the majority of experts agree that the best indicator of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is vital to take the patient's history into consideration when determining the severity of the disorder. Depending on the nature of a person's difficulties depending on the nature of the problem, additional neuropsychological or psychological tests can be conducted to assess the presence and effects of co-existing conditions such as learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders that often occur in conjunction with ADHD. The results of these tests may be useful in determining the proper dosage of medications for a particular person. Asking your friends and colleagues to recommend specialists with experience diagnosing ADHD is also a great idea. Examine their credentials, including their academic degrees and the length of time they have been practicing. They must also be able to explain how they diagnose and answer any questions you have. You can also find qualified professionals online or in the phone book. Ask them about their methods of counseling and what type of therapy they might suggest for you.