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How to Diagnose ADHD in Adults Many adults seek an assessment due to being frustrated by the symptoms of ADHD. They could lose their jobs due to delayed deadlines, or struggle with relationships due to impulsive behaviors, or face financial difficulties because they forget to pay bills and forget to track purchases. Ask your doctor or a mental health professional about their training and expertise in diagnosing ADHD in adults. Signs and symptoms Find a doctor who will examine your symptoms if you suspect you or your child may have ADHD. Your evaluation will include both physical examinations and a review your medical history. This will include mental health issues as well as substance abuse. It is important to be forthcoming with the doctor about your issues and how they impact you. Many people with ADHD shy away from their problems because of shame or fear of criticism A thorough assessment will provide the doctor with a more complete picture of your lifestyle and issues. Because adulthood is very different from childhood, diagnosing ADHD in adults is more difficult than diagnosing children suffering from the disorder. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) provides guidelines for diagnosing ADHD that are generally applicable to adults as well as children. The doctor can request other people who are part of the patient's life, such as the spouse or cohabiting partner or siblings, parents or teachers and coaches to explain how the behavior of the person has affected them. This can reveal important details that aren't revealed by tests or checklists. In certain cases doctors may decide to examine other conditions which can cause similar symptoms to ADHD. These conditions could include mental health issues and physical illnesses or injuries such as concussions or head trauma. They will also review the person's personal and work life to determine if the symptoms are hindering their daily routine. The signs of adult ADHD can range from mild to severe with moderate symptoms that cause difficulty in social and work situations. In severe cases, symptoms can affect schoolwork or work performance or cause stress in relationships. It can also make it difficult to live an independent life. ADHD can be an issue for any person, but it is more common in males and boys than in girls. It is unclear why this difference exists however, it is likely that there are environmental and genetic factors at play. Certain foods and chemicals have been proven to cause ADHD in a few people. It is also possible that some individuals are predisposed to it due to brain structures that process stimuli. Diagnosis It's not always easy to recognize ADHD. Many people are embarrassed by their symptoms and have trouble opening up to a healthcare specialist or a mental health professional. This can make the evaluation process more time-consuming. It is crucial to speak honestly and openly about your symptoms as well as your past history, to ensure a thorough evaluation. 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 ask for your family history and childhood information along with an extensive description of your job and personal life. Your doctor may also order a physical exam to determine the cause of your symptoms, for example, thyroid problems or seizure disorders. 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 causing ADHD symptoms. A physical exam can also help rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, including addiction to drugs or depression. It is possible that your doctor will recommend that you participate in an investigational trial of new treatments for adults with ADHD. These trials are conducted by research centers, such as NIMH. However, you must be aware that these trials may be risky and not lead to a treatment that is appropriate for you. It is also crucial to inform your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as they can interfere with certain stimulants used to treat adult ADHD. The effects of medications on sleep, appetite heart rate, sleep, and blood pressure can all have an effect on the effectiveness of stimulants. The NIMH's Medication Interactions webpage provides more details on how to discuss other medications with your doctor. Treatment Adults with ADHD can be treated with medication, behavioral therapy, and education support. It's often the combination of these that helps people find success in school, work and other pursuits. Treatment should begin with the referral of a primary care provider or other health professional. Find out about the professional's education and experience working with adults suffering from ADHD. If a professional refuses to or is not able to provide you the information you need, it's best to find another professional. The diagnostic process for adult ADHD typically involves interviews with the patient, parents or other significant others, as well as teachers. The process of diagnosis may include an assessment of family and medical history, as well as a psychiatric assessment. It is essential that the person being evaluated for ADHD be honest and not hide to avoid embarrassment. A person has to show symptoms in two or more locations and cause a significant impairment in their life before an ADHD diagnosis can be determined. Untreated ADHD can lead to comorbid disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is especially the case for those who suffer from ADHD who have a history of chronic anxiety or frustration. Frustration can lead to an unfulfilling prophecy about underachievement and lead to feelings of self-doubt and a poor performance. A diagnosis of ADHD may be a relief for certain adults. They begin to see their own 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 diagnoses of ADHD can cause sadness and regret over missed opportunities. Adults who suffer from ADHD must always be prepared to discuss their problems openly with co-workers, supervisors and teachers. Consider joining an ADHD support group where people with the condition can share their experiences and receive guidance. Also, those who have an diagnosis of ADHD should look into their health insurance coverage to see the services covered and to find the names and numbers of professionals who specialize in treating adults with ADHD. Support A person diagnosed as ADHD can seek help for the symptoms and problems that affect him or her in a variety of situations that include at work, home, school, in relationships, and many more. Treatments for adults with ADHD typically involve psychotherapy and medications. Some people may find that they also require special coaching, which can help them with structure and support in daily life. Adults diagnosed with ADHD are often relieved to know that their problems aren't due to bad parenting or lazyness. A diagnosis could be the first step to getting the help they need. Adults can also suffer from ADHD. It is more difficult to diagnose in children. Many adults are suffering from undiagnosed ADHD. A psychiatrist who has expertise in this condition can diagnose ADHD in adults by conducting a clinical interview. The interview may include questions about the person's family history and also the person's own emotional and social history. Some doctors use brain scans or computer programs to evaluate patients. However, most experts agree that the best way to determine the presence of ADHD is a thorough clinical interview and it is vital to take the history of a patient into consideration when determining the severity of 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 assess the presence and impact of co-existing conditions like learning disabilities, anxiety and mood disorders that often accompany ADHD. These tests can also help determine the proper dosage of medication for a person. Asking friends and colleagues to recommend specialists who have experience diagnosing ADHD is a good idea. Then check their professional credentials, including academic degrees and the length of time they've been practicing. They should be able explain their diagnosis procedure and answer any questions that you may have. You can also search for professional who are certified via the internet or the phone book. Ask adhd diagnosing about their methods of counseling and what kind of therapy they might suggest for you.