How is adhd in adults diagnosed

A comprehensive evaluation includes screening for co-existing conditions. When one or more co-existing conditions are present along with ADHD, it is essential that all are diagnosed and treated. Failure to treat co-existing conditions often leads to failure in treating the ADHD. And, crucially, when the ADHD symptoms are a secondary consequence of depression, anxiety or some other psychiatric disorder, failure to detect this can result in incorrect treatment of the individual for ADHD.

It is also essential for the clinician to interview one or more independent sources, usually a significant other spouse, family member, parent or partner who knows the person well. Many adults with ADHD have a spotty or poor memory of their past, particularly from childhood. They may recall specific details but forget diagnoses they were given or problems they encountered. Thus, the clinician may request that the individual being evaluated have his or her parents fill out a retrospective ADHD profile describing childhood behavior.

This procedure helps the non-ADHD spouse or partner develop an accurate understanding and an empathetic attitude concerning the impact of ADHD symptoms on the relationship, setting the stage for improving the relationship after the diagnostic process has been completed. If it is not possible to interview the loved ones, having them fill out checklists of symptoms is a good alternative. Many adults with ADHD may feel deeply frustrated and embarrassed by the ongoing problems caused by the disorder.

It is very important that the person being evaluated discuss these problems openly and honestly and not hold back information due to feelings of shame or fear of criticism. The quality of the evaluation and the accuracy of the diagnosis and treatment recommendations will be largely determined by the accuracy of the information provided to the examiner.

A comprehensive evaluation can include one or more standardized behavior rating scales. Scores on the rating scales are not considered diagnostic by themselves but serve as an important source of objective information in the evaluation process. Depending on the individual and the problems being addressed, additional psychological, neuropsychological or learning disabilities testing may be used as needed.

The testing can also help determine the presence and effects of co-existing conditions. For example, in order to determine whether the individual has a learning disability, the clinician will usually give a test of intellectual ability as well as a test of academic achievement.

If the individual being evaluated has not had a recent physical exam within 6—12 months , a medical examination is recommended to rule out medical causes for symptoms.

Some medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and seizure disorders, can cause symptoms that resemble ADHD symptoms. A medical examination does not confirm ADHD but is extremely important in helping to rule out other conditions or problems. Towards the end of the evaluation the clinician will integrate the information that has been collected through diverse sources, complete a written summary or report, and provide the individual and family with diagnostic opinions concerning ADHD as well as any other psychiatric disorders or learning disabilities that may have been identified during the course of the assessment.

The clinician will then review treatment options and assist the individual in planning a course of appropriate medical and psychosocial intervention. Barkley, RA. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, fourth edition: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment. Wolraich, M. ADHD diagnosis and management: A practical guide for the clinic and the classroom.

Baltimore, MD: Brooks Publishing. Login Donate Join. For Adults. Finding a qualified mental health professional Finding a clinician that is especially familiar with ADHD is key to a good diagnosis. Patient interview The clinician will review the diagnostic criteria and determine if any apply to the individual. Interview of a loved one Often people with ADHD will have holes in their memory or they will downplay symptoms. Behavior scale Often patients will receive rating scales for themselves and for a loved one or significant other to complete.

Now What? ADHD predominantly inattentive presentation Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes Has difficulty sustaining attention Does not appear to listen Struggles to follow through with instructions Has difficulty with organization Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort Loses things Is easily distracted Is forgetful in daily activities ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair Has difficulty remaining seated Runs about or climbs excessively in children; extreme restlessness in adults Difficulty engaging in activities quietly Acts as if driven by a motor; adults will often feel inside as if they are driven by a motor Talks excessively Blurts out answers before questions have been completed Difficulty waiting or taking turns Interrupts or intrudes upon others ADHD combined presentation The individual meets the criteria for both inattention and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD presentations.

Internet self-rating scales There are many Internet sites about ADHD that offer various types of questionnaires and lists of symptoms. Who is qualified to diagnose ADHD?

How should I prepare for the evaluation? What is a comprehensive evaluation? Your family, spouse, or close friends might also be asked to participate in this part of the evaluation. One or more behavior rating scales might be used in your evaluation. These scales list behaviors that are common in people with ADHD. The evaluator might ask you to fill it out before the evaluation or complete it with you during the appointment.

Some evaluators will also want to test you for other conditions. For example, you might need cognitive testing to look for learning or intellectual disabilities. These may also be causing your difficulties at school or work. You might also be screened for personality or mood disorders that could cause symptoms similar to ADHD. You might need a medical exam to rule out any underlying medical reasons for your symptoms.

Conditions like thyroid disorders and seizure disorders can sometimes cause symptoms very similar to ADHD.

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There are three different categories of ADHD:. Symptoms that often lead to adults being diagnosed with ADHD include:. People with ADHD predominantly inattentive presentation:. ADHD treatment in adults includes:. Your evaluation will include questions about your childhood, questions about your life currently, screening for ADHD symptoms, and tests to rule out other conditions.

Your diagnosis can allow you to receive treatments that can improve your everyday life. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly associated with children, but approximately 4 percent of American adults as many as 9 million people …. ADHD is so much more than zoning out or incessantly tapping your feet. To diagnose ADHD, a qualified clinician will perform a comprehensive evaluation using multiple tests, including diagnostic interviews and standardized….

Common types of psychotherapy for ADHD include:. If you're like many adults with ADHD , you may be unpredictable and forget appointments, miss deadlines, and make impulsive or irrational decisions. These behaviors can strain the patience of the most forgiving co-worker, friend or partner. Therapy that focuses on these issues and ways to better monitor your behavior can be very helpful. So can classes to improve communication and develop conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.

Couples therapy and classes in which family members learn more about ADHD may significantly improve your relationships. But some of these suggestions may help:. There's little research to indicate that alternative medicine treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms. However, studies indicate that mindfulness meditation may help improve mood and attention in adults who have ADHD , as well as those who don't have ADHD.

Before using alternative interventions for ADHD , talk with your doctor about risks and possible benefits. Some resources that may help you are listed below.

Ask your health care team for more advice on resources. You're likely to start by first talking to your primary care provider. Depending on the results of the initial evaluation, he or she may refer you to a specialist, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Your doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs.

Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. No single test can confirm the diagnosis.

Making the diagnosis will likely include:.