FAQs About Diagnosing And Treating Adult ADHD

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Diagnosing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, in adults can sometimes be challenging because the disorder can mimic other diseases. Your doctor might perform a number of evaluations to determine if you do have ADHD. If you believe that you have ADHD, here is what you need to know about the testing and what happens afterwards.

Why Are Medical Tests Performed?

Your family doctor can more than likely give you a preliminary diagnosis of ADHD. However, he or she will conduct tests to determine whether or not a medical issue is causing the symptoms of the disorder. 

There are a number of conditions that mimic ADHD, including hypoglycemia, sleep disorders, allergies, and seizure disorders. If it is discovered that you do suffer from a medical condition, your symptoms can disappear after receiving the proper treatment. If there is no underlying medical condition, a therapist can perform a psych evaluation.

What Does the Psych Evaluation Entail?

The psych evaluation evaluates various aspects of your cognitive functioning, including attention span, working memory, intellect, achievement, and personality development. Personality development is especially important because adults who have ADHD tend to have personality issues that can lead to other physical and emotional issues, such as depression and drug use. 

The therapist will also use the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale to help assess your condition. The evaluation relies on information that you provide. For instance, the therapist will ask questions about the frequency of mistakes you make at work and how often you feel restless. 

What If You Have ADHD?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, medication might be recommended by your therapist. The medications that are used to treat children with ADHD, such as antidepressants and stimulants, are routinely prescribed for adults with the disorder. 

Living with ADHD requires more than taking medication though. You might have to work with an ADHD coach to help you bring order into your life. A coach can help you identify areas in which you need more focus and develop strategies to achieve your goals. 

If you are in a relationship, a therapist can help you and your partner handle the impact the disorder has on your lives. For instance, the therapist can help both of you with communication. Due to the disorder, communicating can sometimes be a struggle. ADHD can sometimes cause problems, such as impulsively speaking, which can make an argument worse. 

The most important thing to do is to get evaluated. The sooner you have a diagnosis, the sooner you can receive help.

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24 May 2016

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