ADHD Diagnosis For Adults
Adults are often unable to get an ADHD diagnosis due to the fact that doctors use different guidelines for clinical diagnosis that they use for teenagers and children. The diagnosis requires at least five symptoms in the categories of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity.
Evaluations by professionals will ask you questions about your childhood, academic and work life, alcohol and drug use, and family history. They might also want to speak with your spouse or friend.
What is ADHD?
If you're constantly losing your keys, have trouble with school or work, or have trouble staying engaged in conversations, getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a huge relief. "You know you're not crazy, and this puts you in better position to manage it," says pediatrician Mary V. Solanto, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and psychology at Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine on Long Island, New York.
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5) contains the guidelines used by professionals to establish an ADHD diagnosis. Adults need to meet a lower threshold of symptoms than children -- 5 out of 9 over the past 6 months -- to be diagnosed with either inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or a combination.
An ADHD assessment usually starts with a face-to-face meeting with your doctor who will discuss your symptoms and their impact on your daily life. Bring any report cards from your childhood to help your doctor understand your history of ADHD. Your doctor might also ask to speak to a spouse, family member, co-worker or a close friend who knows you well. They may inquire about your relationship, how they perceive your behavior and how it affects you. They may also ask how ADHD symptoms are interacted with other conditions, such as depression or an anxiety disorder.
The interview is likely to include questions about your lifestyle, such as how often you don't remember to pay bills or make appointments, and if you have trouble with time management or organization abilities. It is crucial to be truthful in your answers and consider the impact these behaviors have on your daily life. If you're not sure about your symptoms, you should consider asking your healthcare provider to refer you to a different psychologist or doctor to conduct an evaluation. Self-tests and rating systems are accessible on the internet, but they are not as reliable as an interview conducted by a trained professional. Some of these tests can even lead to a false diagnosis, so it's advisable to talk to your doctor first.
Symptoms
Speak to your primary healthcare provider if you suspect you may be suffering from ADHD. They can refer you to an expert in mental health like a psychologist or psychiatrist, to conduct an evaluation. The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Text Revision (DSM-5). It is essential to provide as much information regarding your symptoms as you can to enable your doctor to determine the most accurate diagnosis.
The person conducting the assessment will review your mental, psychological and medical background, including past issues and ask you about how the symptoms affect your life. They will also talk to your children, spouse teachers, friends, coworkers and other people who know you well. Your assessment may include tests for behavior problems or neuropsychological disorders. These tests can provide your provider with additional information regarding your ADHD symptoms and help rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms.
In addition to evaluating your current symptoms, the professional will determine whether you have predominantly inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or combined type ADHD. To receive a diagnosis, you must show that you have at least six of the nine symptoms for either the inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive presentation.
The signs of an inattention type include trouble paying attention, not noticing important details or making erroneous mistakes. The person who is conducting the assessment will also assess how these symptoms impact school, work and social life. The impulsive/hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD include fidgeting, difficulty sitting still or squirming in the chair, excessive talking and interrupting others, frequent blurting out answers before questions are finished and difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
Typically, these symptoms show up in childhood. They can also develop in later life. Some adults recognize their own ADHD symptoms when their children are diagnosed, or due to changes in their lives such as a new job or marriage, or a move to their own home. In some cases, the condition is not diagnosed until an adult has significant issues at work or in their relationships. This can include being fired from a job and having financial problems, or a saga with the law.
Diagnosis
A screening is the first thing to do when you suspect that you may are suffering from ADHD. A qualified mental health professional meets with you and reviews your symptoms, medical history and family history. Interview questions may also be asked about your work and school performance, and how symptoms affect your life at home and with your relationships. You might want to bring along copies of your reports, teacher's comments as well as any other documentation pertinent.
The psychiatric professional will use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help determine the diagnosis. The symptoms of ADHD must be present in at least six months and they must affect functioning or developmental progress in more than one setting like school or at home. In addition, the signs are not better explained by a mental disorder that is not related to ADHD, such as an anxiety or mood disorder.
adhd diagnosis adults with ADHD continue to have problems throughout their adulthood. Symptoms can impact education and work, lead to poor health and financial issues and stress in relationships. Diagnosed and treated, you can enjoy your life.
Certain symptoms of ADHD change with age, for example inattentive symptoms may become more evident as you get older and impulsivity and hyperactivity could diminish as you age. Some other factors can contribute to difficulties like obstructive sleeping apnea is more frequent in adults suffering from ADHD and sleep disorders are known to worsen ADHD symptoms.
Many people who suffer from ADHD have co-occurring disorders like anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and learning disabilities. Sometimes, treating the root disorder can eliminate ADHD symptoms. If you suffer from other issues, it is essential to inform your mental health professional, as this can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of your treatment.
It is essential to talk with your primary care physician, who can refer you to a health professional who is certified in ADHD evaluations for adults. Ask if there is a support groups for adults who have ADHD in your area. They can provide you with resources as well as a list by specialization of professionals. You can also reach out to your insurance company to learn about health care providers who are covered under your plan.
Treatment
Generally, the best approach for diagnosing adult ADHD is to have a thorough assessment by a medical professional. The evaluation should include questions regarding your childhood, your present life, and screening for ADHD symptoms. You may also be asked about any issues that your ADHD symptoms cause at school, work or in your relationships.
There are a myriad of treatment options for adults with ADHD that include medication and counseling. Counseling can include psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, and cognitive therapy for behavior. These therapies teach you how to manage your symptoms, and how to transform negative thought patterns into positive ones. They can also help in the treatment of other mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, that often co-occur with ADHD.
Adults who suffer from ADHD usually involves psychostimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine). These medications affect the way certain chemicals in your brain communicate and regulate your behavior. Your doctor will recommend the right medication for your body and the symptoms and adjusts the dosage and frequency when required. Nonstimulants are also available, that do not affect the same brain pathways like psychostimulants and are effective for adults with ADHD. Nonstimulant medications include atomoxetine, Guanfacine and the guanfacine.
Full Document for treatment for adults with ADHD could include mentoring or coaching to help you learn strategies and coping abilities. For instance, you may learn how to use a planner or keep a journal, or you might be given strategies for improving your time management. You could also alter your living situation in order to accommodate your ADHD symptoms. For instance you could work from your home instead of in an office, utilize smartphone apps to track your tasks and schedule appointments at less busy times. You might also want to inquire about joining a clinical study that is a research-based project that aims to test out new ways to treat diseases and conditions. (NIMH provides information on clinical trials.)
You may be referred to the mental specialist or other health care specialist by your family doctor to assess your ADHD. You could ask a friend or family member for recommendations or contact an local ADHD support group.